How to avoid clutter-gifts at Christmas

Have you ever opened a gift on Christmas day and been immediately disappointed. "I'm never going to use this" you might have thought. You might have to make a gift face or think of one of the ten things to say about a gift you don't like.

While re-gifting or selling can be good options, another option is to receive better gifts in the first place (like the yummy treats above that my sister baked for me).

How can we do this? With So Kind.

What is So Kind?

So Kind is a gift registry with a difference. We usually think of registries as a wedding thing - so the happy couple don't get double-ups or unwanted gifts. They're such a great idea, so why not use them all the time?

What makes it different?

So Kind allows you to have a registry for any occasion - or for all occasions. Faced with the endless cycle of gift-giving events - Valentine's day, mother's day, father's day, anniversary, birthday, Christmas - it may be easier to just have an ongoing gift registry.

So Kind also is built for non-commercial gifts. Would you prefer to receive a night of babysitting so you can go out? Add it to your list. Would you prefer your sister baked you a chocolate slice rather than buy something store-bought? Add it to your list.

How does it work?

You list items. People can tick them off when they choose them (to stop someone else getting you the same thing). You can choose to be notified or not. If you like a surprise turn notifications off (and/or change the settings to anonymous.

November Challenge

Visit the So Kind registry and make yourself a list of ten things you'd like. Then when December rolls around and loved ones are wondering what to get you, show them the registry. It can still be a Christmas surprise for you - but a good surprise instead of a bad one.

Some help

The website also has a some example registries, and a list of gift ideas to get your brainstorm started.

Of course, I've also written 10 Great Gift Ideas (for the person who doesn't want stuff).

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