It seems like so many holidays mean more stuff. You know the feeling. You bring home a bag of chicks, bunny ears and coloring books. And then you have to find somewhere to put it. {sad face} Christmas means the same — just no bunny ears and chicks (insert elves and hats).
Celebrating a holiday together as a family (especially one as meaningful as Easter) can be so fun. But, finding places for all the crap things you buy/bring home is less fun.
Lately I’ve really tried to focus on things I don’t have to find room for.
My kids don’t play with toys the way I envision it. Sometimes I buy things just to have things — which, essentially is just a huge waste of money (and time).
Before we get started, have you thought of giving YOURSELF the gift of easier-to-run household? It’s just waiting for you.
Ok, onto the gifts!
Clutter-free kids gifts:
Buy a Class
I have a friend who runs amazing after school classes. They are so much, and it would be easy to give a summer or after school class as an awesome gift. Maybe ask around for summer classes in your area. It’s kind of a gift that keeps giving in that you get a few hours of freedom in the summer. 🙂
Stickers.
Ok, you might have to find a place for them — but they are kind of amazing. 🙂 We L-uuuuv Piptsticks. What a fun thing to get in the mail every month! Their stickers are all different and very fun (and not commercial). Did I mention Princess P goes crazy for them (because she does). We’ve made a spot for sticker sheets in her homework focus bin.
KiwiCo
Yes, you might have to find a SPOT for it, but they stay nicely self-contained in the boxes they come in. I got a full year for both princess P and Mr Middle and they both REALLY like them. Kiwi Crate for the younger one, and Tinker Crate for the older one. They also have Koala Crate for really small ones, and Doodle Crate, P will graduate to that in a few years. 🙂 Like all subscriptions, this spreads it out over a few months. Do not miss my whole post ALL About subscriptions for kids.
ANYTIME: Use coupon code PULLINGCURLS to get 50% off your first month of KiwiCo using this link.
Plan an experience together.
Some of my favorites are
- Dinner and a movie
- We have a really cool ceramics painting class that P loves to go to.
- Skating/bowling/laser tag
- Hiking
- Bike ride to a favorite park — even pack a lunch!
- Plan a vacation (you can find some of my best travel/vacation tips/spots here)
A treasure hunt.
Looking to make your home easier to manage? I’ve got some great options for you:
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🏡 If your HOME is taking up too much of your time, let’s organize it together!
👨👧👧 Feel like your FAMILY should help out more — I can help there too!
💕 ALL of that overwhelming you? I’ve got a steal for you!
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No matter WHERE you are at in trying to make your home easier, we have resources that can help!
I have heard of a lot of families who do a basket at the end of a super long yarn trail. I think that’s SUPER fun. That way you don’t need all the candy in the eggs, but still have the fun of a hunt! PLUS, just put one of these things at the end. 🙂
Get Tickets
There are SO many cool performances anymore. There’s something like Disney on Ice or tickets, the circus or to a local play. I am sure you could find something cool in your area that your family could enjoy! So often I just GET tickets to something like this, but using it as a gift ups the excitement and gives them/you something to really look forward to!
Plan a Trip!
It’s a budget-busting gift, but planning a trip could be fun. I have some fun ways to announce a Disney trip — but you can apply them to lots of different places!
Passes
Maybe consider membership to a local museum, etc. We have passes to a local observatory. It has been REALLY fun and has allowed us to visit other museums for free when we go on vacation! You can often find a groupon for them! Be sure to check out my post about museum memberships!
Anyway, giving gifts doesn’t have to be a time of stress to find where to put all the junk. It can be a really fun experience for both you and your kids and build great bonds.
Think of a clutter-free gift next time you’re giving! What clutter-free gifts have you given your family?
Linzee says
The green sofa/chair in the photo with the lights on each side, do you know where that’s from?
Hilary says
I am sad to say I don’t.
Mickey says
http://freshome.com/2007/04/13/morpheo-sofa-with-lights/
Hilary says
Thank you!!!!!
Christine says
Abc mouse subscription for the kid who has every toy!
Hilary says
I have heard good things about ABC Mouse