Are you good at giving clutter-free gifts?
Clutter-free gifts are the kinds of gifts that will not leave someone else stuck with unwanted things they don’t love or need. Are you a good gift giver?
Answer these questions to find out:
- Do you buy tons of gifts because you love the way all the wrapped packages look under the Christmas tree?
- Are you a chronic last minute gift buyer who puts little thought into the recipient’s taste or preferences?
- Do you like to stock up on tons of trinkets and baubles throughout the year so that you can over-stuff the stockings?
- Are the gifts you buy for others actually things you would like for yourself?
- Do you pick up gifts for people simply out of obligation or guilt?
Did you answer yes to any of these? These kind of gift giving habits could be adding to someone else’s future clutter and wasting your money because most of us already have so much stuff.
That being said, I do love giving and receiving gifts. I have also been guilty of doing everything on that list at one point or another. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the buying frenzy. However, the Ghost of Christmas past reminds me of when I would buy gifts just because I loved the idea of a “BIG Christmas.”
You can be a great clutter-free gift giver.
Consumable gifts are clutter-free gifts.
Chocolate, flowers, essential oils, candles, wine, snack baskets, bath bombs, and care packages can all be enjoyed with no left over clutter to worry about. The key is to make sure you give a gift the receiver will actually use, so don’t give bath bombs to someone who only has a shower. Think before you impulse shop.
The gift of time is clutter-free.
Alone time, time with loved ones, chore-free time, time to do whatever you want. Giving parents with small children time to themselves, while you babysit, might be the best gift you could give any parent!
Even alone time, at home, can be a big luxury for some people. Offering your time to others who need it or taking time off work to be with the ones you love will have a longer lasting impact than giving something tangible.
Cash might be everyone’s favorite clutter-free gift.
Cash may seem impersonal, but most people love receiving cash. Children love it because it makes them feel grown-up when they get to decide how to spend their own money. Of course, adults love cash for the same reason. There’s no need to worry about size, color or preference. No exchanges required.
Always keep the recipient in mind.
Many times, we pick out items for other people based on our own likes and dislikes. We tend to buy things, for others, that we would enjoy. Being a thoughtful gift giver means paying attention to what someone really values, wants or needs. Don’t buy something for someone else because it’s what you want for yourself. This is probably not going to end up being a clutter-free gift.
Make memories not clutter.
I love the idea of gifting experiences rather than stuff. Most of us already have plenty of stuff.
Being pampered for a day is a great memory.
Give someone a gift certificate for a service you know they will love. Manicures, massages, spa packages and even housekeeping services can make the receiver feel taken care of.
Going on an adventure is a great memory.
Schedule a weekend getaway for someone, send them to the gun range, go hiking and camping with them, explore new places together, arrange for them to test drive a race car. Be a part of creating new, exciting memories.
Spending time with someone is a great memory.
Without realizing it, you may be the best gift of all, so do something fun together: go skiing, cook together, create art, shoot hoops with your kids. It’s not about how well you do something, it’s about doing it together.
Some of the best gifts don’t come wrapped up in ribbons and bows. There are so many ways to show your love and appreciation for others without giving them lots of stuff that will eventually become clutter.
Give yourself the gift that gets rid of clutter and chaos! Get the household binder HERE and take control of your household management.