With Christmas being only 13 days away, we can be in a frenzy to buy those last minutes gift only to feel overwhelmed, confused and at our wits end. Helping you to be in peace is always my goal, so I decided again to put on my organizing hat.
In my days of working with organizing clients and seeing the number of “treasures” people have … especially children, I’ve seen that we are a society that indulges in stuff, only to add more stuff to our environment … which only brings stress and a lack of peace in our home.
What if you could give a gift that won’t involve adding more clutter to yours or someone elses home? What if you could give a gift that really might touch someone’s heart?
Well, here are some ideas to help you be creative in giving a “non-clutter” gift.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Classes – Are your children gifted or talented in specific areas such as music, dance, art, writing or horseback riding? Give them lessons to their specific area of interest.
Coupons – Give your children coupons for special times with you such as game night, dinner with mom or dad, movie night, you helping them with their chores, etc.
Restaurant Gift Card – Does your child have a favorite restaurant? Treat them with a gift card for either time with you or their best friend.
Subscriptions – Kids love getting things in the mail addressed to them. Subscribe to their favorite magazine or something of interest to them.
Crafting Date – Do your children love to craft? Give them a gift card to their favorite craft store to choose a craft of their choice and a scheduled time with you to craft with them.
Events – Give them Movie tickets or tickets to a play, sporting event or concert.
Memberships – There can be great activities at the YMCA or Children’s Museum, the Zoo or the local Science Museum. Purchase a membership for the year and schedule their fun programs.
Activities – How about an afternoon ice skating or a Friday evening at the Bowling Alley? Or some fun time at the Mini Golf in the spring. It would give them something to look forward to.
GIFT IDEAS FOR THAT SPECIAL WOMAN
Day Trips – New England and specifically CT are full of wonderful day trips. Just go to http://www.ctvisit.com/ and check out all the wonderful events, activities and day trips that are available or check out your specific State.
Send Flowers – Who doesn’t love flowers? If you have the budget, think about sending a bouquet of flowers each month. Having the doorbell ring and opening the door to someone standing there with a box of fresh cut flowers or a vase of beautifully arranged flowers is wonderful.
Gourmet Basket of Food or Fruit – Putting together a specially designed basket on your own or purchasing a pre-made basket of fruit or food is a wonderful gift. Check out your finer grocery stores like Whole Foods for those “exotic” fruits. They will have “design your own baskets” or already “pre-made” ones to go.
Wines – A bottle of fine wine … need to say no more!
Classes – Are there special classes your loved ones have wanted to take but haven’t had the funds. Well pay for a number of classes for them such as cooking, knitting, photography, etc.
Family Photos – Gather family photos and create a memory book or slide show. Don’t feel you can do this yourself, then higher a Personal Photo Organizer.
Create a Legacy – Spend time with your loved one and gather their life stories. Either you create or have created a Legacy Album of what this family member would like to leave behind.
FOR THAT SPECIAL MAN!
Auto Detailed – For that man who you don’t know what to buy … get their car detailed. It’s even a lovely gift for the women in your life.
Dinner and a Movie – Need not say more!
FOR SENIORS!
Be a Chauffeur – Volunteering to drive your loved one around for the day to attend to a Dr. Appointments or running errands is so helpful. They will appreciate not having to drive and will enjoy your company.
Cook Meals – Come and make your loved ones their favorite meal each month. Seniors can be tired of cooking and probably purchase a lot of premade meals. A homemade meal is truly loved, appreciated and healthier.
Help – Give your loved one a break from housework or yard work. This is especially nice for the new mom. Juggling all that needs to be done can be trying. Having someone come and clean the house is a blessing. It makes a nice gift.
Favorite Charity – Does your family member have a favorite charity? Consider making a donation on their behalf as their gift this year. This is especially nice for the individual who has it all.
Well I hope these ideas will help you get those last minutes gifts without adding clutter.
May your Christmas Season be full of love, family, blessings and love!
Your Spiritual Life & Health Coach … believing in you!