Creative Giving
This year, I am searching for creative gifts that don’t cost a lot of money or take up much space. Most people have more than enough stuff but not enough time or energy to do what they love. I don’t know about you, but I would gladly pass on a new sweater in exchange for a clean house or some time to myself.
Here are some unconventional gift ideas to try out this year. Enjoy!
The Gift of Time
Between work, family and social obligations most people are dying for a break. Why not buy someone a few hours of housecleaning or a car wash? Short on cash? Get down and dirty and offer the service yourself!
Winner, Winner… Chicken Dinner!
Get your apron on and treat someone to a homemade meal. What could be better than coming home after a long day to find a delicious dinner still warm from the oven? For extra credit include disposable plates and utensils or stick around and do the dishes.
Breakfast In Bed
Pick up some yummy pastries, pour coffee and fresh squeezed juice and cook up a tasty breakfast for the one you love. Bonus points if you let them sleep in. (I sure hope my husband is reading this.)
Sweet Treats
Fill a glass jar with homemade sweets and tie with twine or a pretty cloth ribbon. Candied orange peels, chocolates, caramels, cookies, brownies or bars all look and taste great. You can also opt for hot chocolate with marshmallows and a peppermint stick. Yum!
Adventures in Babysitting!
As a mother of two kids under three, I can attest to the fact that it is possible to love your children to pieces while not wanting to be anywhere near them for an evening. Give your friends with kids the gift of being without them for the night! Come over with a pizza, some art supplies and a couple of games—and shoo your friends out the door for a date night. You will be a true hero. Trust me.
Tribute Book
What could be better than having everyone you know tell you how much they love you at the same time? Get a blank book or a photo album and solicit friends and family for contributions—photos, old letters, and anecdotes to fill the pages. I recently did this for my husband. I asked more than fifty people to write down what they loved about him. It made him cry like a little girl, and I know he will treasure it always. Who doesn’t like to be complimented?
Shira Gill honed her skills as a personal organizer in Los Angeles, bringing order to the frenetic lives of agents, actors, and producers. Now back in her native Bay Area, she owns Simply Sorted, where she works with individuals and families to streamline their homes and simplify their lives. Shira lives in an enviably organized home with her husband and two daughters, and blogs at Simply Sorted.
