What To Put On Your Christmas List When You Want To Avoid Clutter!

Are you dreading the holidays only because you made real progress on decluttering your home this year and you don’t want to face the new clutter that well-intentioned Christmas gifts might create? Here is a list of clutter-free Christmas gifts that you can put on your Christmas list that will end your holiday dread.

What To Put On Your Christmas List When You Don’t Want More Clutter

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1. Needed Items

Have you lost your beloved travel mug recently and haven’t replaced it yet? If so, put on your Christmas list. I have heard rave reviews about this brand; it is excellent for cold and hot beverages.

Is your only winter scarf looking worn? Put one on your Christmas list. Blanket scarves are all the rage right now.

Is your wallet looking scruffy? How about asking for a new minimalist one?

Yes, you will have to wait until Christmas, but waiting can build anticipation. And yes, there is also the chance someone might not buy one that suits your tastes–but that is what returns are for or if you can’t return it, you can donate it and someone who will love it will buy it. At least you have a chance of getting something you needed and were planning to get anyway.

2. Edible Items

What do you love to eat but rarely buy for yourself? Chocolates? A particular type of snack or cookie? Put these things on your Christmas list.

3. Items That Get Used Up

Do you love long soaks in the bath with essential oils and Epsom salts? Put essential oils and Epsom salt on your list. Perhaps ask for scented Epsom salt that you never usually splurge on or bath bombs.

Do you relax through art? Ask for art supplies. The last few Christmases I have bought my budding artist new sketchbooks and high-quality pencils. She loves them and they are used up well before next Christmas.

Prefer coloring? Ask for a new adult coloring book and high quality felts.

Do you love to have a scented candle burning in your home at all times? Ask for a few in your favorite scents. Or ask for a new type and smell.

4. Experience Gifts

Ask the kids to take you out to a movie instead of buying you another knick-knack. Or perhaps you have always wanted to try rock climbing. If so, ask the hubby for a day pass to the local climbing wall and one for him too, so he can join you. Ask the grandkids to take you to lunch at your favorite restaurant. Ask your friend for a coffee date instead of another coffee mug.

5. Gift Cards

Gift cards allow you to pick out the exact thing you need. Or they can allow you to treat yourself to a few of your favorite foods or drinks whenever you want.

Psst…Did you know you can earn gift cards doing things you already do online? Check out this list of 15 websites and apps that include many programs where you can do just that.

6. Acts Of Service Gifts

What talents do your loved ones have that you lack?

Perhaps your cousin is awesome with computers and yours really needs a tune-up. Ask if he would be willing to spend a few hours tuning yours up as a gift.

Is your mom great at cooking and you haven’t taken the time to learn yet? Ask if she will cook you up a few of your favorite meals that are freezer-friendly as your Christmas gift.

Got a brother who is an excellent handyman and you are all thumbs? Ask him to donate a day of his time to fix a few items in your home.

psst…if you want to give a few acts of service gifts yourself, here is a post I wrote about how to give them without turning to creating coupons no one ever cashes in.

I know that sometimes it is awkward to ask for a gift that is a little out of the norm such as an experience gift or a service gift– especially if the giver has always given you the same type of gift year after year. But true givers really do want to give a gift that is appreciated so you shouldn’t feel bad asking for what would bring you joy. Yes, there will always be those few that ignore your request and get you another knickknack that is clutter from the moment it is unwrapped, but that is okay. Smile, graciously receive the gift and then later donate it to a place where it can find an owner that loves it while you continue to gift yourself with a clutter-free home.

Trying to get rid of clutter? Find support in my Snail Pace Clutter Removers Facebook group.