Clutter free gift ideas for the Holidays
I know I know some of you might just roll your eyes at me, but hear me out. In my line of work as a professional organizer, I throw out lots and lots of crapy Christmas gifts. I have to talk my clients into parting with ugly sweaters and unused waffle irons because it was a gift from someone. Unless that friend has specially asked for a certain gift don’t go trying to guess. Instead, give clutter-free holiday gifts! I promise they will thank you later if not the minute they open it.
Clutter-free holiday gifts
1. Money
well duh, everybody loves money. Not only can you get what you truly want and need there is no need to wonder if this gift will be returned. I know my young son and his wife are always short on cash. What fun would it be to give them money to help with their bills, schooling or maybe something decadent they wouldn’t dream of buying because it’s so expensive. Never be embarrassed to give money, its something every single person in this world will never refuse to have more of. Dress it up all cute so that its fun to get, no need for a card.
2. Organizing Products
I know I had to say this one because it’s my job, but seriously who wouldn’t want to have extra organizing bins or a label maker? You could also attach a note that said you would love to help organize the nursery or fridge for your recipient, that way you know for sure that your item will be used and loved. Organizing supplies range from affordable to quite expensive so this gift would be perfect for any person on your list.
3. Gift Cards
This is not a cop-out There are lots and lots of fun things you can do by giving gift cards. for instance, your teen would love a gas card filled with 100$ heck I’d love that one! What about your parents, couldn’t they use a gift card to a fun new restaurant or maybe their favorite restaurant. They could have a good meal and date all in one. Your husband might find it funny but how about a gift card to his favorite fishing store or home depot. My hubby is at those places weekly and I have no idea what he is ever looking for. You could add on a dinner gift card and promise him a fun date night picking out his Christmas gift with all the great after Christmas sales.
4. Date Nights
speaking of date nights, your married children would love paid dinner cards, along with certificates to escape from Alcatraz, or ax throwing places, paintballing or glass blowing. And if they have kids then it’s a win-win because you will get to babysit the kiddies while they spend some much needed time together.
5. Charitable donations
If you have parents who have everything or you feel like you have lots and lots of family to gift too. why don’t you draft a note to each family and donate to a cause close to your heart in their name? In this world of give, give, give and get, get, get sometimes it good to look outside of yourself and help others at this time of year. We love doing a money jar each year and we drive around the city to find a place to leave it On a doorstep. Having other family members add to your charitable gift might also be a meaningful holiday tradition.
6. Digital gifts
One of my favorite clutter-free holiday gifts is digital things. How fun would it be to have your Netflix or Hulu paid in full for the year? Or to get a Kindle book that has been on your wish list forever. for kids, there is their X-Box subscription for their games. I wouldn’t mind my Amazon Prime being paid for the year, just saying…..
7. Experience gifts
This is my all time favorite clutter-free holiday gift. My word of the year two years ago was extraordinary experiences. I want a year of trying new things, going to unexpected places, and trying new foods. What if you gave your hubby gifts that take time and effort but make the most lasting memories. Maybe a night at a hotel up in the mountains, or if you have a nice friend their cabin. What about going ice skating, or shooting at the range. What about taking a cooking class or a home Diy class at the Home Depot. The point is to learn something new with your favorite people. Maybe you want to not give gifts but go on a trip with your kids, or just take them to a Broadway show they have been longing to see. It doesn’t matter what the thing is that you do as long as one of you is excited to try it and who knows you might love getting certified to scuba dive knowing there might be a trip in your future.
8. food and treats
homemade goodies are just the best at the holidays but think long term. We are swamped with cookies at the holidays, but what about a cookie kit with all the ingredients and a cookie cutter. Or homemade jam and fun sauces with recipes for a yummy way to use them. You could give someone some expensive chocolates, or bread and syrup to make french toast on Christmas day. Pinterest is chock-full of treat ideas to give at the holidays. But please don’t put it on a cheap plastic plate that will clutter up their cupboards. Paper is just fine and can be dressed up with a ribbon and tag. Or go a bit higher end and use a container they can reuse in their kitchen like these cute weck jars!
