If you have to think too hard about what someone needs, maybe it’s because they need nothing at all, or nothing physical.
Vicky Silverthorn, author of
Start With Your Sock Drawer, has helped celebrities and busy families declutter their homes and simplify their lives. Vicky wants us to forget about ‘stuff’ and start to think differently about what we're going to give this Christmas: “My bookings in January always involve taking unwanted gifts to the charity shop. This means not only wasted money but emotionally it’s pretty heartbreaking too.” Here are some ideas with this in mind:
1. The gift of nature and adventure
A
National Trust membership card. There are over 500 places to visit and parking is included.
2. The gift of time together
Why not agree with your friendship groups, that instead of gifts you are going to have dinner out together. Use an app like
Doodle to agree a date. You'll enjoy being together much more than the stress of having to buy individual gifts.
3. The gift of experience
For the family, why not give theme park, cinema, bowling or theatre tickets? What a lovely thought that your gift encourages the family to spend time together.
Cineworld do Christmas Gift bundle for two with drinks and popcorn.
4. The gift of appreciation
Good Gifts for someone who truly has everything. For example, a soft blanket and clothes for a newborn baby cost £10.00, protect 50 people from river blindness for £50.00 and for £45.00 you can buy two goats for a family in Africa. To many of us this is just a stocking filler but it could be a life changer to the recipient. Vouchers start from £10.00.
4. The gift of relaxation
A massage, treatment or spa day. Choose a location that’s local to keep it simple. Alternatively, for extra busy people choose a
mobile beauty service that comes to your home.
5. The gift of ambience
Neom Naturals are organic and 100% natural fragrances for the mind and body. Giving a gift that is enjoyed and is used up means less clutter in the home. Scented items usually have a shelf life and these candles are to be enjoyed every day and not just saved for best. £30.00
6. The gift of hydration
A perfect, yet unusual gift for the health conscious. This
filtration system can sit on your countertop and gets rid of around 99.99% of parasites, harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and much more.
7. The gift of gastronomy
A lovely gift for you and friend to give each other to spend time together and learn some extra skills. Book into a
cooking class for example, or arrange a private lesson in your own home.
8. The gift of health and headspace
A pay-as-you-go
personal assistant or
decluttering service can help you get on top of things and spend more quality time in the home with friends and family.
