Clutter-Free Gift Guide
How not to give clutter
The winter season is a time when many folks are shopping for gifts for others. Whether you celebrate Christmas, another winter holiday, or just need to buy someone a gift at any time of year, this list should help give you some ideas of what you can give without adding to the clutter that seems to be collecting in most of our homes!
Give Experiences
Memberships to the zoo, the aquarium, the Children's Museum, the gym, or theater. Tickets or gift certificates to local fun spots: Play Cle, Urban Air, Skyzone, Main Event, Pinspiration, Artist for a Day, Swings-N-Things, bowling, miniature golf, painting, movies, or a show. Classes such as swim, dance, yoga, cooking, or Annie's Signature Sweets Baking School.
Give Time
What if instead of giving clutter and unwanted gifts this year, you gave the thing no one ever has enough of, time! Quality time is a love language for many and creates a cherished memory with your friend or family member. It can be anything from a homemade meal and going for a walk together, to eating at a restaurant followed by a shared activity. You can also give the gift of free time! Many parents would appreciate babysitting. You could also offer to walk the dog, clean the car, or run an errand. Another option is purchasing professional services that save time such as cleaners, meal delivery, laundry service, or professional organizing, I offer gift certificates for clients throughout Avon, Westlake, Rocky River, and the greater Cleveland area.
Give Consumables
Give consumables! You could bake a specialty item at home, make homemade dry cookie mix in mason jars, or purchase local favorites. This can be especially meaningful for friends and family who may have moved away. What about wine of the month club? Perhaps they would really love a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, for gas or groceries, or streaming music, movies or games. Flowers are an easy homerun!
Give Self-Care
For the last section of my clutter-free gift guide, give Self-Care! This can mean restful and relaxing time alone, with no to-do list and no interruptions. It can also be spa type services such as massage, manicure, or mud bath. If finances allow, a vacation or getaway is the a very thoughtful gift for your loved one. Researching and planning a trip, even if they will pay for the actual trip themselves, can be a major timesaver.
Handling Gifts You Didn’t Ask For
Sometimes, despite your best hints, you'll still end up with gifts that add to the clutter rather than easing it. A few gentle ways to handle it: it's okay to regift something unused and unopened to someone who will actually enjoy it. You can also donate an item right away rather than letting it sit in a closet 'just in case,' the gift was about the gesture, not about you keeping it forever. Sometimes you can try the item out and see if it fits in your life, if it doesn’t after a few weeks or months, give yourself permission to donate it. I like to remember the intention of the gift giver: very likely it was because they love and appreciate you, they are not trying to stress them out. A final idea is (depending on the relationship, you alone are the expert here!) you might offer to return the item to the person. This could work if it’s an especially meaningful or heirloom gift. Perhaps you are not interested in grandmother’s tea set, but a cousin might be very excited to receive it! The same goes for one-of-a-kind art or jewelry pieces. I might say something like, “I know you got this beautiful glass for me when you were in Italy and I agree that it’s gorgeous, however I’m trying to get rid of items right now and make space and I wasn’t sure if you might want it back instead of me donating it or giving it away to someone else.” Many people will surprise you and not care that you are ready to let the item go. You are not giving up your relationship or memories of the person, just the physical item!
If you're comfortable having the conversation, letting close family know your preferences ahead of time, consumables, experiences, or time together, can save everyone some guesswork next year. In fact, I often recommend letting family and friends know if you are on a decluttering journey for this very reason. I personally receive a few small physical gifts each year and appreciate that they are really thinking about me and my preferences.
Clutter-Free and Happy
Remember, the most important thing when giving a gift is NOT how much money you spend or how many items you purchase. Focus on spending time with friends, family and chosen family. Connect through quality conversation, fun games and laughter. Creating meaningful memories will last longer than anything you can buy in a store.
If a decluttered, organized home is on someone's wish list this year, or any time of year, a gift certificate for professional organizing might be the most useful present they never thought to ask for.
