I’m the kooky lady who hides gifts — in pockets, slippers, even in the fridge

I hide gifts.

I’m the kooky lady who has hidden earrings in my mom’s jacket pocket, a photo mug in my bubby’s sweater drawer, a mini chocolate bar in my daughter’s loose-leaf cover pocket, and my pièce de résistance, a bottle of Japanese cherry blossom hand lotion in my sister’s produce drawer.

Wait. Just remembered the time I hid a fridge magnet in the toe of my friend’s slipper. Maybe that was my pièce de résistance.

Nah, the lotion in the drawer, hidden by the leafy celery stalks. That was cuter.

Truth is, it doesn’t really matter what was the best hiding place I ever found for a surprise gift. What matters is that I gain much satisfaction from choosing the “perfect for you” trinket for those whom I love. Hiding it, instead of giving it to the recipient, just ups the fun factor.

In my humble opinion, handing a friend a gift and simply saying, “Got this for you, enjoy!” is bor-ring. Hiding it in her glasses case and then watching her shock as it tumbles out onto her lap — that’s way more thrilling.

I’ve been hiding small gifts and notes in my parents’ home for many years now. I don’t visit often enough and when I do, I know they feel bad about me leaving so soon. Rather than leave them bawling for their dear sweet middle daughter, I leave little Post-its around in funny places like in the caddy of Keurig pods or hidden in the third tissue from the top of the box. I especially like to find my mom’s little spiral notepad and flip a few pages forward and leave a “Peshie loves you!” message for her to see in a day or two.

Don’t get me wrong. I do like getting gifts too. No need to put that box of hot chocolate bombs back on the shelf; I’ll accept them gratefully. I just like to give more than I like to get. And I like to give via unconventional methods.