How to Enjoy Holiday Clutter-Free Gifting

Member

By Vikki Albers
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(34 Ratings)

Enjoy Holiday Clutter-Free Gifting

Clutter-free gifting for the holidays? It’s not a Scrooge, Bah-Humbug sort of thing really. It’s not about not giving, or scarcely giving. It is about giving in a more considered fashion. Clutter-free gifting is about changing the way we think about what we give. Rather than item shopping for family, friends, and neighbors who may have all they need and want, we’re going to explore giving holiday presents that won’t require eventual trunk-loads to charity or dust cloths… not even batteries.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A desire to spend more time than money

Step 1

Also, for clarity, before we jump in: clutter-free is not intended for 100% of your giving. We all remember and wish to create for those we love an extraordinary holiday experience so special and perfect in plan and presentation that the joy of it lives on for years and years. Clutter-free is not intended to replace the boat, bling, or bicycle… necessarily.
Step 2

In support of our communities, give a charitable donation to a cause your recipient is especially fond of or involved in. Give tickets to local events – check venues for performances scheduled during 2009. Tickets to neighborhood sporting events. Lend financial support to your local Public Broadcasting Service or National Public Radio (and we all benefit).
Step 3

There are many ‘healthy’ clutter-free options to consider. Commit to walk with a neighbor twice each week – or more. Enroll a friend in the fitness program they’ve been talking about. Gift health-supporting experiences: Jin Shin Jyutsu, Reiki, acupuncture, nutritional testing, warm-stone massage, and Xango Juice. We all glow after a facial. How long has it been since their bicycle was serviced?
Step 4

Clutter-free holiday giving to children translates to time. Create a calendar with children highlighting their days of special celebration. Pledge to read out loud to young ones, letting their imaginations soar – or write down a story they make up. Schedule regular walks to relax and talk; or playground time. Bake cookies – give some away. Make it a 2009 plan to locate every ice cream vendor in town and perform taste tests – use a map. Sign up for swimming, skating, biking, bowling, tennis…
Step 5

Amusing entertainment. A weekend at a romantic B&B in the Wine Country… where would they like to go and what would they like to do? Concert tickets or perhaps a night at the opera. White-water rafting. A hot-air balloon ride. Movie passes are pleasing stocking stuffers.
Step 6

Students appreciate this practical approach to the holidays – it lets them keep more of their own money. Have their car serviced (their safety, your peace of mind). Car washes with detailing. A gas gift card. Pay their winter utility bills. A grocery gift card or one for their favorite restaurant. Would their hardware and software benefit from a tune-up (along with their assignments)?
Step 7

My favorite home-and-garden holiday gift is a blank ‘Honey Do’ list with a handyman gift certificate. Give help cleaning (OK – I really mean ‘clearing’) an attic, garage or storage unit. Have they already started clutter-clearing and now there’s a large lump in the yard? Offer a land-fill run. If the garden needs sprucing, planting – a gift certificate for that would spell ‘relief’.
Step 8

We are limitless to the variety of gifts we can offer. An astrological reading would be enlightening. Help with veterinary expenses or pet grooming would get that tail wagging. Cover the cost of a class. Chocolate! Not everyone sews – give mending and replace long-lost buttons. Help arrange a sacred space or altar; inspire a treasure map. Clean someone’s mirrors, picture frames, and light fixtures (excellent Feng Shui).
Step 9

It is my hope that you will find many of these holiday gifting suggestions appropriate for family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Let’s give each other a gift of our time while demonstrating intentions of gratitude and generosity.

Wishing you all a very Joyous, Happy Holiday Season!

In gratitude and with an intention to serve.