Comments on: Friends Don’t Give Friends Clutter For Christmas

By: jess

jess — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:06:08 +0000

my entire family agrees with you. We gave up on christmas presents years ago and instead we all contribute food for a great christmas lunch and dinner. I really love christmas and I spend zero time fighting crowds at shopping centres.

On the flip side, my husbands family love to give junk presents all the time, my MIL spoils me rotten with the most awful knick knacks and clutter. I have learnt to be quietly thankful that they are so cheap though because it is great when these gifts break within a week! That way I can get rid of them quickly (I do feel a sharp pang of guilt though when I think about landfill)

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:38:14 +0000

When I was younger, I would have wanted stuff. Now, though, I appreciate the thought that goes into a gift that’s an event. I’ve received hockey tickets to spend time with my in-laws. Not something I would do regularly, but a great experience.

By: Paula Jo

Paula Jo — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:18:09 +0000

Everything you wrote is so, so true. I give people gifts that they really can use. For my mom and brother i give them grocery store gift certificates to their favorite store in their town. They go on and on what a nice gift it it, and it really helps them out. Sometimes I will give my family just money, so they can get what they want or just to go out and have a good time. It’s easier on me, and they don’t have to stand in line to take something back. I hate clutter so i try to avoid it. It just drives me crazy. LOL

By: Aviva Goldfarb

Aviva Goldfarb — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:00:06 +0000

How about the gift of music? Cds don’t take up much space, or you can give gift certificates for music to download. Do people still make “mix tapes”? I loved those in high school.

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:07:51 +0000

@JessaIrene: And I'll make sure to save all the Santa mugs just for you - cause you know you want more!

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:07:19 +0000

@Mess Buster: I’m all about the consumables – our house is so small that we don’t have room for any more stuff – but give me wine or chocolate and I’m all over it!

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:06:47 +0000

@Erin: Love the secret Santa – you are right – it is really nice to just get something you can actually use and enjoy instead of a bunch of small trinkets. Great idea!

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:05:40 +0000

@Jim Deitzel: I love the kids coupons – in fact, I remember doing this when I was a kid. Hmmm, I wonder what my husband is going to get this year from our daughter?

By: Jim Deitzel

Jim Deitzel — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:31:15 +0000

My kids give me Clutter-Free gifts. Typically they are home-made ‘coupons’. Things like: Good for 1 car wash, Good for taking out the trash, Good for cleaning my room.

Very thoughtful, helpful and 100% clutter-free.

By: Erin

Erin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:29:04 +0000

My family this year is doing a secret Santa exchange to cut down on spending and all the stuff we receive. Instead of getting presents from like 20 people, you get one (hopefully nice, useful gift) from one person and have the fun of trying to guess who gave the gift!