Hide the Gifts this Holiday Season

Some kids are good about surprises. You can wrap up their presents, put them under a tree, and tell them to patiently wait for Christmas morning–and they will do it. But not every kid is a well-behaved angel who does whatever they’re told, and waiting until Christmas Day to open presents is not nearly as fun as finding out what presents they’ve received this year. Chances are, if you’re reading this, your kids fall into this category. For those parents whose kids see gift hiding as a challenge, it can be tricky for parents to spring a surprise gift. Here are some ideas for hiding the presents that you are sure to find invaluable. You can hide your children’s presents:

In your children’s rooms.

This doesn’t seem like the wisest choice, but if your kids are used to hunting down holiday gifts, hiding them in plain view of their bedroom will throw them off guard. For example, use the back parts of their closets to hide gifts. If the items are small, distribute them in the pockets of clothes in their closet or inside of their shoes.

With the cleaning supplies.

What are the chances they will even think to look there anyway? Hiding presents with the cleaning supplies is brilliant. If your kids are like most, the last thing they want to do on their winter break from school is to clean. Make sure the cleaning supplies are completely separated so there are no leaks and no damage.

At the bottom of the laundry pile.

This is another safe spot that you can be sure the kids won’t get into. Stuff the gifts into the bottom of the laundry hamper. Make sure they are wrapped in cloth or material to prevent the gifts from getting dirty. This is an ideal hiding spot for a short while, so make sure the gifts aren’t hidden for more than a day or two.

With the bait-and-switch method.

Chances are, you’ve probably splurged during Black Friday for the amazing deals you can get for everyday items, such as small kitchen appliances. If you’re the type to use these items right away, make sure to save the box. Hiding a gift in a seemingly normal box that’s supposed to be for some boring kitchen item will deter even the most curious.

By using decoys.

You can also use old boxes from other items as decoys. From old shoe boxes to gift bags, making an item resemble a gift is equally smart and diabolical–so it’s perfect. Simply find an empty box, fill it with heavy material, and wrap it as you would an actual present. Now, if the kids decide to snoop, they will only find a box of rocks.

In your car.

Prevent the prodding by placing presents in the trunk of your vehicle. Take things a step further and, if possible, hide them in the compartment for your spare tire. Make sure this is your main vehicle, so the children don’t have as much access to it while on winter break. You can also take the presents to work with you.

By swapping with another family.

Swap presents with friends or neighbors in your neighborhood for a truly sinister hiding place. Now, if your children are too eager to refrain from taking a peek, they will be looking at presents not meant for them in the first place. You can then hide them in less sneaky ways–but the kids still won’t have a clue. Take it a step further and hide them in one of the spots mentioned in this post to throw them off.

By renting a self-storage unit.

Simplify the subterfuge by making hiding the gifts this year a one-and-done event. If you’re not someone who often utilizes self-storage, then this is even more perfect. Storage units can be rented by the month, so you don’t have to constantly pay the bill for a seasonal hiding spot. Some units come with climate-control options, so even the most fragile and sensitive of items have a home away from your own. Whether you choose one of these hiding spots or several, you are sure to out-maneuver the kids this year. When hiding gifts from clever children, it’s best to always be one step ahead.