by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
As you're well aware, I've been sharing all kinds of tips and strategies over on the Shopping Habits series. What you may not know is I have a plan. See, I know we are about to enter into the shopping season frenzy and I wanted to arm you with the knowledge of conscious consuming ~ from a clutter standpoint.
Assuming you've participated in the weekly challenges { Start at the Beginning | Self Assessment | Habit Breaking Strategies } you would then be armed with all kinds of information to help navigate the next few months.
For me, knowledge is only as good as your next step. So naturally, the next series of tips are about gifting. I don't believe you can say "I'm not going to shop" or "I'm not giving gifts this year", those kinds of declarations tend to be a little too bold for most folks.
This week I thought I would give you a few insider tips on how to be the ultimate gift giver - one that doesn't contribute to clutter. Interested? I thought you might be.
Take notes:
How often does someone say "I wish" these days? The ultimate gift giver listens to these statements as potential ideas for the next holiday.
Capturing the fleeting wish can be a challenge. I personally use Evernote for things like this. Usually as the app on my phone, because you know ~ it's always when we're in a store or I'm driving that the kids will drop a hint.
Then, when I'm ready to start holiday shopping, I pull up the note I've titled gift ideas and review what each person has "wished" for over the past few days / weeks / months.
The Details
Here's where buying for neices, nephews, BFFs can make or break a gift. The details.
After you've heard the "I wish" statement, pay attention to things like favorite color ~ sizes ~ stores that sell what they want. These little things can really take your gift from "gee thanks" to "Wow! You're the best!"
Money Talks
When I was growing up, I remember my Mom resisting requests for cash or gift cards. She always reasoned that opening an actual gift was the "point" of the season.
Update for today's ultimate gift giver :: this isn't the case anymore.
Gone are the days of taboo gift cards. Many recipients, especially teens, really appreciate the opportunity to go shopping themselves. In my house, where there are now 2 teenage boys, they look forward to the collection of gift cards. One grandparent sends $25 and an aunt sends $20 ... it adds up quick.
If you're not sure which store to get a gift card to, send cash. If you're nervous about sending a check or actual money, consider the pre-paid credit cards. Most local grocery stores stock them and you can activate it right at the register.
Organized Gifts
When my kids were younger I was known as the ultimate gift giver among the birthday party circuit. Not because I showed up with the perfect gift every time, but because I always gave gifts with a way to contain the clutter. For an entire school year our standard gift was a Lego set with a plastic container that had a snap on lid & handle.
Yes, my child was a rockstar among his friends and I was the Mom "who thought of it all".
Which is really what gift giving is all about ~ being thoughtful. Listening to what people actually want. Giving people things that made you think of them and their interests.
Have ideas on how to be the ultimate gift giver? Join me over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share your questions, memorable gift ideas or tips on what you already do.
Keepin it Tidy,
April
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
