Tuesday, December 10, 2013

5 More Non-Clutter Gift-Giving Ideas for the Holidays

Dandelion Chcolate bars

Still looking for holiday gifts? There are plenty of gifts that don’t result in clutter, beyond consumables. I wrote about “experience” gifts overs on Unclutterer, but here are some more gift ideas.


1. The gift of experiences: chocolate classes

Sure, you could buy the chocolate bars shown above, from Dandelion Chocolate. But you could also give someone the gift of the Dandelion’s chocolate classes: Chocolate 101 (an all-around introduction to chocolate) or Chocolate 201, where you get to make your own small batch of chocolate. Dandelion Chocolate is in San Francisco, but those from other ares might be able to find something equally interesting being offered by shops in other locales.


image consultant gift certificate

2. The gift of services: gift certificate from an image stylist/wardrobe consultant

Know someone who’d appreciate some wardrobe help? Style for Hire has stylists around the country who can help, and it sells gift certificates. I'm sure other image consultants would be glad to help out with a gift certificate, too — such as this one from Style by Tiffani.


batteries that charge via a USB stick

3. Practical gifts: USB cell batteries

As Inhabitat says: “Although it might seem a little ridiculous to pay $18 for a pair of batteries, these next-gen cells can be recharged using a USB stick, so you’ll never have to buy another set of mercury-laden batteries that pollute the environment.”


Associated Press online order form - the part for gift orders

4. Gifts for writers or editors: Associated Press Stylebook Online subscription

The AP order form asks “Is this a gift order?” in the Contact/Shipping Information section. I’ve had a subscription for years, and I highly recommend it.


5. Gifts for those in need

Many of us are fortunate enough to have as much stuff as we really need — but others are not as fortunate. If your area has a “secret Santa” program or an “adopt a family” program — or something similar for needy kids, seniors or families — consider participating in that program. For example, the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department has a Secret Santa for Seniors program which is accepting gifts through Dec. 20. Arlington County in Virginia has a Secret Santa program which accepts gift cards through Dec. 17.

Related Posts:
Giving the Gift of Safety
Gift-Giving Ideas: Charitable Donations In Lieu of Presents
Non-Clutter Gifts You Can Buy Without Leaving Home
Christmas / Holiday Gift Ideas for Those with Cars - and Those Without

3 comments:

Scott Roewer said...

Thanks, Jeri for mentioning StyleForHire.com in your gift giving resource guide. The stylist who are contractors with SFH all have received training specifically from Stacy London with the training focused on her style methodology. I started with Style For Hire before they company launched as their 'closet organizer guy' - someone the stylist in DC could come to when their clients needed help. However, after 20 hours of training with Stacy before the company launched, she insisted I become a stylist because of my strength in closet audits. It's been a blast so far, and I look forward to helping the world dress better, one person at a time.

Cynthia Friedlob said...

Great ideas in this and your previous "stuffless" posts!

Office Candy said...

Jeri,
I love your suggestions (as always) & those batteries are AWESOME!
Have a wonderful Holiday & I hope we get a chance to see you in 2014!
Laurie & The Office Candy Gals