Kim Kubsch
Preventing unwanted gifts is a tough one, yet nobody wants items that won’t be used or those that clutter the home.
There are many reasons for giving and receiving clutter-free gifts, such as: Lack of space,
Reducing clutter and overabundance, Protecting the environment with less in the landfill, and
Valuing material possessions less and experiences more.
Let people know that you prefer clutter-free gifts and create a wish list. Remember that most people give gifts with the intention of making you happy and want to give you what you want. Help them by sharing what you want with specifics on the types of things that would work for you.
For ideas of clutter-free gifts, find out what the person does regularly, what they need, what they love doing, and any future plans they are working toward. Here are a wide variety of ideas for every lifestyle.
Consumables like chocolate, caramels, coffee, tea or wine. Consider a flavor of the month subscription, a winery or brewery tour, or a gift card to a fancy or themed restaurant.
Useful memberships, like the gym, AAA, or Amazon Prime.
Fun memberships, like aquariums, museums, national parks (the senior pass is for a lifetime after 65), zoos, amusement parks, the beach, the splash park, Andretti indoor race track and virtual arcade, magazine subscriptions, music streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify, unlimited books like Kindle Unlimited or Audible.
Seniors anywhere may enjoy the Great Courses Signature Collection, a curated streaming subscription offering over 300 in-depth, university-level video courses on history, science, and humanities. In the Sun Lakes /Chandler area, an annual membership to NAILS (New Adventures in Learning) is always insightful.
Classes for adults, like cooking, fitness, arts & crafts, dance, learning a musical instrument, or learning a new language.
Relationship activities for date night, friends’ night out, or parent/child bonding, such as a restaurant, concerts, theater shows, sporting events, a weekend getaway, or movies. Create a snack basket for those who are not participating.
Activities for children, such as dance class, taekwondo, basketball, art class, pottery classes, summer camp, laser tag, rock climbing, an escape room or puzzle ride.
Self-care experiences, such as a manicure/pedicure/reflexology spa day, yoga class, meditation class, sauna, or sound bath.
Extra help, like babysitting, house cleaning, yard work, a car wash, or professional organizing or downsizing.
Memories loaded on a digital picture frame or updated photos for their frames.
Times are changing and the younger generations do not want stuff, but rather experiences. Most boomers and seniors want experiences too since they have already accumulated too much stuff. Adjust your lifestyle to clutter-free gifts and everyone will be happy!
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, re-design, making transitions and clearing of estates. Call to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group: 480–720–8566.
To purchase my book, “Getting Your Life Together Organizer and Joy of Downsizing, visit Amazon.com or www.joyfuldownsizing.com.