Give Experiences, Not Clutter: A Simpler Way to Celebrate the Holidays

The holidays are meant to feel joyful, cozy, and connected, but for many of us, they come with added pressure, overspending, and more stuff entering our homes. As an organizer, I see the same cycle: we spend weeks trying to declutter the house only to bring in a fresh stash of things during the holidays.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There’s a gentler, more intentional approach to gift-giving. This one, however, creates memories, reduces clutter, and keeps your home (and your mind) feeling lighter.

This year, consider shifting your focus from presents to presence by giving experiences instead of things.

Why Experiences Make the Best Gifts

Experiences don’t take up space…they create space.

Space for connection.

Space for memories.

Space for joy.

They help us step away from the “stuff cycle” and allow us to invest in the moments that truly matter. Experiences are also personal, meaningful, and often more appreciated than items that get used once and forgotten.

Some of my favorite clutter-free gift ideas:

• Tickets to a concert, play, or local event

• A spa day or massage

• A Broadway show

• Gift cards to indoor golf range or aquarium

• A cooking, pottery, or painting class

• Memberships to museums or nature centers

• A weekend getaway or staycation

• An afternoon doing something meaningful together like coffee, a walk, a craft, anything that builds connection

• Gym memberships/personal training sessions

  
  

These gifts last long after the wrapping paper is gone.

My Favorite Tradition: Gift Intentionally

When my kids were younger, I was overwhelmed by the consumerism of the holidays, so I made a decision to keep things simple with one of my favorite gift giving traditions.

Something they want.

Something they need.

Something to wear.

Something to read.

It’s a beautifully balanced way to give with purpose without overwhelming your home or your holiday budget. Kids know what to expect and you aren’t stressed out trying to make gifts “equal” for each child. Y’all know they count their gifts under the tree, right? Don’t kid yourself.

This framework ensures each gift has a purpose, encourages thoughtful choices, and keeps the focus on the enjoyment of each other rather than quantity or price tag of a gift.

How Intentional Gifts Reduce Clutter

1. They limit the number of items coming in.

   Less stuff means less stress and less post-holiday cleanup.

2. They promote mindful buying.

   When you choose gifts with care, you naturally avoid impulse purchases and “filler gifts.”

3. They help teach children (and adults!) the value of simplicity. Holidays become about connection, not accumulation and consumerism.

4. They support your long-term goals. If you’ve been trying to declutter, organize, or simplify, intentional gifting keeps you aligned with those goals...not working against them.

A Holiday Season That Feels Lighter

If you’re craving a calmer, more meaningful holiday this year, try giving more experiences and less “stuff”. Wrap memories, not clutter. Choose gifts that feel purposeful and joyful. And if you try the “want/need/wear/read” tradition, you might be surprised by how much easier and more meaningful gift-giving becomes.

Next year, your Black Friday may look so much different.

Your home and your heart will feel the difference too.