If anything, we learned this past year that being with friends and family IS important. And maybe materialistic presents aren’t that valuable. Throw in supply chain and shipping issues, and creative gifting is sounding real tempting. Here are some ideas on how to really share good tidings after a crazy 2021:
1. Give a Gift that Pays it Forward – Donation Gift Giving
There are many nonprofits that offer gifts that give, like these adorable stuffed animal baskets from the World Wildlife Federation. Or turtle coasters that benefit Positive Legacy. Or chandelier earrings from The Metropolitan Museum of Art . Give a gift that pays it forward. Tip: During this holiday, don’t order anything unless it says “in stock”. And check the shipping time.
2. Shared time, or “Presence over Presents”
Especially kids, they love an hour set aside with a loved one. Give them a gift certificate for an hour, afternoon, or activity of their choice. Do this with your family or friends, too, but make it a lunch date, dinner date, show, hiking or day of their selected activities. Tip: Try www.shopify.com for a custom gift certificate.
3. Donate to a Charitable Organization
While many of us are exchanging presents and spending time with loved ones this holiday there are so many who are not as fortunate. If you want to gift something that gives back consider supporting a charity this season. It could be a local shelter, food pantry a Secret Santa program. Consider an organizations such as Toys for Tots or Operation Blessing. With a little research you can figure out a way for you and your family to give to those in need. It’s truly a gift for you AND the recipient when you make someone’s holiday a bit brighter!
4. Take Time to Create!
Making items for decoration, gifts or even yourself is always a wonderful mental break. Even better, do it with a family member or friend so you can share creative ideas. Michael’s has a jolly large quantity of craft kits! And of course, Pinterest has so many ideas from kids’ projects to toilet paper snowmen. Business Plug Tip: if you become obsessed with crafting, and need to figure out how to organize your new hobby, business or side-hustle of DIY art, In Order to Succeed can help you orderly set up your space .
5. Cut the Clutter – Gift Ideas for Home Organizing Enthusiasts
Ok, the thought of organizing during the holidays just puts another task on your plate. And the stress of #Covid2020 and #Covid2021 may have been too much for you to deal with this goal last year. But what if you decide, as a 2022 New Year’s Resolution, to de-clutter your house? A future long term project can get you through the December frenzies. My favorite organizer? Marie Kondo. Her book and Netflix series changed my attitude towards de-cluttering. And then, of course, all the staff at IOTS can help anyone clean out a house, room, office or closet. New year, clutter-free house!
6. Take a Hike. Or Beachwalk. Or Stroll in the Park.
Or check out holiday decorations in your nearby city or town, by foot. If you didn’t learn during the height of the pandemic that walking is good for stress and your soul, it’s not too late. You can even refer to this activity with a fancy name, “flaneuring”. This French-derived word, means to leisurely ramble and soak up the beauty in those details we otherwise overlook. Leave your phone home, or on “Do Not Disturb” (you’re only bringing it to take pictures, correct?).
This holiday season will hopefully be different than last (Omicron, please go away). So MAKE it different. Give the gifts that won’t create clutter. Offer up more to those you care about, those you don’t know, and also to yourself. Spend time with the people you love but be sure to remember to take time for yourself to decompress every once in a while too.