Consider buying gifts that won’t contribute to your friend’s clutter. I think we have all experienced the challenge of trying to find a gift for our friends who seem to have everything.
The gift ideas below save you time in the mall and work well for your friends that have everything or simply don’t have the room for any additional possessions.
Gift Certificates: for a special homemade meal, outing, or event. Make a creative, written invitation. Ideas include evenings out to include babysitting, or services at a day spa. To avoid appearing that this is a last-minute solution, show your sincerity by including plans for the event in your invitation, and suggest a tentative date for the activity.
Gift Cards: to their favorite stores, grocery store, coffee, video rentals, restaurants
Tickets: to the movies, a play, concert, or sporting event.
Photographs: look through this year’s photos to see if you have a nice shot of the recipient with his/her family or friends. Make an enlargement and present this in an original card or interesting frame.
Gift of the Month: to include wine, flowers, coffee, or other deliverable items. Instead of sending things now, send a gift card and arrange for delivery at a later time (or even at intervals throughout the year). Many florists and gourmet shops offer packages such as monthly delivery of seasonal arrangements or delivery of special treats at certain, prearranged times of the year. While this option isn’t for the budget-minded, it is a practical solution for that difficult-to-buy-for person.
Food: If you like to cook, you can make welcome and inventive gifts. Try something more original than the traditional holiday sweets and snacks. Think about items that can be used at a later time, such as homemade compotes or preserves, herb-flavored oils in attractive bottles, or even flavored liqueurs.
Another food idea is to present a prepackaged “dinner in a basket.” Make a pot of pasta sauce and freeze in individual containers. Add a package of dried pasta, some biscotti, and a bottle of wine. Attach a card, a bow, and you’ve got a gift that won’t become another unnecessary tchotchke and dust collector.
Gift Baskets or Bags: Fill with favorite Items they can use foods, cosmetics, socks, books, cross word puzzle books and more.
Professional Services: Everyone can use a helping hand with organizing or wardrobe consulting. These services make a thoughtful gift and will actually empower your gift recipient. addSpace gift certificates are available for inperson consulting in the southern California area or teleconsulting nationally. To find organizing or image consulting professionals in your area, check http://napo.net/ or http://www.aici.org/
