The months before the Holidays are often stressful and last-minute shopping can break the bank. Having a plan for gift giving and budgeting will save you time and money in the long run. Here are 10 Tips on how to have an organized gift-giving that won’t break the bank or create clutter.

1. Create a budget for holiday gift spending; Practice saving throughout the year, so your December paycheck does not get hit so hard with extra expenses. December comes around once a year and ideally, we should be putting aside a little bit of money every month, all year round (even $30/Month will bring $360 by December for gifts if you start saving in January). Christmas is not an emergency, try not to use your emergency fund or a credit card to buy gifts (It will cost you more in the end if you go into debt, because you will have to pay interest on borrowed money). If you have a small budget this year that’s ok, make sure you stick to a number that will not break the bank. There are many great gifts that are low-cost or even free (We will list a couple in this article).

2. Make a gift list and stick to that list before you go shopping. In 2020 the average American spent $650 on Christmas gifts. Don’t just go into the store without a plan, I guarantee you will overspend. Ask the person you want to gift something to if there is anything they need or want before you make your list. It is so much more satisfying to receive a gift one really needs/wants instead of random stuff that usually ends up somewhere in the back of a closet anyway and creates unwanted clutter.

Related: How to organize your finances

3. Shop early and look for sales. When you are looking for a specific item, wait for sales throughout the year, you will get a better price most of the time. Best sales are usually during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but with shipping and product delays caused by the pandemic make sure to check out Slickdeals.net on a regular basis. Ideally have all presents bought or ordered by the end of November, so you can steer clear of overcrowded stores and long lines.

“ In 2020 the average American spent $650 on Christmas gifts.”

— Capital Counselor

4. Gift Consumables; What if you don’t know what the person on your list wants or needs? Consumables, like homemade cookies, chocolate, or wine are usually very welcomed gifts that can be used up without creating clutter (just be aware of food allergies such as nuts and berries).

5. Try experience gifts. If your family is really outdoorsy they might enjoy a membership to the Zoo or a coupon for Paddleboarding/Canoeing. Maybe you have that friend that’s really into hiking/walking and has been asking you to join them on their weekly endeavor. This is your chance to pick out the route and spend time with them as well as get some exercise (and it’s free).

6. We all need more self-care but often just don’t take the time to actually schedule it or might even feel guilty about doing something for ourselves. A massage, facial, manicure or pedicure are all great clutter-free gifts for the caretakers in our community that also deserve some “rest and relaxation”.

7. What about Gift Cards? Yes, some may say that’s not very creative but as a former teacher let me tell you that Starbucks and Target gift cards always made my day a little brighter (because, you know, teachers run on coffee and get all their supplies at Target/or the Dollar Tree ;D). If you know the person’s favorite store or restaurant, a gift card will surely be used and appreciated.

8. Cleaning, Babysitting or Lawn service; hire the neighborhood kid that cuts lawns or babysits (or do it yourself = free) to give your spouse a day off. Cleaning and professional organizing services have also been a popular favorite for clutter-free gifts.

9. Lotto/scratcher tickets are a budget-friendly yet playful way to gift, add a card and/or a photo for good luck, maybe they’ll hit the jackpot.

10. Do something nice in their name. This is a great gift for someone that already has everything or someone that is a minimalist. You can give money to a charity of their choice, volunteer by serving meals in a soup kitchen or help clean up the beach in their name. This is a thoughtful way to give back and show appreciation and could possibly only cost your time.

If these ideas inspired you to gift something new or create a holiday budget (maybe for next year), I would love to hear from you in the comments. I hope you have safe, joyful and happy holidays.

If you have de-cluttered your home before or have a minimalist mindset it can be challenging to give gifts. If you enjoy a clutter-free home you don’t want to clutter up someone else’s space. There are some categories for clutter-free gifts:

· Consumables

· something that is a need

· Something that isn’t physical

· Something that sparks joy (can be physical, but is not considered clutter)

Here are some ideas of gifts to give that are not going to clutter up anyone’s space and support local San Diego businesses:

Photo session. Whether it be a family photo shoot or a business head shot session, professional photos are great for prints, artwork on your wall, or sharing on social media. Gift cards are available from Brisa Roberts Photography.

Food. Everyone loves a good meal they don’t have to cook up themselves. With more than 7000 restaurants to choose from why not try something new and support a local restaurant in these exceptional times? Twist is a unique casual restaurant located in North Park, San Diego. They serve a combination of staple American dishes with ethnic ingredients. Burgers, sandwiches, wings, and fries are the foundation of their eclectic menu. Buy a gift card from this top-rated restaurant here>>>.

Color Street. Are you tired of the shutdowns for in-person salon services, but want your nails looking like a million bucks? Try color street stick-on gel manicure nails. They are easy to put on and last up to two weeks without discoloring your actual nail. When you are done just pull them off and add a new set! Order a nail kit from the comfort of your home and have it shipped to a friend or family member’s house.

Event Coupons. A new year needs new goals. Invite your entrepreneur friend to a fun vision board making experience at FEMX Quarters. This women-owned business is a modern, feminine co-working space, and amazing event venue in San Diego.

Estate planning. Why does one need an estate plan? To avoid probate, reduce estate taxes, and to protect beneficiaries and assets. You can prevent family discord and costly legal expenses by taking the time to designate a guardian and trustee for your minor beneficiaries. San Diego Legacy Law can help you provide asset protection for your family and other beneficiaries.

Home organizing. Know someone that is overwhelmed by clutter? Give the gift of a home organizing service that teaches the skills to de-clutter and become more organized long term. In-home service or convenient online learning courses are available to access from anywhere in the world.

If you own a business or know someone who offers clutter-free gifts, please comment with the website address for readers to see. I hope these ideas are helpful, if you like to give or have received clutter-free gifts I would love to hear your ideas in the comments as well.

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Ten tips on how to have an organized gift giving that won’t break the bank or create clutter