The first rule of hiding Christmas presents is to never use the same place twice. Even if you don't think they've found your hiding place, change it anyway. They wont tell you if they have found it so its best to be on the safe side.
Make use of your height advantage. Put things up high in your wardrobe, on shelves, in cupboards, in the garage. Make sure there is no easy access to chairs and ladders nearby else you might be sacrificing your main advantage.
You can also take advantage of children's fears. If their afraid of spiders make sure you put the presents in the most spidery place possible. Dark places such as lofts and basements are also ideal. Make sure to tell lots of scary stories about creatures that live in basements, just to widen your lead.
The main places to hide presents are wardrobes, drawers and under beds. You could also keep them at work or in your car, at least until you have time to wrap them. When you put presents in their hiding places always cover them or wrap them. You might find that when the hunt is over most children are reluctant to open the presents if they've already been wrapped. Then again, you might not!
If you catch your children red handed, try some reverse psychology. Tell them the presents aren't for them, their for their cousins. If your convincing they'll believe you and you can store the presents there until Christmas day, without having to worry about them being found. In this scenario it helps if the presents are already wrapped.
If your family is very trust worthy you could always leave the presents wrapped up under the tree. That way you can keep an eye on them, for any movement and tears in the paper. If your really suspicious, you can place a few specs of glitter under the sellotape and if the tape has been disturbed you'll know as the glitter has moved. Hopefully you shouldn't have to stoop this low!
Larger items may need a bit more creative thinking. A bike can be kept in the garage, the shed or at a neighbours house. The larger the space the better as things can be assembled there too. Between the sofa and the wall is also a clever location. Its almost in plain sight and no one will ever think to look there. Just make sure you remember its there on Christmas day.
Swap presents with your neighbours. They look after yours while you look after theirs. That way when the children do find the presents they're not addressed to them. Just make sure the neighbours are far enough away that the children can't communicate and combine efforts!
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Birmingham airport hotels, Sofitel Gatwick and Gatwick Maple Manor.
Tags: family, children, christmas, presents, parenting, hiding