Last Minute No-Clutter Gift Ideas

In these last few days before Christmas, we are reminded that time is running out. 

Thank God. 

I like the idea of Christmas, but this mad rush to spend money on stuff that eventually goes to a landfill or the back of a closet just isn't for me. 

Bah humbug.

Based on the news reports, people procrastinate with their holiday shopping because they just don't know what to get the person who seems to have everything. And that seems like most people on many people's guest list. 

Personally, I like doing things rather than having things. And if you know people like that, here are five gift ideas for the person who collects experiences, not stuff.


1. Unstuff

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Unstuff Gifts is a clearinghouse of ideas for gifts that you can "download, experience, or ingest." 

Click on an experience and visit websites of vendors offering the service or experience. From there, do your own thing...purchase the product, like a share in a CSA, or the experience, like a Breaking Bad trolley tour. 

There are ideas at every budget level, like spooning Bigfoot by reserving a campground at around $25 or un-beer-belly the one you love with a Cross-Fit membership, at $100-200/month.


2. Tinggly

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Tinggly is another experience gifting site. With gift packages starting at $125, you can offer over 100 experiences in over 50 countries for your recipient to choose. And they have up to two years to choose their gift. 

Here's more on how it works. 

3. Groupon

Groupon is still a great place to find a gift. Whether it's a paint night, a pampering massage or beauty treatment, discounts at a local restaurant or tickets to a local event, Groupon may have the perfect gift for that person who has everything. 


4. Goldstar

Goldstar is a nationwide service that offers discounted tickets to events, such as theatre, music events, and even city tours in more than thirty cities and neighborhoods across the country. There are no printed tickets; your recipient picks up the tickets at Will Call. NOTE: Make sure the recipient's name is designated for the tickets. They will need a photo ID to pick them up. 


5. Spread the local love
What about a summer share in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)? 

Or

• movie tickets
• ski passes
• sleigh rides
• theme park passes
• mani/pedis
• massages
• hair services
• cooking classes...Sur la Table and Williams Sonoma offer them  
• fun fitness classes like CrossFit or a yoga pass
• local library passes
• local continuing ed class
• school vacation camp
• homemade gift certificates for babysitting, date night or a girls' night out

Nowadays, adults generally buy what they want and need. By gifting experiences, people have the opportunity to try new things that may lead to new hobbies that bring year-round fun for years to come. 

Experiences give people memories. 

I hope your holiday makes memories that bring joy for a lifetime.