Keeping Christmas gifts under wraps is no small feat, especially with little ones keen to crack the mystery of Santa. We asked 200 of our MadeForMums community members where they’re stashing gifts this year – and the answers are both clever and hilarious.

Advertisement

From traditional spots like cupboards to wildly inventive ones, here’s where parents are playing festive hide-and-seek.

10. The loft (4%)

A classic, but not without its perils. If you’re hiding gifts in the loft, beware of creaky ladders and the inevitable dust storm. One mum shared, “It’s safe, but I dread the retrieval mission!”

9. Grandparents’ houses (5%)

When in doubt, outsource! Storing gifts at grandparents’ homes – particularly in their spare rooms – is a popular trick. Just make sure Grandma doesn’t mix up her secret stash with yours.

8. The bathroom (6%)

Yes, you read that right. From mysteriously “out of order” toilets to tucked-away shower presents, some parents are getting creative in the loo. A bold move, but effective if the kids rarely venture there.

7. Suitcases (7%)

Packing gifts into unused luggage is another genius tactic. One parent explained, “It’s great because no one ever thinks to open a suitcase unless we’re going on holiday!”

6. The shed (7%)

Sheds aren’t just for tools and garden furniture anymore. Black-bagging gifts and stashing them in this outdoor space has become a go-to solution for many parents. Just remember to protect against any potential damp!

5. Under the bed (8%)

Not the most original spot, but still effective for 8% of our community. The key is to pack presents well and hope no one gets curious while hoovering.

4. Under piles of laundry (10%)

It seems mums have discovered the perfect hiding spot in plain sight – under the never-ending pile of washing and ironing. One mum confessed, “The kids wouldn’t dare dig through it. Neither would my partner!”

3. The car boot (12%)

A surprising favourite! The car boot is particularly handy for larger gifts, and one inventive mum said she uses the space where the spare tyre usually goes. Just don’t forget to lock the car!

2. Wardrobes (17%)

Wardrobes are the second most popular choice, with many parents hiding gifts in the back, on top shelves, or amongst hanging clothes. A classic hiding spot that rarely fails.

1. Cupboards (24%)

The ultimate winner? Cupboards of all shapes and sizes. From under-the-stairs cupboards to kitchen cupboards, airing cupboards, and even the one under the sink, they’re the reigning champions of gift concealment.

Honorable mentions

Our community also shared some truly creative solutions:

  • An empty air fryer box: Ingenious and eco-friendly!
  • A 7-tonne lorry: One mum revealed, “I bought a lorry for our business that’s now sitting idle, so I’ve turned it into my personal Christmas gift warehouse!”
  • Behind the washing basket: As Stacey shared, “No one in my house knows where the washing basket is anyway, so it’s perfect.”

This festive season, whether you’re tucking presents away in the loft or getting inventive with storage boxes, one thing’s for sure – the art of hiding gifts is alive and well.

Read more:

Advertisement

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement