Skip to main content

10 Great Gift Ideas (that aren't "stuff")

What do you get your loved one when they don't want "stuff"?

Why do we buy stuff?

It's especially tricky at Christmas. All those Christmas images of big shiny box-shaped presents sitting under an enormous tree. All the ads and all the stores showing us objects that we can buy for each other. Everything points us that way. So much pressure to do the 'Christmassy thing'.

Does it makes us happy?

More people every year find they have enough stuff. Too much stuff. The thought of receiving yet more stuff is the opposite of a Merry Christmas.

"I don't want any more stuff" they'll say.
"But it's Christmas, and I want to give you something", you say.

Here's the answer

You can both enjoy Christmas if you give a gift that isn't "stuff". You can show you care. They get a gift they really appreciate.

But we need ideas from outside the box. Ideas that we won't find in sales catalogues.

That's what my new ebook is for. To start the ball rolling with some innovative ideas that people love - even if they don't want "stuff".

10 Great Gift Ideas for people who don't want "stuff".

These are ideas for gifts that don't clutter up the place, are less wasteful and can be really meaningful without costing a fortune.

This is for you

If you're giving a gift to someone who doesn't want "stuff", this book is for you. Did I mention it's free?

Are you the person?

If you're someone who doesn't want "stuff" you may want to share this page with your loved ones. It might be awkward, but not as awkward as pretending you like stuff you don't want.

See my page about "Gift face", then share this page so people have a better idea what to get you. They really want to give you a gift you like, they just don't know where to start. Also, consider a SoKind registry to give them a really big clue.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The real cost of owning a car

It's been about 10 years since I've owned a car. My wife doesn't own one either. "You must save a lot in petrol" That's one of the frequent reactions when someone discovers we don't own a car. "Of course, but it's just the tip of the iceberg" is the usual theme of my reply. Many people I've talked to just aren't fully aware of the real cost of owning a car. Or even that there are six different costs of owning a car. Six? Really? Yes. Occasionally a work colleague or friend will boast their car only costs $X per week. Of course it turns out only some factors have been counted. Sometimes it's just petrol alone. To some people, that feels like the only cost they pay each week. Why does this matter? You might be questioning the need for a second car in the household (or even having one at all). Or you might just be choosing which car to get next. Either way, to make an informed decision we need proper information. So let's look at...

Man Down

How is it possible for a book to be depressing, supportive and hopeful all at once? Man Down looks at the problems men have today and how it managed to get this way. What price 'success'? It seems so many of the problems come from the external pressure to be a 'success' - whatever that means. Over time this pressure becomes internal and drives us to make decisions to satisfy that pressure, but which are detrimental in so many other ways. It can be the pressure to take a 'successful' career, though it's one we don't want or aren't suited for. Or to take a promotion, because salary is apparently success - or at least it buys all the things that signal success to others.  The promotion only means more pressure, less sleep, and poorer health. At the same time the extra responsibility takes away from our ability to exercise, take care of our health and form social connections. The lack of social connections means that retiring is one of the most dangerou...

Colour me happy

One of the great things about reducing possessions is thing called 'helper's high' . It's that fuzzy feeling you get from helping someone else out. I got one recently by helping an old man lift heavy groceries into his car boot when he was struggling. But this is not about that. I was about to put some watercolour paints online for anyone who wanted them. Then I remembered a local community group where people do art therapy. I gave the paints to a contact who passed them on to the group. The next day my contact called me to say how much they were appreciated. One of the participants wanted to do some watercolour painting, but couldn't afford the paints. When my contact walked in with free paints the participant was overjoyed to be able to do her art. As far as 'helper's highs' go, this was a slightly removed one - I never met the actual person I helped. But still it was a buzz.