Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Clutter-free gifts
I have been in my house for almost 40 years. As I look around, the amount of clutter I have is astounding! I have been working on this for several years trying to downsize. How much better would it be if I hadn’t accumulated this amount of stuff in the first place? Of course, most of this is my fault, but much of it is well meaning gifts. Wouldn’t it be great to receive and give clutter-free gifts? If you are interested, these gifts are also sustainable and lessen your environmental footprint. Here are a few suggestions:
Experiences. Experiences are a great gift. There is no end to experience gifts. From any sort of tickets to sporting events or concerts, to movie or theater passes. Buying gifts for younger people? Consider rock climbing, a trampoline park, or summer camp passes. More mature folks? Restaurant gift cards and symphony passes are great. For the more adventurous, how about a balloon ride or escape room? They’ll have the memories forever!
Classes. There are so many types of classes you can give as a gift, like music or cooking. How about a beginner computer or internet class for Grandma? Have any young ones in sports? Consider private coaching or other sports classes. Home brewing is becoming more popular, as is painting or sculpting. For those active types, classes with a personal trainer or scuba diving would be well appreciated.
Services. Everyone is so busy today. Give the gift of time. How about a free month of landscape care? A gift certificate for a house cleaning or professional organizer would be invaluable to a young couple with children. Or how about babysitting for them? You can help take care of their vehicles with an oil change or car wash. How about some me time? A massage or mani/pedi for that busy lady will always be welcomed.
Memberships. Memberships are always a great gift and there are ones for everyone on your gift list. One year I gave my grandkids theme park passes, and year passes to their local pool/ water park. Museum memberships are great for older folks and young people too! State and national park memberships are wonderful for the whole family.
If you still want to give an actual gift, consider consumables. Find something they wouldn’t buy for themselves or can’t afford. Fancy chocolates and desserts that everyone will love. A fruit basket or something like edible arrangements is healthy too. Have a coffee lover on your list? Some gourmet local coffee is delicious and sustainable. Look again to local meats and cheeses to cut down on transportation. If you have any elderly relatives on a fixed income certificates to local groceries are always appreciated.
Do you have any ideas for clutter-free sustainable gifts?
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
