“Dad, what kind of gift do you want this year?”
“Nothing, honey.”
What kind of gifts do people over 50 really want?
Friends and family gathered together.
Isn’t THAT the truth?
Do you really “want” anything? If you’re a typical American over 50 years old, you’re working on decluttering, not bringing more “stuff” into the house.
Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year but it’s also incredibly wasteful with the newest trendy decorations, the wrapping paper and packaging that is soon to go into landfills, and the unwanted, unneeded, and unused gifts that will be stowed away in cupboards, never to be seen again.
Would you prefer a trinket for a gift… or an experience?!
Would you prefer a trinket or does an evening of baking gingerbread (or buying it pre-made) and assembling it into a decorated edible little house with family and friends sound better? Which makes a better memory for you and for children?
More and more families are having conversations about changing up festivities so the holidays become more enjoyable with less stress over giving gifts and the perfection of a holiday “look.”
It might be too late for changing it up this year, but you could talk about it this year to see if it a clutter-free holiday sounds good to everybody for next year.
Younger adults have also voiced their concerns
In recent years, younger adults have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of the abundance of toys their children receive – and their lack of need or space for it all – so it’s possible that the entire family might like the idea of going to a clutter-free holiday plan.
How To Go Clutter-Free This Year (or Next)
With a bit of imagination, you can create or buy gifts that don’t gather dust. Below is a list of clutter-free gifts to print out and share with your family and friends. If someone asks what YOU want this year, pull out the list!
Or, just remember to use this list for a family conversation-starter to change it up next year.
Clutter-Free Gifts
- Concert or sporting event tickets
- Movie or theater tickets
- Restaurant gift cards
- Summer camp
- Cooking, dance, or art classes
- Private coaching session for sports
- Gym membership
- Babysitting hours
- Car wash coupons
- Memberships: Zoo, Museum, State or National Parks
- Consumable gifts: fruit baskets, coffee, specialty desserts or chocolates
- Prepaid yard services
- Oil change package
- Hair salon or spa certificates: haircuts, massage, or mani-pedi
Presents Don’t Have to be THINGS!
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
Would you prefer to spend time with family over gifts?
Do you find gift giving to be stressful?
Do you like the idea of a clutter-free holiday commitment?
What if you receive an unexpected gift this year? CLICK here to find out what to do!
Every year my husband “surprises “ me with a gift certificate for a pedicure. Since we live in Ohio, I save it until the first signs of Spring appear. Your list of clutter-free gifts is very helpful; lots of good ideas.
I enjoy reading your weekly emails. I always find some inspiration.
Thanks, Bobbie
Thank you for being part of the community, Bobbie! It means a lot!
This is excellent advice. Thank you, Kathryn
thank you! So glad you enjoyed this article!
I alawys liked clutter free gifts! I used to always get in my stocking from my late husband, massage, mani & pedi gift certifates. I always used them and looked forward to enjoying them throughout the year! Now i have new traditions, we plan a vacation for the spring or summer. I wouldent mind a house cleaning gift certifate this year! ?
Loved your list of clutter free gifts! The only way to go!
Debbie
Thank you, Debbie! Yes, wouldn’t a house cleaning 10-pack be nice!?