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December 2009
Giving Clutter Free Gifts
Giving gifts is a great way we show people we care about them.
We put a lot of effort into these gifts, but it is still often a
challenge to find gifts that will not end up as clutter by New
Year’s.
Here are a few gift ideas that will allow the recipient to
appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity without adding to
a pile of stuff:
Gift
Certificates - These can be very meaningful if you thoughtfully
design them to be specific to the
recipient.
Draw on personal information to provide things like a dinner at
their favorite restaurant, a massage to help them relax after a
stressful time, or a manicure before an interview.
Involvement
in an Experience – Everyone has dream activities or hobbies.
Think about an experience
your
recipient would enjoy, and give them the tickets or admission
for this experience. Some examples are tuition for a series of
cooking classes, game tickets for their favorite team, admission
for time on a race track with a special car, or concert tickets
for their favorite artist. They will enjoy the experience and
recall your kindness, but they won’t be left with items that
needlessly fill up space.
Financial/Charitable
Donation - You can help support a cause that your recipient is
involved in or
appreciates.
When a gift is given in their name, most charities will gladly
send a card or note acknowledging them and the gift. The best
part of this gift is that not only does the person you are
giving to benefit from your thoughtfulness but so does the
charity and the cause it addresses.
Talent
- Although this is listed last, it certainly isn’t least. You,
yourself have much to offer. Perhaps you
are a wonderful gardener and can help them with a few hours of
spring flower planting, or you love to cook and can offer to
prepare and freeze several meals for them. Maybe you are
knowledgeable about computers and can offer to help them update
their system. No matter what kind of skills you may possess, it
is possible to give these as a gift to show you care.
Before you go shopping this year, ask yourself, “Do they really
need this item or will it just become clutter in their life?”
Consider doing something different and giving a more meaningful
G.I.F.T.
©December 2009 by Beth Giles |
