Hey, friends! I think the above question has been the most sent DM in recent months. I can’t believe how much the popularity of this fun idea has skyrocketed! Being tagged in your creative posts is always one of the highlights of my day!

So….what is an Occasions Bin, you ask? Well, it’s a bin that I started putting on my kitchen counter, and filling with all of my fun seasonal items. I am one of those mamas who just HAS to pick up those cute silly straws and the Easter bunny shaped plates and the napkins while in line at HomeGoods.

There used to be a point in time where I would harbor all of these items in a cabinet or closet, waiting for “the right time” to use them. I am a lover of celebrating, and still these items would so often be forgotten about. I’d store them away for the next year, and the same thing would happen.

Then, I thought, why not quit waiting for a reason to celebrate, and use the dang bunny plates for lunchtime—now—-on a Wednesday—for no reason at all. Who knew that Goldfish would be so much more fun served in a tiny snack cup covered in hearts?

Having my things out on display instantly sparks joy and intentionality during the season. We pull from it to add a little magic to everyday moments like snack time and lunchbox packing. It’s my little reminder to find joy in between the big celebrations.

2020 was a HARD year, friends. Freaking hard. So much isolation and cancellations. We celebrated Raegan’s Unicorn 5th Birthday and Zarie’s Sundae Funday birthday celebration at home, with no outside guests. Totally different from our typical birthday bashes. Now, more than ever, I have learned to embrace the “just us” and celebrate the small joys of being home.

I believe that the Occasions Bins popping up on kitchen counters across the country, are a way that mamas are creating big joy, in a small way. We are adding sprinkles to the days in-between—we are making memories out of the everyday!

Below are some frequently asked questions when it comes to Occasions Bins. If there is anything you’re still curious about, please leave a comment for me! I promise to help.

FAQ:

What kind of bin do I need?

I always say to search your home for what you already have. I will always 100% be a proponent of saving by sourcing anything you can from home. Pantry baskets, storage bins, Easter baskets that aren’t in use.

Whatever works. I personally really like wire bins, and ones with open fronts. This allows my girls to be able to reach and grab things when they want to get themselves water or a snack. Raegan has just started using the toaster and she jazzes up buttered toast with a “fancy” plate and napkin every time. It is literally the cutest thing ever.

Below you’ll find my OG Occasions Bin (which was totally a storage basket that I pulled from my pantry), and my newer larger bin. I wanted something that was a bit deeper, as my bins were starting to flow over haha. There are so many really cute options at Target, Amazon, or any craft store.

What bin do you have?

The OG Occasions Bin, seen below, is linked HERE.

My newer Occasions Bin, seen below, is linked HERE.

I’ve also snagged a few bins from HomeGoods and Marshalls that I’ve used. There really are no rules!

What do I put inside my Occasions Bin?

There are zero rules here. Seriously. Paper plates, napkins, snack cups, sprinkles….etc. Put whatever fun festive items that bring you joy. Here are a few staples that you’ll usually find in my bin:

• Plates
• Napkins
• Straws
• Sprinkles
• Coffee Stirrers
• Cookie Cutters (perfect for jazzing up sandwiches and fruit slices)
• Cups
• Festive picks (think cupcake toppers)

Where do you get your festive items?

I store holiday/seasonal items in bins in our garage. My first step, when setting up a new bin is to go see what I already have–because I save EVERYTHING! Then I’ll add in some new things as I see fit.

I tend to curate items from a ton of different places. Big box stores like Target and Walmart…HomeGoods is always a favorite (when I can get there alone), and small shops like Ellie and Piper. If you follow along with me on Instagram, I try to share my shopping hauls, so that you all can snag items before they sell out. Also, when you all tag me in your bins (use #occasionsbin) I try to share, so that everyone can get new inspo.

How soon before a holiday do you get your new items?

Honestly, as early as possible. I have always tried to lookout for new seasonal items early, so that I can share in this space. I’ve kinda made it my job, but it also seems like more and more online options have been flying off the shelves. If you wait too long you won’t find many options. Shop early if you can. For example: I’ve already started ordering a few things for St. Patricks Day, and it is the last week of January.

Do you refill your bin?

Not usually. I always stock it pretty full, and if we run out then we just do haha. I do try to make sure we don’t use the bin for every single meal of the day. Usually just for snacks or 1 fun lunch or breakfast. Remember—there are NO rules. Make this your own. If you want to restock in-between new bins, go for it!

What holidays do you curate bins for?

• New Years
• Valentine’s Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Easter
• Spring
• Cinco de Mayo
• July 4th
• Back to School
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Make them your own, and use them to celebrate how you see fit. I did my very first birthday themed bin for Xander’s One Wild Adventure birthday, which ended up being featured in the Winter 2022 issue of Mingle Magazine.

My most recent Occasions Bin is a Spooky Disney Themed bin. We are headed to Disneyland for the first time, and I thought it would be a fun way to get excited leading up to the trip. This is also my very first fully reusable bin. Everything in it can be washed, stored and used over again. You can truly make this tradition your own, time and time again.

If you’re in need of inspo, head to my Instagram and check out the tagged photos. There are SO many good ones! You can also search the #occasionsbin hashtag! Do not be intimidated by this. Make it as simple or as extravagant as you would like! Have fun.

Happy memory making, friends!

xoxo
Shakira