Clutter-Free Gifts for Everyone
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You’re on your clutter-free journey and can appreciate how good it feels to get the excess stuff out of your home. So, why buy gifts that will add to someone else’s clutter?
According to recent Gallup results, each US household will spend about $ 837 on gifts this Christmas.
Now that’s a good chunk of change to spend on gifts that could end up not being used or contributing to clutter in someone else’s home.
Giving clutter-free gifts is a great way to go.
What makes a gift clutter-free?
A gift is considered to be clutter-free if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- It can be consumed
- It’s practical and meets a need
- It’s digital
- It will be treasured and appreciated by the recipient
So, here’s a list of 30 clutter-free gifts for everyone on your list.
Let’s go!
1. DIY relaxation basket
You don’t have to be skilled in crafts to make this! A basket from your local dollar store, some see-through wrap, ribbon, an elastic band, and tissue paper to line the basket, are what you’ll need. Oh yes, and a pair of scissors.
Now what you put in the basket depends on whatever is relaxing for the person on your list. Whether it’s a combination of mini lotions, bath salts, fragrant soaps – the bottom line is to personalize it.
Neatly arrange the items in the basket, cover the basket with wrap and secure with an elastic band. Then, tie the ribbon around the elastic band. Use the scissors on the ribbon to make the ribbon curly and fancy and tie it in a nice bow. Voila – you have a relaxation basket that is not mass-produced!
2. Gourmet coffee or tea
You can’t go wrong with gourmet coffee for the coffee lover. Or a blend of assorted teas for the one who prefers this hot beverage. No question that this is a consumable gift.
3. Coffee gift card
While on the theme of coffee, how about a gift card? There are so many options. Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Dunkin’ Donuts, and the list goes on. Great for the person who’s often in traffic and could use a quick caffeine boost at their favorite coffee drive-thru before getting to their destination or while on the way home.
4. Homemade baked goods
Homemade baked goodies are a treat. One year I baked several loaves of cornbread for friends. And they appreciated it. Package it nicely and if you’re so inclined, include a miniature copy of the recipe as a bonus.
5. Grocery store gift card
Think about how nice it would be to do some grocery shopping and not have to pay out of pocket – even for one trip. This is another one of the clutter-free gifts that will be put to good use.
6. Chocolate
There must be at least one chocolate lover on your list. So, you can’t go wrong with this gift. If you’re buying individually wrapped chocolate delicacies, consider packaging them in a mug with the see-through wrap and ribbon, similar to the DIY gift basket.
7. Online cooking class
Give the gift of learning. A cooking class would be great for someone new to the kitchen or even someone skilled and looking to expand their repertoire. Check out this list of online cooking classes for a variety of options.
8. Recordable books
I love this one! You can record a book in your voice for that all-important bedtime story. So, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, auntie – if there are young children in your life, this is a treasured gift. Take a look at Hallmark’s Recordables.
9. Subscription to an online magazine
Nowadays, digital subscriptions are available for the majority of magazines. And at a lower cost than print. The person on your list can enjoy their favorite magazine and not have magazine clutter.
10. Re-usable notebook
For professionals and artists alike, this is a great gift. In addition to the obvious benefit of saving paper, whatever’s written down or drawn, can be scanned or uploaded.
11. Handmade scarf
If you can knit, this is another one of the clutter-free gifts that will be appreciated. Even if you’re a beginner knitter, this is an easy project to develop your knitting skills.
12. Professional photoshoot
I did this about 20 years ago with my mom and my sister, for Valentine’s Day. We all wore red and the folks at the photo studio did our makeup – it was a lot of fun. Consider throwing in a frame with this gift.
13. Gas card
This gift will be appreciated – especially with gas prices these days.
14. Kindle gift card
Here’s a way for the book lover to add to their book collection without adding clutter to the home.
See Amazon.com or Amazon.ca
15. Diapers and baby wipes
These run out so quickly – no doubt they will be used.
16. Bowling night
This gift provides the opportunity to bond with family or friends and get a bit of exercise in the process.
17. Escape room
Teenagers will love this gift. My daughter and her friends went a few weeks ago and had a great time.
18. Flowers
You can’t go wrong with this expression of love and care.
19. House plants
Having a bit of nature indoors can be quite soothing. House plants can improve health and well-being. And there are plenty of low-maintenance plants for the folks that don’t have green thumbs.
20. Movie tickets
The gift of a night out to enjoy a movie will be appreciated. Especially if the couple hasn’t been carving out date nights. Who knows? This might be the start of regular date nights! Remember to include the popcorn 😊.
21. Babysitting
Speaking of date nights, providing childcare while the couple is out enjoying the movies, would be a bonus.
22. Help-a-senior
Whether it’s grocery shopping, snow removal, cleaning, etc., the gift of service would be a blessing to someone.
23. Manicure/pedicure
This is an ideal gift for the person on your list that could do with some pampering.
24. Engraved pen
Another great gift that fits all budgets.
25. DIY recipe book or video montage of family favorites
Here’s a way to capture and pass down favorite family recipes. If writing is not your thing, consider making a video montage of the family favorites.
26. Audible subscription
For the person who enjoys books and says they have no time to read, consider an Audible ( US, Canada ) subscription.
27. Apps
These days, there’s an app for almost everything, whether it’s meal planning, grill recipes, golf course information, the list goes on. The only space this will take up is on the phone.
28. Laser tag
Another super gift for the folks on your list with boundless levels of energy.
29. Digital photo album
Preserve memories and gift someone with a digital photo album.
30. Sporting event tickets
The sports fan on your list will love this!
Recap
Ok, so most of these clutter-free gifts are simple and not extravagant. I get it. But, this is not about keeping up with the Joneses.
These are gifts that won’t add to someone else’s clutter, they won’t be shoved into a corner collecting dust and they won’t break your budget!
