I know, I know… I’ve written at least one post on clutter-free gifts every single year since I started my blog. Most years, I’ve written several posts on the topic; and now, I even have a link to all my clutter-free gifts posts in my sidebar.
I’m sorry — I just can’t help it!
I’ve seen time and time and time again how the holiday season turns into a huge, messy, stressful time of year — often partially because of gifts. How much to spend, who to buy for, what to buy, where to store everything we got, how to keep so-and-so from buying our kids a bazillions gifts we don’t need, etc. etc.
AHHHHHHHHH!
Have we all forgotten that gifts are NOT the main purpose of Christmas anyway?
Don’t get me wrong, I love giving and receiving gifts as much as anyone — in fact “Gifts” is tied with “Acts of Service” for my top love language. I enjoy the entire gift-giving process — everything from coming up with the “perfect” gift for each person, thinking up creative clutter-free gift ideas, finding a great bargain, and wrapping it up really nice.
However I think it’s definitely possible to have “too much of a good thing” when it comes to gifts — and giving clutter-free gifts seems to alleviate much of the stress and consumerism that seems to be forever associated with the holiday season.
If you’re getting ready to do a little (or a lot) of holiday shopping, may I suggest pausing a moment before heading out to the nearest mega-mall, and instead, thinking of clutter-free gifts you could swap out for a couple of your traditional gifts.
And yes, I said “A COUPLE” of your traditional gifts.
I do not expect you to swap out all your holiday gifts for clutter-free options. Nor do I think there is anything wrong with giving a more traditional gift like clothing, electronics, toys, books, etc. Those are all great gifts that most recipients would enjoy.
The main reason I push for clutter-free gifts each holiday season is because I know from personal experience that they are almost always appreciated as much (or more) than any other gift — especially if you put some thought into the gift and present it in a fun or clever way (I shared many ideas in the links below).
Also, as a parent of two small children living in a fairly-organized home, I greatly appreciate any effort given towards clutter-free gifts as that gift is one less thing I need to store, one less thing I need to put away 10 times a day, one less thing we have for them to fight over, and one less thing to have a tantrum over if it gets lost or broken.
If you’re struggling with the issue of clutter-free gifts, let me assure you they are not as difficult or as scary as you might think. In fact, I’ve written almost 10,000 words about clutter-free gifts on my blog (I know, who knew I had so much to say about it!) and I’m linking to several of my favorite posts below.
You can do this… and your family and friends will appreciate you for it!
Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Clutter-free experience gift ideas.
Clutter-free acts of service gift ideas.
More acts of service gift ideas.
Creative and clutter-free ways to give cash.
Creative and clutter-free ways to give gift cards.
More clutter-free food gift ideas.
Tips for giving clutter-free food gifts (yes, food is my favorite clutter-free gift!)
Clutter-free gift ideas for children.
More clutter-free gift ideas for kids.
Ideas for charitable donations (for the person on your list who literally has everything)
Clutter-free wedding and bridal shower gift ideas (just in case you have any over the holiday season)
If you still feel like you just can’t make the switch to a clutter-free gift, maybe instead try purchasing one larger gift (or going in with a group to buy one larger gift) versus giving several smaller gifts.
I know this was especially nice for my wedding and baby shower gifts as the big-ticket items are usually what we need/want the most but are least-likely to get.
Kathy says
What a great post! I have just started to get together our ideas for the holidays. On our list we have asked for less “things” for our boys – gift cards for the “play” cafes, COSI (a science Museum), movie gift cards, and kiwi crate. I do think it is fun for the kiddos to open some toys and gifts during Christmas but hoping to get less “stuff” this year and focus on fun activities that will last us through the winter. 🙂
I plan on giving my wonderful body scrub and a bag full of homemade cleaner recipes, eco friendly microfiber cloths and bottles to make them in. I am going to be putting them in a personalized canvas bag as a cute gift.
I have also been very obsessed with our local B/S/T mom groups on facebook so I am starting to unload old toys and clothes now, to make room for the items we will be getting here soon. Plus I am making some money as well – Win/Win!
Andrea says
Sounds like great homemade gift ideas Kathy!
LindaDiane says
These are great, my favorite posts, thank you!
Andrea says
Thanks Linda!!
Leanne says
we live near the Indianapolis Children’s Museum…. so, a gift like that is always appreciated…
we love all restaurant gift cards!
we also love the gift of music… we still listen to CD’s in the car…and we listen over and over, so its the gift that keeps on giving and doesn’t take up much space….
this year I asked one set of grandparents to give a smallish gift and a Walmart giftcard…they are always wanting money to spend on small things– nerfgun bullets, airsoft bullets, hunting accessories (can you tell I have boys?!)…. this keeps us from being “nickled and dimed and 5 dollar billed to death!…
its also nice when someone gives the gift of paying for different sports registrations or music lessons…
and every year, my husband makes a TON of peanut butter and chocolate fudge… people love to get it!!!
Andrea says
Yum… peanut butter and chocolate fudge!! Wish we were on your gift list LOL 🙂
Jen says
I love these posts! We only have 1 child and our house is already full of second-hand toys that take up to much space!
This year we have asked for a subscription to Bluum Box for our 1 year old daughter. We tried a free trial month and she loved the items that came. I figure it is a great way to get trial sized items we can try and get fresh things for her each month. Now I know it isn’t exactly clutter free as they do get a toy in each box but they tend to be small and the samples are great for traveling. Her birthday is the week before Christmas so we have also requested zoo and children’s museum memberships for her.
Andrea says
I love the Bluum Box idea — I’ve never thought of that as a gift to ask for. I might need to add that to my list this year!
Deni says
You always seem to know what area I need inspiration in, Andrea 🙂 Today I’m going to go through your archives and get organized for the Holidays! I’m going to make a written plan and do a little each day, so I can enjoy the reason for the season.
Andrea says
yay — glad this post was helpful for you today! Good luck with your super organized holiday plans 🙂