Whether you’re starting to put together a shopping list of gifts to buy or creating a “wish list” for yourself so you’re ready when someone asks “so what do you want for the holidays this year?” here are some ideas of gifts to give or receive that won’t cause clutter.

Gifts of choice

Any gift that you’re sure the recipient wants, will use and will love (important to consider what the recipient will love, not what you love) will not cause clutter. Ask the recipient what they want. Alternately, let them choose their gift by giving gift cards to sites or stores with options to suit all, such as iTunes, Amazon, or a collection of stores (ie: The Bellevue Collection). The Ribbon Gift Album, as featured in the Simply Placed November Newsletter (www.itssimplyplaced.com/content/resources_/current_newslet.asp) is also a convenient, flexible option sure to please even the most difficult to buy for.

Experience gifts

Give the gift of an experience instead of “stuff”. Some ideas include event tickets — theater tickets, concert tickets, or sporting events. You could also arrange a “get-away” and take care of the travel costs and travel plans for someone special. Treat your recipient to an indulgence they may not get for themselves - spa certificates, coffee house certificates, a cooking class, gym membership, zoo or museum membership or their favorite restaurant. Think mini-adventures — certificates to a bowling alley, pool parlor, comedy club, movie theater, golf, or a fun class are all possibilities.

Gifts of time

With the business and stress of our everyday lives, what would be better and more appreciated than the gift of time? Giving the gift of time can be something you do personally for the recipient or you could hire a service provider for them. You could offer to baby-sit or run errands for your friend. You can also give the gift of a personal trainer, a professional organizer, a house cleaner, a personal assistant or a personal chef. Make that special someone’s day this year, with the gift of time!

Gift of the month

Give a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year with a “gift of the month.” Provide a meal or bake cookies and deliver them once a month for six months. There are now “wine of the month”, “beer of the month” and “fruit of the month” clubs available online. These make great gifts! You could surprise your spouse or significant other with a coupon for a date night once a month or a manicure once a month or offer to wash their car once a month. You could call your local florist and arrange a flower delivery for your special someone on the 15th of each month. A Netflix membership is another great gift idea.

Gifts of memories

Everybody loves to receive gifts that are personalized and creative. This year set aside some extra time and create your own gift of memories. Give a framed family picture to grandparents and relatives. Create a gratitude journal expressing your thanks and appreciation for that person. Create a scrapbook, an online photo book or a personalized photo calendar for your friend or family member. All are sure to be treasured and remembered.

Consumable gifts

Do you enjoy cooking and baking? Consider baking cookies, fudge, cakes or other special treats and giving them to teachers, co-workers and friends (unless, of course, you know they are trying to avoid these types of foods or are on a restricted diet). Also try giving ready-to-bake or cook mixes such as scone mix, soup mix or cocoa mix. If you know someone who loves to garden, give them a gift of garden supplies including seeds, bulbs, tools, etc.

Gifts that do good

Give a gift with real meaning. You could offer to contribute to loved one’s college fund, volunteer or donate to your local food bank, plant a tree in someone’s name. Make a donation to your recipient’s favorite charity. Give to an organization like Agros International or Heifer International who have a catalogue of items at all price ranges (such as a flock of chicks, can of worms, sheep, etc.) that benefit rural villages around the world and empower families to work their way out of poverty.

Its true that “it’s the thought that counts” when you give gifts, as long as you’re thinking of the recipient and what they will appreciate. If you’re not sure what to get someone, don’t just pick out another _______(you fill in the blank — ie: tie/book/scarf). Choose something that won’t end up becoming clutter and will get the reaction, “Wow, how thoughtful … I love it!” instead.

Sammamish resident Debbie Rosemont is the founder of Simply Placed, and a certified professional organizer and productivity consultant. Simply Placed loves to work with people who want to get and stay organized so they can save time and enjoy life. For more information, visit www.itssimplyplaced.com or call 206-579-5743.

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