I’ve spent a lot of time de-cluttering and clearing out this year and I finally feel like I’m making progress! Honestly, for the first time since we moved into this house, I finally managed to clear enough space in the garage to set up a little photography studio – although I wasn’t quick enough with ordering the lights I wanted and the kids took ownership of the space and claimed it as a gym!
Anyway, the fact that I don’t have my photography space isn’t the point (not for the purposes of this post anyway), the point is that I’ve spent a lot of time this year de-cluttering and I’m determined that my hard work isn’t about to be undone when Christmas comes around.
I don’t want to replace everything I’ve just got rid of with newer versions – cookbooks, for example, are something that I always get at Christmas and in the past I’ve loved getting them but this year I finally managed to get rid of them all and the space it left me with was amazing. I’ve had a word with Mr Frugal and the kids and explained that I don’t want presents for the sake of presents this year and although it will drive him mad not to buy me anything, I’d rather save my money to go towards something I really really want. I’m after a Summer House for my garden to make into an office space which isn’t cheap so any extra that I can pop into the savings pot for that is a bonus.
It has got me thinking though, what presents can you get for someone who doesn’t want a gift for the sake of a gift or a gift that’s just going to take up space or add to clutter in their home?
Here’s what I came up with….
Craft classes or lessons to learn something new
I’ve treated one of my friends to a Christmas upcycling craft class the week before Christmas as their secret Santa gift for work and the best part is that I get to do it too as she’ll obviously need someone to keep her company. 😉 Lots of local craft shops or community centres do things like this and they make great gifts. I did an upcycling class recently and I transformed an ugly little table to this:
I’d love it if someone bought me the chance to go to a class like this so I know she’ll love it!
Name a star for someone
I love the idea that you can name a star for someone and would love someone to do this for me (not this year if you’re reading this Mr Frugal – think Summerhouse) as it’s such a thoughtful gift and one that I’d think of every time I saw the stars in the sky.
An experience they’ll love
The year before last, we bought Master Frugal the mascot experience at our local football team and it was honestly the best night of his life according to him. He played on the pitch with his idols in front of 30,000 fans and then led them out onto the pitch at the start of the game. It was the stuff that dreams were made of when you’re a twelve year old!
A promise they’ll want to collect on
I have some great free printable gift certificates here that you can print out and use for this. Last year, the kids made a book of these little vouchers for Mr Frugal and included everything from an afternoon’s PS4 gaming in peace to the promise of a car wash.
Pay for a subscription you know they’ll love
Treat someone you love to a subscription to something like Netflix, EA Access (for XBox lovers) or something else you know they’ll enjoy! Last year Mr Frugal bought me a subscription to Makelight which is something I love as it’s so inspiring to me personally so that’s been a gift that I’ve enjoyed all year round.
Any of these gifts will show someone how much you care without adding to the clutter of their house!
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