Want an attractive alternative to traditional gifts this year?
According to the annual Black Friday shopping survey from The National Retail Federation, over 152 MILLION people were expected (and did) shop in stores or online the weekend following Thanksgiving.
While you head out into the frenzy to shop, consider giving thoughtful clutter-free gifts this year. Clutter-free gifts are gifts from the heart; offerings that are healthy, consumable, imaginative and not necessarily budget-busting. Think how you can gussy up the presentation of clutter-free gifts with bows, ribbons, nice boxes and wrapping paper.
Neighbors, distant friends, business associates and colleagues – Try consumable gifts; homemade cookies, fruit or jam you canned personally, car wash coupons;
Close friends and family – Consider gifting them with “experiences” and not stuff. A membership to the local museum, pottery, scrap-booking or horticulture club is thoughtful. Or a trial membership to Curves gym (if she won’t be offended) or a circus school program;
Kids – Theme park admission, circus tickets, science center membership, an arcade or family entertainment center gift card.
Window shopping quickly turns into impulse purchases. To avoid clutter avoid in-store shopping to get gift ideas and do not buy gifts for future gifting. Listen to gift-giving clues and make sure the item given is relevant to the person receiving it. Nobody likes a turkey (gift).
This is the part of our blog topic where we ask you to comment. What are the best clutter free gifts you ever received? Tweet your ideas and holiday organizing questions to @johntrosko or leave a comment below.
A different edited version of this piece above originally appeared on Perezitos, Perez Hilton's site featuring celebrity families and advice from pediatricians, parenting and lifestyle experts. Click here to read the article.
image courtesy OC Weekly
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