“It was a gift.” When helping to declutter and organize my clients’ homes, I hear that phrase very often. Holiday gift giving is a wonderful way to show others you care about them, but many times a well meaning gift eventually turns into clutter. To lower your own stress level during the holidays, and to prevent your gift from turning up in a box in an attic in a few years, consider these tips when gift-giving.
Give Experiences
- Tickets for movies, concerts, plays, sporting events, museums, amusement parks, etc.
- Travel experiences such as family or group hotel resort stays, airline tickets, cruises and other trips for the coming year.
- Offer to take your friend or family member with you on a fun outing such as a picnic, bowling, miniature golfing, zoo trip, or community event.
Give Gift Cards or Certificates
- Gift certificates for classes or lessons for hobbies the recipient is interested in, such as dance lessons, a sewing class, or a painting class.
- Gift cards to places they already love, such as a favorite restaurant, clothing store, toy store, hair salon, or spa.
- Gift cards for digital downloads such as iTunes or Kindle.
Give Consumable Gifts
- Candy, baked goods, popcorn, hot chocolate mix, coffee, wine or other foods.
- Art supplies for children.
- Office supplies for adults.
- A pack of greeting cards or notecards & stamps.
- Cosmetic products & soaps.
Give Gifts the Recipient Needs and Finds Useful
- Throughout the year, look for clues as to what items the recipient needs or will find useful. Did they express interest in an item you own and say, “I wish I had that.”? Now is the time to fulfill that wish!
- Think about what they need, and buy an item to fill that need. If they cook often, maybe a kitchen appliance or accessory is needed. If they travel often, maybe they need travel accessories or luggage.
- Be sure you’re not buying something they already have; make sure it is something they will enjoy and use.
Giving experiences, gift cards, or consumable gifts is a great way to show you care, without adding more stuff to a home. Deep consideration of your gift recipient’s needs and the usefulness of an item will definitely help you to find the best clutter-free gift for the holidays.
I love to give and receive consumables, but even then, I think it’s important to know the recipient’s tastes and any dietary restrictions, and even factors such as whether they like to cook and/or entertain. Otherwise that bottle of fancy sauce could still end up collecting dust on the shelf. Your suggestions of non-food consumables are great!