Lesson 17.
Ideas for giving gifts that aren't things.
Gift exchange is one of the main sources of clutter coming into your home,
Especially during Christmas and birthday parties.
In this lesson I will share ideas for giving gifts that aren't things,
And conversations to have with your loved ones around healthy gift exchange.
Are you tired of giving and receiving stuff you don't need?
Try these suggestions for giving gifts that aren't things.
Chances are you will feel better and feel lighter by giving gifts that have nothing to do with stuff.
I have seen many times how hard my clients work to declutter their homes,
And then Christmas comes and they end up flooded with new toys,
Gifts,
And stuff they don't know what to do with,
And don't have the space to store.
It's very important to have conversations with family members and friends,
Share how hard you are working to have a clutter-free minimalist life,
And how much you would appreciate if they could help you maintain it that way.
I truly believe that the greatest gift that you can give anyone is your time and your full attention.
But it can be challenging to try a new tradition or ask someone else to stop giving material gifts.
Don't worry,
There are a lot of different options available to try giving something different.
Once they experience them,
Most likely they will join the new trend.
Great ideas for giving experiences.
Tickets.
One-off events like concerts,
Sports events,
Movies,
Theater,
Local fundraisers,
Or annual festivals.
Memberships.
Other programs like the symphony,
Museums,
Gym,
Or rock climbing clubs,
Swimming pools,
Interest groups that require a membership fee.
Gift certificates.
This can apply to just about any business or service.
Ask your friend or family member what they would really like to enjoy,
But maybe would never buy themselves.
Examples are a massage,
A pottery class,
Home brewing class,
Guitar lessons.
You get the idea.
The options here can be endless.
Great ideas for giving to kids.
Vacations or trips.
If you have the ability to contribute to a summer camp or March break holiday,
This could have lifelong positive impacts.
You can keep the excitement going with this gift by continually asking about what they will do and see what they are away.
Local adventure map.
Use your creative side and design a trip around the neighborhood.
Use your research skills to find the interesting things in the area and maybe even draw up a map.
Not only this is a unique experience,
But you can share it together and who knows what you will find.
Sound hard?
Try geocaching.
Learn a new hobby.
Explore a new skill set by exploring different activities.
Is there something that has piqued their interest before?
Examples?
Cooking from different cultures,
Learning how to horseback ride,
Or maybe getting their maker on.
Once a month certificate.
Set aside time once a month to spend with your recipient.
You can use this time to share a meal,
Go for an outing,
Watch a movie,
Or play a game.
They will feel absolutely phenomenal knowing that each month they have something fun to look forward to.
Great ideas for giving time.
Dinner party.
Try hosting a dinner in.
We recently embarked on a once a month neighborhood dinner.
We picked the first Monday of every month.
Whoever can show up does.
So far it's been a great success with delicious food and great conversation.
Walk or hike.
We can often take for granted that maintain trail in the city or backcountry trail.
Schedule time in your calendar with your friends or family to make it happen.
Exercise will never feel as good.
Volunteer.
Believe it or not,
Giving back is one of the most rewarding activities you can undertake.
It doesn't always require a long-term commitment either.
Investigate your local options and get out there.
Just time.
Tell your recipient that you are all theirs.
Just schedule time in your calendar with no plans,
Whatever other than to spend that time with your friend or family member.
Maybe you can help them work through a tough decision coming up or help them prepare some meals for the freezer.
Whatever they decide,
You will feel great having spent time together.
These are just some ideas to explore.
I am sure you may have other great ideas you can try.
The main goal here is to make your loved ones aware of your needs and wants and show them new ways of sharing their love and appreciation that doesn't include physical items.
