Clutter Free Gifts You'd Actually Want to Give (and receive)

In true professional organizer fashion, I have my own ideas for gifts for the holiday season and they don’t create clutter. While some of these can be purchased in a store, the main cost of buying these is time. And some brain power but it gets easier the more you do it.

Gift card/ certificate. These could be to favorite stores, restaurants, coffee shops, or even services like car wash or nail salons. Don’t overlook essentials like gas cards or stores like Ace Hardware or Home Depot.

A gift certificate for a unique service like color analysis, a wardrobe consultation, or a makeover could be fun, too. These are the things we think about doing but don’t take the time to schedule on our own.

If you use the code CARRIE at Your Color Guru you get 10% off packages

Of course, the gift of organization is always appreciated. Neatsmart does offer gift certificates that are always appreciated.😉

Experiences and Events like concerts, plays, comedic shows, sporting events, operas, or art exhibitions. You can search by specific venue in your area or by artist to investigate schedules. You may even want to check other cities for an additional adventure!

Of course you have to check calendars but this is a great gift for kids and adults. You can make a whole memory- filled day out of it with fun meals and time to explore the area.

You don’t even have to have a specific event to schedule around to plan a Day Date. This can be an exceptional gift because you are taking the time to plan out the day to enjoy with that person. The thoughtfulness of planning ahead shows love and writing it down on a card to give as a gift gives time to build anticipation.

This is also a wonderful option with kids as well as adults because they get the individual time with you. It could be hiking, going to a new or different restaurant, riding bicycles, or just playing tourist together in your own city. The dedicated and scheduled time together is the gift. Just don’t forget to take a picture together. 😁

Memberships to a museum, zoo, Costco, or gym are a gift that won’t create clutter and will certainly be appreciated. Subscriptions to paid content and services like Audible or Amazon are another option that fall under this category

We are really into writing letters as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas. It’s an excellent way to mark time and reflect on what you love about that person. They can be short notes or long missives, whatever your style.

Use nice stationery and plan it out ahead of time for maximum impact. These are the treasures people keep forever!

Another variation we’ve done is writing and sharing about you. This was definitely geared more towards the kids when they were younger but it was a lot of fun and they definitely remember it. My husband wrote a Top 10 List of his favorite songs from growing up complete with explanation and a gift card to buy the songs. Do people even buy songs or albums anymore? The trip down memory lane was fun and a new way to connect with his kids that they could keep forever.
You could write a Top 10 List of:

  • favorite songs

  • favorite movies

  • places you loved visiting or

  • places you want to visit

  • most impactful books or Bible verses

  • people who were influential growing up

  • favorite pieces of art

The explanation of why these are signifiant is the true priceless gift of intimacy and vulnerability. This has become one of our favorite gifts ever and we still talk about it!

The one clutter free gift that you can purchase at a store that I recommend is a Label Maker. They fit everyone, are always in style, and are definitely needed! It’s the kind of gift that no one ever thinks they need but are super grateful to have. Everyone needs a label maker!