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Is there a time when you find yourself in a book store/clothing store/drugstore/superstore in search of a special gift? You need something quickly because your spouse/child/self have completely forgotten you have to pick up a gift for someone special. The age old “what should I get” combined with “what do they want?” and the practical “what do they need?”. A toy, a TV, video games, a sweater… these are the usual things that people get. But this year, I want you to consider giving ‘perishable’ or clutter-free gifts. Give a gift that doesn’t add ‘stuff’ to your closet, your kitchen, your playroom. Here are a few suggestions:
Gift Giving for your spouse:
- tickets to a sports event (basketball, football, hockey, soccer)
- a night out with the boys (beer, pizza, a big screen t.v.) or girls (a glass of wine at your local gastro-pub)
- a romantic dinner with tickets to the local theatre (o.k. that may be for both of you
) - a weekend away in a small town inn near a lake (add a bottle of wine)
- a series of reiki or massage treatments (with wine & chocolates)
- a night out with the girls (you stay home & babysit while she goes out)
- an e-reader so they can download books instead of buying them
- music streaming service (iTunes, Spotify)
Gift Giving for your teenager:
- tickets to the movies (including a ride to the theatre for their friends)
- Gift cards to Subway,McDonald’s, Chipotle (any fast food place)
- gift certificate to play paintball, laser tag, bowling
- a gym membership for three months
- gift certificate to a salon (hair cut, nails, pedicure, facial)
- Chocolates
- iTunes card
- gift card to EB Games (to buy video games)
Gift Giving for your College Student:
- gift certificate to a grocery store
- meal kits- provides all the ingredients and the recipes delivered to their door (Hello Fresh, Chef’s Plate, Good Food)
- gift certificate to a favourite local restaurant
- gas cards
- Starbuck’s card
- movie tickets
- gift certificates for the beer or liquor store (19+)
- cleaning services for their apartment or house which they share
Gift Giving for your children:
- a bowling party for four of their friends
- membership to the Science Museum
- Ski lessons (or skating or swim lessons)
- a mini-mani-pedi for little girls
- movie tickets (really, anyone can go to the movies)
- pass to an adventure land (indoor climbing, sliding, jumping, running area)
Gift Giving for the grandparents:
- a spectacular bottle of wine, box of chocolates
- bouquet of flowers
- dinner at their favourite restaurant
- tickets to the theatre
- a digital photo frame with the pictures pre-loaded (yes, it is a non-perishable because it will minimize the amount of photos lying around. Just scan their favourites pictures)
- iPad – download music and books
- Reiki, Hot Stone Massage
- plane ticket to see a relative (if you can afford this option and they are healthy to travel, seniors don’t always make special trips)
- specially made ‘coupon’ book with special treats (extra hugs, a walk by the beach, doing your laundry, dropping off a meal, picking up groceries, cutting your grass). Any task that may be a chore for them but may be very easy for you (or the grandkids).
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All of these suggestions are very personal and help you say “I care about how you are and I want you to relax and have fun”. Make sure to consider the amount of stuff that is in your home. Know that the less you have the freer and lighter you will feel.
So think outside the box and consider giving a clutter-free gift to someone you love… Let stuff is more…always.
🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
🏡 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
🚙 Hit the Road: Car Rental Deals
🛫 Get Away: Find Flight Deals
🎒 Shop: Travel Essentials