As we enter this season of giving, it’s a good time to think about what type of gifts are really going to be meaningful and special and not just add more stuff to already overstuffed lives & homes. In a time where our economy is in distress and our budgets are tighter than usual, so many people have experienced having to cut back on luxuries and extras in the past year. Instead of a typical exchange of gifts, why not consider giving the gift of services, experiences, time or charity to your loved ones that allow them to put some of these back into their lives.
Maybe your sister wanted to take art classes, but couldn’t afford to. Purchase a series of classes for her to take in 2010. Or maybe a married couple you know weren’t able to splurge on a night out for themselves as other family needs took precedence. You could get them tickets to a theatre show or concert and give a home-made gift certificate offering to babysit for them the night of the event. Have a friend who loves the movies? Buy them a subscription to Netflix or an AMC gift card and schedule a movie night that you can all enjoy together.
Not only will these gifts bring joy but you are actively participating in helping people manage the overload of stuff that’s constantly coming into their lives. In fact, there are probably people you know who wanted to get on top of their stuff this year but weren’t in a position to get the help they needed. Why not buy them a Supreme Organization gift certificate to give them the start they need?
Spending valuable time with friends and family is not only the best gift of all, but truly gives meaning to the word, ‘thankful’.
~ Jodie ~
10 Space Saving Holiday Gift Ideas:
Giving gifts that won’t add a ton more stuff to already overstuffed lives is a great way to go this 
holiday season.
- Netflix Subscription – Give this to your favorite movie fanatic! They will love browsing all the movies online, updating their queue and ordering movies they can keep as long as they like all year round.
- Tickets- Do some research. Where is your friend’s favorite place to go on the weekends? Whether a museum, sporting event or to the theater, you’ll be sure to please when you have their interests in mind.
- Gift Cards – Know your friend’s favorite place to eat, or favorite place to relax? Buy them a night out with their special someone at a romantic restaurant or help them de-stress by sending them to the spa!
- Music & Photos – Make your special someone a photo CD of some of your best times together or download music from iTunes and create a CD with songs you know they’ll enjoy.
- Day Trips – Purchase an outing that your friend or family member will love. Visit wine country for some wine tasting or plan a helicopter or boat trip. A day to play is always a great gift for busy, overstressed people.
- Theme Parks – For little or big kids (that would be me!) give tickets for Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Zoo or LegoLand. These make great gifts and will have a much greater impact than a toy they’re already bored with by New Year anyway.
- Magazine Subscription – If you know your friend goes to Barnes & Noble every few weeks to pick up the latest Vogue Magazine, buy them a subscription! It’s the gift that keeps on giving all year long. And for kids, consider subscriptions to Time for Kids, or Highlights Magazines. They will love receiving them every month.
- Classes - Tennis lessons, swim classes, piano or guitar lessons, scrapbooking or art classes. These are all great ideas that will enrich the life of the person you give them to.
- Flowers & Fruit – Fresh flowers always bring joy to the recipient and you can’t go wrong with a beautiful basket of fresh, seasonal fruits that are healthy and delicious. Definitely a welcome treat after all the holiday candy!
- Baked Goods – Nothing’s better than a little love in the tummy! Bake your loved ones their favorite cookies or brownies and decorate them with holiday flare
Contact Jodie Watson:
If you have any questions, would like to schedule a free professional organizing telephone consultation, or would like Jodie Watson to speak at your next corporate function, group meeting, social event, or retreat, call at (818) 590-7800. You can also contact Jodie on Facebook and Twitter or visit her website at Supreme Organization.
Tags: holiday gift guide, Jodie Watson
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