‘Tis the Season… for Clutter-free Gifts!
What do you get the person who has everything? Or who doesn’t like to own too much “stuff”? Or whose preferences you don’t know well, like a teacher or client?
Before you buy that pretty holiday candle or apple-for-the-teacher ornament, consider some alternatives that are less likely to be be regifted or tossed in the back of a cluttered closet.
Here are some ideas to get you thinking…
Experiences
Who wouldn’t love a gift certificate for a favorite activity? Even better if that activity includes you! Our time is precious, and nothing says “love” like sharing it. Take a niece or nephew to a movie, show or concert, out to lunch or for ice cream, to the zoo or a ballgame, or on a tour of holiday light displays in your area. Take an older friend or relative shopping, to get a manicure, out to dinner, or to see a show. Take your sweetie on a hot-air balloon ride (don’t forget the champagne toast!), mini-golfing or ziplining.
Consumables
When you know the recipients’ tastes, you can give a specialty food or drink item that they might not splurge on for themselves, like a high-end bottle of wine or spirits, an assortment of craft beers, some high-quality chocolates, nuts or cheeses, or a gift certificate to a restaurant or pub that you know they will enjoy. You can give homemade bread, cookies, fudge or other edible treats, for a gift that wows without costing a lot of money.
Gift cards/Certificates
It may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but if you target the recipient’s interests, gift cards are a great no-clutter gift. Think gift certificate to a hobby store for a model train enthusiast, kitchen supply store for someone who loves to cook, craft supply store for a crafter, local coffee shop for a teacher or client, or a gas or restaurant card for a college student.
Practical Gifts
Sure, there are old jokes about the perils of giving your significant other an iron or vacuum cleaner as a gift, but for a practical friend or relative who isn’t a romantic partner, a useful item that you know they don’t already have is likely to be a hit. Maybe a book on a topic you know they’re interested in, or rechargeable batteries and a recharging kit for parents of children with lots of toys, or diapers for new parents, or an assortment of small tools for a new homeowner.
More Ideas
Check out the infographic below for some more clutter-free gift ideas from Getting Organized Magazine.
For some cool and different ideas, take a look at http://zenhabits.net/gifts/.
And for the philanthropic-minded, visit http://www.fastcompany.com/3039214/forget-the-gift-cards-try-12-days-of-microphilanthropy-instead.
With a little imagination, you can brighten someone’s Holiday without breaking the bank or adding to the burden of unwanted “stuff”. The possibilities are endless!
☆ Do you have a great clutter-free gift idea? Share it in the comments – we’d love to hear it! ☆
