Last year I published the blog 25 Clutterless Gift Ideas. It was so popular that I am making it an...
25 Clutterless Gift Ideas
Last year I published the blog 10 Clutterless Gift Ideas. It was so popular that I am making it an annual blog and updating it. This year I expanded it to 25. I hope you find a few here that you like and it makes your holiday shopping a little easier.
25 Clutterless Gift ideas that won't add a mess to your home and you never have to leave to buy.
Our daughter-in-law asked us to give our grandchildren gifts that will not result in clutter. They are running out of space in their home for toys like the racetrack, kitchen set, ice cream stand, and Lego skyscrapers that are built and never disassembled. Being a Professional Organizer who has a natural aversion to clutter, it made me think about a list of gifts that are enjoyable, personal, and won’t take up space. Below is a list of my top choices for children and adults.
Zoo/Museum/Aquarium Membership or Day Pass
This gift is great for children and parents. And if you really want to complete the gift, purchase a gift certificate for the Gift Store at the end. The adults will love that they don’t have to negotiate with their children, and it can be presented as an incentive provided to the children to behave.
Spa Day/Massage/Nail Salon
Dads, husbands, or partners take notice. The perfect gift for a busy mom, wife, or partner. Busy or not, everyone will enjoy a day at a spa, an hour massage, or a treat to have her nails done. If you really want to impress her, make it for two so she can take along a friend. The only risk is her friend’s husband/partner will be miffed that they didn’t think of it first. A small price to pay to make your loved one happy.
Personal Chef for a Night
Not just for the rich and famous. Who would say no to having a restaurant experience in their own home. You can pre-select your meal or have them surprise you. Send the kids to their grandparents and enjoy a relaxing and romantic evening without having to leave your dining room table. They will even do the dishes.
Storyworth
This is my husband’s personal favorite. For as little as $99 ($89 currently on sale) you can capture someone’s memories forever. This is how it works: The person receives one question every week that they answer by email. After 52 weeks, the questions and answers are included in a bound book that will be a keepsake for the rest of your life and an item that can be passed down for generations. My husband gave it to his father and receives his answer to each week’s question. He’s said he cannot believe how much he has learned from his dad each week. And don’t fret over the questions, Storyworth has hundreds preselected, you can create your own, or mix and match. Some examples are: What was your favorite childhood toy? What do you like most about your spouse? What were some of your life’s greatest surprises? It’s a wonderful gift for them and an even better gift for you.
Airline Vouchers for Grandparents/Parents
Unless you have a private jet, the cost of airline travel has skyrocketed. (It probably has for PJ owners too.) An airline voucher in any amount is appreciated and sometimes just the little push that is needed to get them to brave the travel hassle. Check out some of your own frequent flyer programs. Sometimes you can get a little extra if you purchase a voucher with an airline you have an account with.
Pay for Kids Dance/Gymnastics/Karate Lesson
This is an excellent gift for grandparents to give to their children. Do you have any idea how expensive it is to enroll kids into these activities? Each month can run over $100 to hundreds. You don’t need to pay for a long period. If you don’t know the name of their facility, ask. Then go online or call and let them know to skip an invoice and put it on your credit card. Just picking up the tab for a month or a few weeks will be a gift that will make a direct impact on your children.
Personal Stylist Gift Card
When I mentioned this to my husband he said, “what the hell is that?”. A personal stylist helps both women and men. A true luxury that people always wonder why they didn’t do it sooner. Some of the services include virtual styling, wardrobe edits, a purge and shop, or ideas on how to better utilize all the clothes you own without having to buy anything. It’s a wonderful gift for the person who has everything.
Kindle Unlimited Subscription
For the avid reader in your life, this gift is a winner. No clutter and a constant stream of new and old releases. They can try a new author without having to purchase the book. And if they don’t like it, they can abandon it and switch to a new one. All avid readers love to find a new author to add to their favorites. Explore your options here and find the perfect plan.
Professional Photographer Gift Certificate
I like this idea so much that I decided to give it to myself. Professional photographers are so much better than amateurs with an iPhone. This is a great gift for a recent grad who needs a professional headshot for their social media account, a newly engaged couple, or a family of any size. Timeless portraits will be appreciated by everyone.
Movie Tickets
Gifting movie tickets allows the recipient to enjoy the latest films in a theater. Consider buying tickets for a specific movie they've been wanting to see or a gift card to their favorite cinema so they can choose their own film and time. And it’s not a bad idea to throw in some popcorn and drink tickets.
Subscription to a Streaming Service
How many of these do you need? As many as you can afford. This is perfect for movie or TV series enthusiasts. Choose a popular streaming service like Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Disney+ that offers a wide range of content. This gift provides entertainment at their fingertips for months.
Online Course or Workshop Class
For someone who loves learning, enroll them in an online course or workshop. Platforms like MasterClass, Coursera, or Skillshare offer courses in various fields like cooking, photography, writing, and more. And if you have a person in your life who wants to learn how to safely operate power tools in a nonjudgement atmosphere, my friend and master carpenter, Ashley Bertschmann, offers classes. Here’s her link: Birch Builds. Tell her Heather sent you; she will be thrilled!
Gym or Fitness Class Membership
Ideal for fitness enthusiasts or those looking to start a healthy routine. A membership to a local gym or a pass for fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, or spinning can be a thoughtful and motivating gift. The Peloton online app is tremendous for those who like to exercise at home. I love mine!
Language Learning App Subscription
Do you know someone who is planning an overseas trip? A great gift for those interested in learning a new language. Apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or Babbel offer interactive lessons in many different languages.
Virtual Reality Experience
For the tech-savvy or adventurous, a VR experience can be thrilling. This could be a VR game, an immersive educational experience, or a virtual travel adventure. It’s a great gift for the teenagers in your life.
Escape Room Adventure
Perfect for those who enjoy puzzles and teamwork. An escape room experience can be a fun and unique way to spend time with friends or family, working together to solve clues and "escape" from a themed room. This is a fun gift. I recommend it for adults or older teens. Younger ones might not enjoy it as much.
Gourmet Food Delivery Service
For the foodie in your life, a subscription to a gourmet food delivery service can be a delightful treat. Services like Blue Apron or HelloFresh deliver ingredients and recipes for delicious meals to their door. Doordash and Uber Eats are also great choices for gift certificates.
Online Gaming Subscription
Gamers would appreciate a subscription to online gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online. These services offer access to a library of games, online play, and other perks.
Guided Historical or Cultural City Tour
You don’t need to travel to enjoy this. I’ve lived in the Boston area my whole life and have never taken a city tour. It’s ideal for history buffs or culture enthusiasts. A guided tour in their city (or a city they plan to visit) can provide an educational and enjoyable experience, exploring historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, and hidden gems.
Personalized Horoscope Reading
For someone interested in astrology, a personalized horoscope reading from a professional astrologer can offer insights into their life, personality, and future. More people are interested in this than you realize, and it can be a lot of fun to do with others.
Car Wash Packages
A practical gift, especially for someone who takes pride in their vehicle. Perfect for anyone who lives in a winter climate. Look for services that use eco-friendly cleaning products and water-saving techniques.
Personal Trainer
Ideal for fitness enthusiasts or beginners. A personal trainer can create a customized workout plan tailored to their fitness goals, preferences, and lifestyle. This can be done in person or through online consultation.
A Day of Adventure Sports
This gift is perfect for outdoor and activity enthusiasts, offering an exhilarating blend of activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and possibly zip-lining or hiking, depending on location and preferences. Other adventurous options could include mountain biking or paragliding, tailored to the recipient's interests and abilities. This gift promises not just a day of diverse activities but also memorable experiences and stories to cherish.
Bowling Gift Card
Bowling gift cards are a fun and social present. It’s ideal for individuals or families who enjoy recreational activities. Bowling is suitable for all ages and skill levels. The certificates can be used at a local bowling alley, providing an opportunity for a fun outing. Additionally, many bowling alleys also offer other amenities like arcade games, pool tables, and food services, turning the bowling experience into a more comprehensive entertainment package. And it happens to be one of my favorite things to do. :)
Organizing Gift Card
This is a shameless plug for Professional Organizers everywhere. I have never had a client who wasn’t elated when we were finished. Let’s face it, organizing is a pain and really paralyzing for some people. It causes a lot of stress. An organizer can help with a room, a closet, even a drawer. Check out some of the work we have done, and we can answer any questions you might have. The Organized You.