Gift Giving Without Clutter
It’s December first. Are you preoccupied with finding the perfect gift for the special someone in your life? Do you have a budget in mind? Do you have an idea of what to get for each person on your list? Given the global focus on the environment and the widespread movement to organize your home and reduce or minimize clutter, here are some holiday (or birthday) gift ideas that won’t break the bank, won’t contribute to the recipient’s “stuff,” and will hopefully make someone very happy.
Of course, the best presents are those that will delight and surprise, and are found by listening carefully to your entourage!
How about a membership to a museum, or tickets to a show? This can be a gift certificate to the movies, tickets to a performance venue such as the Segal Centre, Centaur Theatre, or Place des Arts (which cost money) or at a Maison de la Culture (which is free).
Why not cook something, like fudge (quick and super easy to whip up) for your friend with a sweet tooth, or my fantastic granola for those who like to eat healthy, or even a few containers of soup for your friend who doesn’t cook and loves soup. Some people would appreciate a coupon for babysitting or a massage, a cooking class (with you or someone else), a spa treatment, a mani-pedi, a dance class (with you or somene else), an art class, or any other type of coupon. Feel free to offer to help with the gardening, to offer your chauffeur services, to make someone’s lunch for a week, or to teach a friend to knit, crochet, embroider, or any other handicraft.
A heartfelt card where you write your feelings about the person and your relationship in prose or as a poem can be a very special gift. If you’re musical, write a song and dedicate it to the friend or family member. Wow!
A donation made in someone’s honour is a meaningful present that will do good by its very nature. Consider a subscription to a magazine or newspaper (in addition, both can be passed on and shared before they are recycled). If you know how, knit a scarf, hat or sweater. The recipient will likely be thrilled! My friend, Vicky, knit a pair of socks for me one year and I treasure them.
You can always buy second hand gifts at estate sales, thrift shops, or on Kijiji, if you think the recipient wouldn’t mind. And failing all that, you could buy a new, item, ideally something which is local and biological, which will get used up, like tea or fancy soap.
If you are getting ready for the holidays and would like some help decluttering and organizing your home, feel free to give me a call. I’ll be happy to help! Contact me at 514-882-3610, or by email at sheindl@positivespacesmtl.com. Happy Holidays to all. May you be safe, happy, healthy, joyful, and appreciative.