by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
Keeping with our theme of clutter free gift giving both here on Tidy Thursday as well as over on TMCC, I thought I would share another one of my favorite gift exchange ideas ...
the Date Night In gift
Using the initial tips on how to be an ultimate gift giver, this can quickly become a go-to-gift-in-a-pinch idea. Don't worry, it's pretty easy to customize and appropriate for anyone in a relationship {life partner, family, friendship}:
Date Night In For Couples:
Sure, most of us immediately think of candles & romantic music when we consider a date night in kit as a couple, but truth be told folks appreciate many other things in a gift like this.
Take the night off:
Think activity based, what does the couple like to do together? Maybe a certificate for baby sitting services and a few items to reflect their interest. Do they like wine tasting? Collect a few bottles from local wineries, a block of cheese and some crackers ~ tie a bow around it and away you go.
Date Night In For Families:
These are always fun gifts to give, who doesn't like giving another family "quality time"? Again, consider their interests ~
Do they have toddlers?
Maybe ingredients for a kid-friendly recipe and a special dish to bake or serve it in?
School Aged?
How about a classic board game? Hasbro has a fantastic "Family Game Night" they celebrate every year, I'm sure you could find age appropriate recommendations on their site.
How about tweens & teens?
We all know video games are popular in this group, do they own the Xbox 360 Kinect? Is there a game that everyone has put on their wish list? Or maybe this family is less about tech and more about movies? How about a holiday classic on DVD with a cozy blanket and a gift card to the local grocery store?
Date Night In For Friends:
When I give this gift, I'm often the hostess as well. Opening up my home for my girlfriends to giggle, connect and relax is a gift I love to share. Although, I've been known to "give" the gift to others too.
- In a special popcorn bowl, I include:
- Their favorite sweet & salty treats {think bags of M&M's, nuts, licorice, chips or popcorn}
- Fun napkins
- A chick flick {my fave to give is Steel Magnolias or Sweet Home Alabama}
- A favorite beverage {some of my friends are tea drinkers, others enjoy spirits}
- and a note that states "I'm at your beck and call as a leaning post or a giggle partner, just say the word"
So, why tell you all this now?
Well ... that good old Black Friday is just around the corner.
With all it's good deals and potential gifting power.
If you participated in the Shopping Habits Series you're well equipped to face the cash registers. Now, I'd like to help you arm yourself with that "plan of action". If you know you're on the lookout for a good family board game, you'll be able to navigate the sea of ads with a sense of purpose {instead of feeling tugged in a gazillion different directions by the promise of a "good deal"}.
Of course, you know what's next. I want to know what your up to :: head on over to the VolunteerSpot Facebook page and tell me ...
Have you ever given a Date Night In gift?
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.
