Simple Gifting Tips from Some of My Favorite People
I reached out to my friends and family on Facebook for their best tips for simplifying the holidays, and I got a lot of submissions related to simplifying gift giving (which you know I love!).
Alison: "For gifts, we do one gift from Santa. And then the rule of:
1. Something you want
2. Something you need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
And from family members we ask for no gifts, but if they really want to- memberships to museums/classes."
Shermaine: "For super large family gatherings we've inaugurated this year asking parents to thoughtfully select 3 options for their child, upon which the rest of us chip in towards. This way no one's the recipient of 25 pairs of $2 socks or $5 t-shirts they'd never wear.
This is in an effort to promote quality not quantity, and reduce waste (there are literally trash bags of gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbons). What items don't get selected by the group for purchase then get rolled over into a wish list for the twins that's then e-mailed with hyperlinks to in-laws and includes memberships/classes as well."
Yesenia: "One thing I do that helps me stay organized is I make a list on my phone with gift ideas and a Pinterest board so when I’m out and about I can refer quickly. For packaging I start a file box and in it I stock it from the dollar store at the beginning of the season with a variety of bags for treats or gifts, tags, tape, scissors, pretty ribbon, boxes or tins and wrapping paper rolls close by. For gift exchange my family and I use a web tool called Drawnames.com that works great for matching names, lets you attach links for favorite things etc."
Nina (my mom <3): “Unless you find an ideal present for someone, consider giving an experience instead of stuff, because they don’t need to find space for these things. A nice dinner out, tickets to the theater, or an amusement park are just a few possibilities. Consumable gifts are also nice.”
And a great tip from Marion for simplifying after the holidays: "Between Christmas & New Years, we donate 1-2 bags each of stuff that we don't wear or use anymore. Great way to start the new year!"
Do you have a favorite tip for simplifying gift giving? Shoot me an email and let me know!