Some people are naturally sentimental. They keep every love letter, gift, and birthday card they’ve ever received from their significant other. Some even create photo albums and scrapbooks for every family vacation. And when it comes to gifts from friends and family, they have a hard time throwing anything away.
If you’re like this, you’re not alone. Gifts are important to a lot of people for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s the thought that counts. For others, it’s the sentimental value. Whatever the reason, if you’re someone who loves gifts and wants to hold onto them forever, here are some tips on how to preserve your special gifts.
Store them properly
If you want your gifts to last, store them properly. Otherwise, they may become damaged or even ruined. Here are some tips on how to store gifts so that they will be preserved:
- Make sure the gifts are clean and dry before storing them. If they’re dirty, they could attract insects or mold. If they’re damp, they could mildew or rot.
- Store gifts in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics, basements, and other areas where there might be excessive heat, humidity, or light.
- Wrap delicate items in acid-free tissue paper before storing them. This will help protect them from damage caused by storage materials such as cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
- Store items in their original packaging if possible. This will help to preserve them and keep them looking new.
Take care of them
Taking care of your gifts doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to keep them locked away in a glass case. But it does mean that you should handle them with care. Of course, how you care for the gifts will depend on the type of gift it is. For instance, if it’s a piece of art, you’ll want to ensure it’s hung properly and in a location where it won’t be exposed to too much sunlight or other harsh elements. If it’s a piece of jewelry, you’ll want to keep it stored in a safe place where it won’t get tangled or scratched.
Perhaps your boyfriend has gifted you tons of his old t-shirts that don’t seem to fit you right. In that case, you may want to have them quilted instead. A t-shirt quilt as a keepsake is a great way to remember all the good times you’ve had together, even when you’re asleep.
Frame them
If you’ve been gifted with a certificate, diploma, or other important documents, framing it is a great way to preserve it. Not only will the frame protect the paper from damage, but it will also make the gift look nicer on display.
You could take things a step further by having the document professionally matted and framed. This will ensure that the gift looks its best no matter how many years go by.
Seal it
If you’ve been given a letter, card, or other paper document, sealing it in a plastic sleeve is a great way to protect it. You can find these sleeves at most office supply stores. Just make sure to get one that’s acid-free so it won’t damage the paper.
Another option is to have the document laminated. This will make it even more durable and can help prevent damage from water, sunlight, or other elements. In most cases, you can laminate items like letters and cards from the people you love.
Scan it
If you’re unsure how to preserve a physical gift, scanning it is always an option. This way, you’ll have a digital copy that you can keep on your computer or phone. You can print out the scanned copy and frame it if you want.
There are a few different ways you can go about scanning your gift. If you have a scanner at home, you can use that. Otherwise, you can take the item to a local copy center or office supply store and have them scan it for you.
Keep them organized
Keeping your gifts organized can help you stay on top of their care. Create a system that works for you, labeling each gift with the date it was given or storing them in a specific place.
For instance, you could keep all your gifts from your husband in a box labeled “Gifts from my husband.” Or you could keep them organized by year in a photo album or scrapbook. If you have a spare room in your house, you can turn it into a “gift room” where you can store and display all your special gifts.
Final thoughts
Whatever system you choose, just make sure it’s something that you can stick to. Otherwise, your gifts will end up in disarray and may be more susceptible to damage. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to preserve your gifts for many years.
