How to Make Sure This Season’s Gifts Don’t Become Next Season’s Clutter

{Friends, I prefer to savor Thanksgiving dinner before thinking about Christmas gifts. But, I know many of you like to prepare early for various reasons. So, don’t rush Thanksgiving. But, do read the following article about how to purchase clutter-free gifts before you shop for any more presents!}

I remember laying awake on Christmas Eve, snug under my covers, eagerly anticipating. Finally, I heard the noise. The door to my bedroom creaked open. There was soft tip-toeing. And then, a heaviness near my feet as it was placed on the end of my bed.

As soon as the door latched closed and the footsteps faded away, I quietly pulled the item next to me so I could reach in. My heart thumped as I silently felt around in the dark. I wrapped my small hand around a little cardboard box. I could hear pieces inside as I delicately shook. Definitely a puzzle.

A plastic package that squished. Underwear. At least they were in my room and not under the tree – I could hide them in the morning before my brothers saw.

Small plastic bottles – I knew those were travel soaps and shampoos. Then the box of storybook life savers. Yum! A few things I couldn’t identify in the dark. And finally, the familiar feeling of the orange in the toe.

Satisfied, I gently laid my stocking at the foot of my bed and tucked myself back in. I closed my eyes, lids heavy, and the whole world faded out as sleep finally came.

As a girl, stockings were one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I loved the comfort in knowing that, without fail, my door would creak open and the stocking would be carefully placed at the foot of my bed.

And perhaps the reason most of us love tradition so much is because of the memories attached.

Gifts were placed under the tree with care. Our favorite comfort foods were anticipated for weeks in advance. And now, we want to pass on those same traditions and warm memories. So we shop. We buy. We wrap. And we shop, buy and wrap some more.

But before any of us purchase one more holiday gift, let’s think ahead. Once the packaged are unwrapped, what is going to happen to the gifts? How are we going to feel?

Will we feel satisfied, knowing that we blessed the recipient? Or will we feel guilt and frustration when we’re still making credit card payments on gifts that have already been tossed into a clutter pile and forgotten?

As we shop for the perfect present, here are a few things to keep in mind to help us make sure this season’s gifts don’t become next season’s clutter:

1) Make sure there’s room for the gift.

If the craft shelf and Lego bin are full, then any new craft supplies or Lego’s are practically guaranteed to become clutter. To minimize the mess, clear out a little space before Christmas or consider giving an experience gift such as a family trip, extra curricular lessons, or concert tickets.

2) Focus on blessing – not impressing – the recipient.

Sometimes it’s tempting to want the wow factor when someone opens a present. We want the recipient to be overjoyed with the gift we carefully select.

But, momentary excitement over something that will soon become clutter is not a real blessing. Instead, let’s focus on carefully choosing items that will be useful even after the tree has been taken down and the last of the cookies have been eaten from the platter.

3) Consider whether the present is in your budget.

If you’re about to swipe a credit card because your bank account is low, then stop immediately! Today’s gifts should not become tomorrow’s burden. Victoria from Snail Paced Transformations has a very inspiring article about how to have Christmas on a zero dollar budget.

For neighbors and friends, you can frugally spread clutter-free Christmas cheer by delivering a cookie tray or putting snowman soup in a cute mug from the Dollar Tree (free snowman soup printable here).

4) Be willing to return an item.

If you purchased a gift simply because you felt pressure to buy something, that’s a signal it may not be good timing or the right present. It’s okay to return something for a refund instead of gifting it.

For a few specific gift ideas, check out this article about 22 Themed Gifts for Everyone on Your List. Whether you’re making gift baskets, filling stockings, or still have no idea what to buy for someone on your list, there’s sure to be something in the article that will inspire you.

It’s not always easy to modify habits, but we can absolutely learn how to share memories, honor traditions, and enjoy the holidays while carefully choosing gifts that will be enjoyed long after the season has passed.

I’d love to hear: how do you minimize Gift Clutter? Is there anything you’d like to add to this list?

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