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December 21, 201710 Clutter Free Gift Ideas For The Whole Family
I am a gifts person. I love giving them, receiving them, sharing them. There is something so special about a great gift – we feel loved and known in the thoughtfulness of another. When I became a mom, my perspective on gifts changed a bit. From the moment I announced my pregnancy, I could barely interact with friends and family without walking away with a gift bag in hand. It was so kind and helpful, but little by little, our home started to fill up with stuff. That’s when I started thinking about some clever clutter free gift ideas.
It seems that a portion of the world is catching on to our overcrowded lives. With the growth of minimalism, capsule wardrobes, and tiny homes, we see a trend in returning to the basics. As the Christmas season begins, the gift lists are being formed and amended little by little. If you’re a parent, you know the drill. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are all asking for gift ideas for your kids. Your kids might have already started an extensive wish list, complete with photos and specific purchase locations. It can get pretty overwhelming.
This Christmas, consider joining the minimalism trend and find some creative, clutter free gift ideas for your family members. Non-material gifts cut down on clutter and often have long-lasting benefits. Even without toys, you can still make Christmas a big celebration. If you’re looking for a way to expand your idea of gift-giving, check out these clutter free gift ideas for the whole family.
If you need other ideas to help manage the holiday clutter, here are 4 genius tips to manage Christmas clutter.
10 Clutter Free Gift Ideas For The Whole Family
Gifts for Kids
- Annual Pass – If you live near a zoo, museum, or community center, a yearly pass to enjoy the activities is a great idea. This is a great option for grandparents or family members who may want to all go in on a gift for your kids. This will pay off throughout the year as you spend multiple days with animals or fossils. Plus, most yearly memberships include lots of perks like free events and early access to new exhibits. This gift is well worth the investment!
- Experience Coupons – This gift would probably fit older kids better than younger ones, but it could easily be adapted. Give your kids coupons for specific experiences – seeing a movie at the theatre, going snowboarding, dinner at their favorite restaurant, etc. Give them coupons specific to their interests and hobbies. If your kids are quality time lovers, this is especially good for them!
- Classes – Is there a class your child has been wanting to take? Gymnastics, dance, karate, French? (I know, ambitious, but it could happen.) These are great gifts because classes last a matter of weeks – it’s something to look forward to, but it also gives your kids freedom to choose something else later.
- Subscriptions – Monthly subscription boxes are super popular right now. While some come with trinkets and toys, you can find some great options that bring learning and creativity into your home. Check out a few options here and here. There are options for a wide range of interests and ages, so enjoy tracking down the perfect kit.
- Family Trip – On the more extreme side of gift-giving, you could always opt for no gifts and take your kids on a special trip. If you already had a trip in mind, use the money for gifts to do a big day at an amusement park. Go big with this trip! You could find a creative way to tell them on Christmas, but put the majority of your time and money into a great, family experience.
For Adults
- Gift cards – Sometimes, a gift card can feel impersonal. If you take the time to think of the recipient’s interests and needs, though, this could actually be very special. Know a hard working mom? Get her a gift certificate for a manicure or massage. Do you have college students in your life? Load them up with coffee shop and movie theatre gift cards. Think of who you’re buying for and give them a gift that lets them do something fun.
- Subscriptions – Like the kid options, there are tons of great subscription boxes for adults. You can find a number of those boxes here. If you’re looking to really simplify the amount of stuff you give and receive, you could look at subscriptions to Audible, an audiobook app. Or you could pick one of the many food subscription options and give tasty snacks or meals.
- Event Tickets – Give the gift of music or theatre! Find a local concert or show your friend or family member would love. To make the experience even better, find an event out of town and make a little getaway out of the deal.
- Babysitting Coupons – For the parents in your life, gift them with free babysitting. Let them pick the night and put it on a calendar immediately. Don’t let them forget this coupon!
- Class/Conference – If you’re trying to find a gift for a lifelong learner, consider a conference or class they might want to attend. There are some great online options, including The Great Courses, which offers a huge variety of classes.
I don’t know about you, but I would love receiving any of these clutter free gift ideas. The greatest element of non-material gifts is about much more than simplifying the clutter in your home. It’s about thoughtful, intentional giving. Your kids, family, and friends may take some time adjusting to this new way of giving, but it will be worth it. The experiences and memories that come with these kinds of gifts will extend far beyond Christmas morning. Enjoy hunting down some creative, new gift ideas!
