Run out of gift ideas? Don’t want to give something without meaning? Or buy something because if you don’t you’ll shop ’til you drop?
Below, you’ll learn what I’m giving my family which may spark your creativity, and then, after that, questions to get you thinking about ideas for your own list.
Bake a meal: For my parents, who are of retirement age, we are visiting and bringing with us a brunch meal. I can’t tell you what we’re making, because they read my blog!
Donations: For my sibling’s families, a donation has been made to hospice. We have all been touched by family members or extended family needing extra care. 
(Hospice is for a variety of needs, not only for people living with cancer, in case you didn’t know.)
Books: Physical or e-books – I put these on the list because (a) if you give a book like mine, yes, it is a “Thing,” but you’re helping to improve things in the long run. (b) It’s something which can be shared after reading it. And you can encourage the sharing when you give certain types of gifts, too.
Time: Organizations like Home Helpers or It’s about Time exist in your state. They work with elders, but also busy families.
Experiences: Check out Living Social for discounts on a variety of experiences. Think about experiences year-round not just ones they can use now. From spa days to museums to lunch with you – all experiences you can send the person on, or share with the one you’re giving the gift to.
Make something useful: My grandmother lives in assisted living and needs a new afghan. This is what we are making, and we’ll be sewing on name tags to her blanket. 
Advice & questions to figure out YOUR plans
What do they REALLY want. My parents really want to see their family at Christmas and simply spend time together. With four of us together for dinner, it makes most sense to have something simple, plus it takes work off mom’s shoulders! And, the grandparents get to give my dog treats; what could be better than that! Or maybe they don’t get to eat out often and that might be a special treat at their favorite place.
What’s happened in their life this year? Can you tie a donation to that? Can you find another experience if they loved this one?
What do they complain they never have time for? Buy them a gift of time – from books to personal assistants to professional organizers. A second pair of expert hands, who has “done it before” will solve this nagging problem, once and for all. Choose an organizing coach like me if it’s a continuing issue which seems never to go away – sustainable change.
What do they stand for? From values to hobbies and interests to causes they believe in: What’s there that could make a memorable gift?
What do they mean to you? Give a photo book, scrapbook or a letter or a poem – complete with quotes that mean something to you and to them about experiences you’ve had together, or what you really appreciate about this particular person.
Ideally, all year long, we’re slowing down enough to tell people that we love them or to tell people what we appreciate them. Then, at this time of year, there’s not quite as much pressure to find that perfect gift. Because you’ve been good all year long!
Tags: clutter-free gifts, clutterless, Holidays
Great points and ideas Sue! Once my sister and I made a memory jar for my parents. On the outside we had old photos. On the inside 52 pieces of paper like fortunes with a personal memory. One for each day of the year. Stuff yes but very special!
My friends who have little kids ask for museum passes.
Myself…this year I am giving my mom the gift of basement decluttering…something she has been nagging my dad about forever!!
I really like your breakdowns of different experiential gifts to give, and tying them to something special that’s happened in the recipient’s life.
The gift of time is so important especially for the generations who crave our time more than anything physical could satisfy. Your thoughtful approach is to be commended!
I’m a bit confused about the names on the afghan though. Are you thinking about the recipient’s name so the item doesn’t get lost, or the names of family members so the recipient knows who contributed?
Thank you, Moreen, for stopping by and your comments. The afghan names are the recipient’s name, but on there multiple times so that it’s easy for her and those around her to know it’s definitely hers! In case it gets left behind when she’s visiting or something like that. I love your other idea, though!
Carol – Oh, I love this idea. Imagine, a daily reminder of 52 personal memories and those who wrote them. Beautiful sentiment. Museum passes – great; I love to hear about knowledge being passed along. And decluttering – Yay. No no more nagging, and a new chapter, or at least peace of mind, knowing it’s clear and ready for whatever is next!
Wonderful ideas, as always!
I scanned in every picture I could find of my sister-in-law who passed away last year. I am giving her kids each a memory stick/flash drive with the pictures on it. Small, but memorable and there is extra room on the drive for other things as well.
MIL is dealing with grief and keeps telling me how she needs to go through her father’s writing…so if I can pry the boxes away from her I plan to organize them and see what it would take to have them printed/bound into a book for her and others in the family who would cherish his writings. Not for “this” Christmas…but if I set aside time during the year, hopefully it will be done for next Christmas.
Nancy, thank you so much for sharing both of your very touching and practical ideas here. I bet you’ll inspire some people with these.