I often struggle to find gifts that won’t be viewed as junk or unnecessary clutter. I feel like in the age of “minimalism” and Marie Kondo, so many people (including myself) are trying to reduce the amount of unnecessary stuff they own. I sometimes feel stress when I am the one receiving gifts that I don’t have a use for, because it can feel like an obligation to keep clutter that I don’t really want. I’m sure I also give gifts to other people that are received the same way. Not only does this kind of gift-giving fail to make people happy, but it can be very wasteful from an environmental standpoint - the gift may get thrown out, and the packaging and energy for shipping were wasted.
I’m wondering if anyone feels the same way, or has any suggestions on what to do - both as the gift giver and receiver. How do we avoid giving gifts that feel like clutter, or “stuff”? Do we try to instead give experiences (e.g. tickets to a show) or disposable items (e.g. food, beauty products)? Do we find a way to simply give better, more personalized items, so they don’t feel like just more “stuff?” (Here’s hoping Thoughtfull will help with that part!)
And what about when you’re on the receiving end of gifts - how do you go about letting people know you’re trying to cut down on “stuff” without it coming across as rude or hurtful? How do you cultivate a gift-giving culture that is more meaningful (and less wasteful)?
I love giving and receiving homemade things tailored to the individuals preference! For example, one year I gifted my mother a journal that I filled with various things according to her tastes. There were jokes, what I love about mom, art work, anecdotes of fun times we've shared etc. All things that show her, through the years she's had it, how much I love her, and that she's on my mind. I've done the same for my close friends - and they all love to look back on it (apparently)! It's very individual to each recipient, so it doesn't come across as giving clutter, but reminders of memories, and how much we mean to each other. (insert sentimental meme here)
Wow, Meena! I love this idea. Thank you for sharing!
This is such a great post. And such a real problem for so many of us.
I love to give experiences or time together doing some sort of activity.
I like to refer to the Experiences on Thoughtfull as “Meaningful Gifts at a Moment’s Notice” and sent digitally, there’s no negative environmental impact.
The other way to gift meaningfully is to give the gift of your time. Is there anything more precious than time nowadays? Check out the different Gift of Your Time ideas on Thoughtfull and let us know what you think!
Jaimie, I love that you brought this up - it's a really good point. I have a few hard to shop for giftees in my life, including my dad, who, when asked - says that "all he wants is to spend time with his kids". I love the idea of gifting him with experiences - like, taking him to play golf, or even less pricey "gifts of time" like Andrea mentioned. Even something as simple as cooking a meal together (him teaching me one of his favourite recipes), or spending the day doing games and activities he enjoys.
As for how to deal with not wanting stuff when you're the gift recipient, I think a key thing here is communication. For gifting occasions (e.g. before the holidays, during gift exchanges and secret santas, and before your birthday) - let people know that you're not looking for "stuff" - have those open conversations earlier, and maybe you'll surprise yourself by learning other people are on the same page!