It’s hard to buy a gift for everyone you know. You have to choose the right gift at the right price, and wrap it well. The thing to consider when you are buying a gift is that you want to bless them, not burden them with something they have to store, but can’t throw away.

Many people have too much stuff already. Before you buy something for someone else, ask yourself if it will bless them. You don’t want to give a gift that someone will feel they can’t get rid of just because you gave it to them.
Here are some ideas for gifts that you can give this year that won’t add to other people’s clutter.

Consider consumable
I love consumable gifts because they have a shelf life. The most common consumable gifts for women are flowers and chocolates. Flowers die and chocolates get eaten so you can give them over and over again. Other consumable gifts include theater tickets, restaurant meals, or paying for someone’s spa trip. Then you give pleasure to the receiver and don’t add to the clutter in their home. Or plan a special day with your friend that you know they will enjoy.

Consider hand made
If you have time to make something for your friends or relatives then that shows them that you care a lot. It tells them too that you have put time and effort into preparing a gift for them. Handmade items can also be personalized easier than store bought presents.

Gift Cards
While you may use gift cards when you can’t think of anything else to give, if you do give cards or money, try and dress them up to look more like a present. The store you buy your gift card from will often sell attractive gift boxes for the cards.

Use Your Imagination
Take some time to think about the person you are giving a gift to. Ask yourself what they need in their life and can you help them? For the mom with small children, maybe she would like an hour or two of babysitting as a present. Also for moms with small children, blessing them with cleaning their home is another good present.

Clothes
Buying clothes for other people is difficult as you don’t’ know for certain if it will fit. Don’t buy something you expect to be returned as you just make unnecessary work for the store assistants.

Re-gifting
If you receive something you don’t like, it’s OK to re-gift it. Just don’t’ give it back to the person it came from! Give the gift because you think the recipient would like it and not because you want to get rid of it.

Presenting the gift
The appearance of the gift is important. A well-wrapped gift is very attractive and makes the present so much more meaningful. And remember, it is the thought that counts.