Since starting my organizing business, I’ve become painfully aware of the burden and overload that occurs from clutter! At the close of many client sessions, I am often in the position of donating UN-USED items to charities and drop-off centers. This always includes an abundance of items that my client’s have received as gifts they NEVER USED! This holiday, to avoid the clutter crush – consider giving different kinds of gifts:
1. Give Experiences – My kids are getting to the age that experiences are more meaningful and lasting than more toys. Last year, we took them to Great Wolf Lodge for an overnight stay and had a wonderful time in the water park and with the indoor games & spa! They’ve also received a day trip to the city from their grandparents complete with a tour bus ride and a show. Consider tickets to an event, lessons for something special, or admission to a museum, zoo, or garden.
2. Give Your Time – One of my favorite ‘gifts for mommy’ are homemade coupons I receive for personal services around the house. Consider coupons for: cleaning, massages, babysitting, dates, breakfast in bed, or help with household projects.
3. Give Consumables – One of my favorite presents ever was a gift basket that contained all home-made items from my sister in law: jams, canned goods, chocolates, mixes, and “Gifts in a Jar”: cookies, breads, soups. Consider items that your recipient loves: wine, cocoas or coffees, teas, arts and crafts or even foods such as steaks or seafood gift certificates!
4. Give donations in honor of the recipient – Think of contributing to a charity, shelter, church, or missionary that may be doing a coat or blanket drive during the cold winter months.
5. Give gift cards or gift certificates – This year the government extended the grace period in which certificates can be used to 5 years. This will avoid wasted money if recipients don’t have time to use certificates within short time periods. Consider your friend or family member’s unique interests and wrap their gift card in a unique way – perhaps in a big box. They’ll get the thrill of opening a present, and get something they love! Consider movie tickets, car washes. service cards, iTunes, Amazon, restaurants, or personal services.
6. Ask – Would you rather receive something you would use and love or receive a “surprise” that you don’t need or want? Sometimes the best thing to do is to simply ask. Personalize gifts with an accessory, or a unique wrapping method. Try to avoid clutter and give an experiential or consumable gift this year!
So true. I also think we should take this “gift-giving thing because it’s the season” down a notch. Instead, give when the right gift occurs to you at the right time. It makes the gifts much more meaningful than the gift frenzy that occurs during the holidays.
I have been giving checks to my close friends kids since birth and they LOVE it! Once they realized that it’s all going into a savings account for them and one day they can buy a bike or something they’d really want to save up for and their “Aunt” Laurie had helped them do it. It’s such a great feeling when I get to see them and they tell me how awesome it is that they were able to have something important to them rather than just a few toys as they grew up that they would have definitely grown out of and most likely donated already. Great post!
Laurie! thanks so much – my parents have give their grand kids each a bond each year for Christmas. Over the years, the value has grown. It is a wonderful custom and a way to show the grandkids the value of SAVING and Socking it away for a rainy day!
I agree – a gift of something you’ve made is always the right size, aways appriciated, and usually easier on the wallet. It’s a great idea to keep this in mind for all gift giving occasons – not just around the holidays.
Thanks so much Evelyn! And GREAT thing to remember about gifts all year through! I appreciate your thoughts!