The numbers are a retailer’s dream, but a consumer’s nightmare. The average American will spend $1,250 this holiday season on gifts, travel, and entertainment.
These numbers might be acceptable if the gifts we were buying and the possessions we were accumulating were actually increasing the happiness in our lives. But that’s not the case.
Over half of us will receive unwanted gifts this year—a staggering $16 billion wasted on unwanted gifts! Eighteen percent of gifts are never used by the person who receives them and 4 percent are immediately thrown into the trash!
The reality is that our homes are already overcrowded with clutter. In fact, the average American home has 300,000 items inside it. The thought of adding more layers of stuff on top of it? It’s all too much.
What then can we give that won’t add to the clutter problem?
99 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas:
Experiences (where applicable)
- Bowling Tickets
- Carriage Ride
- City Tour
- Comedy Club
- Community Theater
- Concert Tickets
- Dinner Gift Card
- Charitable Donation
- Escape Room
- Facial
- Family Vacation
- Horseback Riding
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Laser Tag
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Massage
- Mini Golf
- Movie Pass
- Orchestra
- Overnight Camp
- Round of Golf
- Shooting Range
- Ski Lift
- Spa Day
- Sporting Event
- Theater Tickets
- Trampoline Park
- Travel Voucher
- Water Park
- Zoo / Aquarium
Memberships
- AAA
- Amazon Prime
- Art Museum
- Audible
- Children’s Museum
- Community Pool
- Disney+
- Dollar Shave Club
- Farm Share
- Hello Fresh
- National Parks
- Netflix
- Science Museum
- Simplify Magazine
- State Parks
- Theme Park
- Toy Library
- YMCA
Time
- Babysitter
- Car Wash
- Date Night Out
- Family Portrait Session
- Gas Card
- House Cleaner
- Oil Change
- Parent/Child Date
- Personal Chef
- Pet Sitting
- Prepped Meals
- Professional Organizer
- Shoveling
- Sunday Brunch
- Yard Service
Classes
- Baking
- Cake Decorating
- Coding
- Cooking
- Dance
- Foreign Language
- Home Brewing
- Improv
- Karate
- Magic
- Master Class
- Music
- Painting/Art
- Photography
- Private Coach
- Scuba Diving
- Sports
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Voice
- Yoga
Consumables
- Baked Goods
- Chocolates
- Coffee Beans
- Coffee Gift Card
- Desserts
- Flowers
- Fruit Basket
- Local Foods
- Meat/Cheeses
- Olive Oil
- Snack Box
- Tacos
- Tea
- Video Game Gift Card
- Wine
Cathy Shields says
My daughters and their friends ( my extra daughters) all wanted to give me gifts at Christmas, and I told them I didn’t want presents, I wanted their presence… so for the last 13 years we all get together and decorate gingerbread cookies. I make loads of cookies and icing (put in zip lock bags) and we spend the evening decorating and visiting. They each have cookies to take home … they get pretty elaborate w the designs! They don’t have another gift to think about … win win win!!!
Eve says
I’m 79 and have no means of transportation since my husband died this year. I would have been lost without out prime membership from Amazon. I can order things I need and have them delivered to my door. I’m learning to use EBT card for food and they take it. I also love to read and watch movies. I was blessed we had membership already. But some don’t.
Membership to Walmart and Amazon have been a blessing. Best gift ever for someone like me just to survive. Paying for haircut and offering ride there and back is priceless to them. What would you need if tomorrow you had no transportation? Do that for the disabled or elderly. Make their Christmas bright.???
Martha says
This sounds perfect for the occasions. Every year we have an issue with the boys. There is very little choices for clothing, books, etc. so money wise, they have to earn them. This year, for the three of them, we decide that they will get a car wash certificate. I am still searching online for specials, for all. Does Uber offers certificate, I think my mother in laws would love those. Happy Holidays!
Betsy says
Dear Eve,
Some groceries offer InstantCart and deliver green vegetables to your house. If someone is in need of fresh fruits and greens it becomes very convenient. I am sure this could be helpful during winter. Betsy.
Betsy says
I just checked it is “Instacart” not InstantCart
Ldk says
Excellent insight Eve.
Thank you and bless you for being willing to try new technologies to help you live independently.
Becky Bell says
I’m praying for you right now, in so many ways. Your message has blessed my heart, & surely many others. I’m so sorry that your husband was called Home this year. I’m happy that you had a husband, & I hope your heart is filled with years of wonderful memories.
God Bless You.
Mohan says
Great list of gifts to note. Stealing some of this for my ideas. Thanks for sharing
Lee Fleming says
Would love to see a list relevant during the pandemic!
joshua becker says
Most of this list is relevant, although some items depend on where you live certainly.
Amie says
When I click on your book titles the link shows your books are included with audible. I joined audible and it says they are not included. That is disappointing. I was looking forward to listening to them while I organize my home.
Yesenia Gonzalez says
Skip the first section relating to outdoors and focus on the below lists that are fantastic.
Hank says
I enjoy getting and giving a good gift. But there’s just so much waste you’re creating from every product that you purchase. Especially if you’re making the purchase online — say on Amazon. And before the wrapping and packaging can become actual waste, I tend to let them stay in the house for too long to become a semi-permanent clutter. I clean them out periodically but it just feels like a never-ending cycle. These gift ideas you’re providing are super awesome! And it would definitely help someone like me who tends to hoard stuff.
Bridgid says
I love this list
I had so few gifts to wrap this year I felt “guilty” of not buying enough… here were my gifts for 2019
Pizza box with gift certificate taped inside
Unlimited concert pass for the season for our local concert venue
Dinner and a movie gift card
Printed google picture of items that required selection from recipient that I would put Charles after selection was made
Wine glasses and bottle of wine
Odette says
For recipients over 55, I would suggest an AARP membership. Awesome value for $16/year.
LadyLinda says
A great alternative to AARP is AMAC (The Association of Mature American Citizens). Also at just $16/yr, it is a conservative option with lots of discounts for us Seniors and has been around for 15 years now. I enjoy their monthly magazine with wonderful articles celebrating America with intriguing stories about our people and our history. Give it a try: (855) 624-6243
LeeAnn Tyler says
Another option for 55+ is Association of Mature American Citizens. We do that, rather than AARP.
Ali says
AMAC is a great alternative to AARP.
Mary Gallagher says
Give vouchers for meals, services etc provided by local businesses and keep money circulating in your local community.
Michelle says
Gr8 one!! ✝️?????
Sari kem says
Perfect idea?
Jason Reagan says
A nice card that says:
A donation has been made in your name to the human fund. The human fund: money for people
Sari kem says
This is an excellent idea!
Thank you for sharing?
Aaronne Stoddard says
Lol nice subtle reference ???
Kate Schell says
How about gifts to charities in their name? No waste, and it helps someone in need.
Shannon says
#8 says Charitable Donations! Happy Holidays and a great 2020!