Janice

Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #7

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Has someone told you not to buy them any gifts? They don’t “need” anything. They tell you they have way too many things in their home already. You still want to get them a gift but now you have no idea what to buy them. It’s time to consider “clutter free” gifts that can be used up without adding to their “things”.

Here is a list of clutter free or almost clutter free gifts.

1. Gift certificates: restaurants, movie theaters, live theater season tickets, sporting events, a day of pampering at a local day spa.

2. Donation made in their honor to their favorite charity.

3. Membership to a Public TV station or their favorite subscription website.

4. Buy items for a needy family in their honor. (check local charities for info) They may want to help with picking out the items.

5. Give certificates for services you provide: Babysitting, car washing, sweeping out the basement or garage, painting a room, etc. These are good for older children to give to their parents and grandparents and they don’t cost any money.

6. Favorite food items: cookies, cakes, gourmet coffee or tea, candy, etc. Make sure that the container you give the items in won’t add to the recipient’s clutter.

7. Gifts for pampering themselves: lotions, shower gels, perfume, candles, etc. Like above, make sure there aren’t containers that will add to their clutter such as baskets or other fancy gift containers.

If you have any suggestions for clutter free gifts then please share them in the comment section.

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #6

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Do you get caught up in spending too much for gifts? We have been conditioned to think that the price of a gift shows the person how much we love them. It’s time to rethink the idea of “expensive” gifts equals more love.

The easiest way to change this kind of thinking is to have a family meeting and set a limit on how much anyone should spend on one another. This idea can apply to friends or co-workers as well. This will help you plan out your budget and stay within it.

Setting limits on how much is spent per gift/person will eliminate the competition for who loves someone more. You won’t get stressed out and go broke trying to show your love.

Time is more precious than gold. Giving the gift of your time shows more love than any material gift can.

If you have any tips to share please leave them in the comment section.

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #5

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If you feel overwhelmed with the amount of people you have to buy gifts for it may be time to change your gift giving traditions. Talk to your friends and family and suggest that instead of gifts this year that they donate to a charity. You can do this several different ways.

1. Donate to your favorite charity in their honor and ask that they do the same with the charity of their choice. Most charities will send a card letting them know a donation (not the amount) was made in their honor. It’s easy to do this by phone or online with a credit card. You will want to give them your own holiday card to let them know because sometimes the charities are slow in getting their cards mailed.

2. You could have a Christmas party a week or two before Christmas and have friends and family bring gifts to the party that will be donated to a charity or shelter. Make arrangements with a charity before hand and ask what kinds of items they are looking for. After the party you can drop off the gifts or arrange for the charity to pick them up.

With the first suggestion above you will save a lot of time and the hassle of shopping. The second suggestion will be a lot more time consuming but if you are shopping for families in need then you will have a purpose for the shopping. That will make it a lot more meaningful for you and your family.

Please share any tips you have to simplify the holidays in the comment section.

Thanks,

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #4

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This is the time of year with lots of parties. Sometimes you know way ahead of time when the party is and sometimes it seems like it’s last minute. If you like to bring a gift to the host or hostess you will want to have a few simple gifts on the shelf to grab before you head out the door.

Here are some easy food gifts that can be bought ahead of time.

1. Speciality preserves or jellies.

2. Gourmet teas or coffees.

3. Cans or jars of fancy nuts.

Buy only a few gifts and ones that you like. If you don’t use them all as gifts you can treat yourself later.

You will also want to have some kind of easy form of wrapping ready to go.

1. Buy a few small gift bags at the dollar store along with some tissue paper.

2. Wrap the gifts in fancy tissue paper and use ribbon to tie it up.

3. Have pre-made bows ready to be put on top or ribbon to tie around the jars.

If you have any tips to share please write them in the comment section.

Thanks,

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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Simplify Your Holidays – Tip #3

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It’s already December 5. Christmas is only 20 days away. If you are mailing out cards and/or packages you need to be aware of the suggested last mailing dates put out by the United States Postal Service. The last day for First Class Mail is Dec 21. That’s only 17 days away. If you are mailing a package by Parcel Post then you have until Dec 16. That is only 12 days away.

Now is the time to buy those stamps so you can get the cards in the mail soon. You don’t want to waste your time standing in long lines because you waited till the last minute. Any gifts that need mailing should be bought now and mailed as soon as possible.

Chanukah starts next Friday, Dec 11. If you are sending out Chanukah cards you’ll want to get them in the mail by Monday or Tuesday of this coming week. Since the holiday lasts 8 days you have a little leeway if the cards or packages don’t arrive by the first day.

Any packages or cards being sent overseas, especially military need to be sent out as soon as possible. For all suggested mailing dates you can check out the USPS website.

There is nothing wrong with sending cards and packages early. It’s much better than being stressed by waiting in long lines at the post office. You will be able to enjoy your holidays so much more knowing the recipients of your love and friendship have received their cards and packages in time.

If you have any tips to share on “Simplifying Your Holidays ” then please share them in the comment section.

Thanks

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

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