Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Right At Home: Too Much Stuff? This Holiday, Consider Gifts To Use - And Use Up

Kim Cook The Associated Press, 18 Nov, 2014 12:24 PM
    The holiday catalogues and gift guides are starting to pour in, full of wonderful stuff to wrap for friends and family. But what about those who don't really want more stuff?
     
    Small space dwellers don't have room for much. Seniors may not either, or may just not want the burden of more things at this stage in life.
     
    Instead, think about giving something your recipient can use, and use up.
     
    Some consumable-gift options:
     
    Food and drink, of course; unusual kits are creative options. Overstock's new Farmers Market department has make-your-own mozzarella, tofu, Bloody Mary, hard cider or butter kits. For a culinary vegan, consider a box of sprouting seeds, with varieties of lentils, mung beans, adzuki and green peas. (www.overstock.com )
     
    You might make homemade vanilla extract to give in small, vintage-style bottles. Or consider giving a week or two's worth of surprise treats: Create a stack of little nesting boxes filled with favourite sweet and savory snacks.
     
    Does a friend or family member love a particular shampoo? Put together a gift bag with a bottle; enhance it, perhaps, with a gift certificate from a blow bar, or a new hairbrush.
     
    Or gather a basketful of seasonally scented body products like Buche de Noel cleanser and eggnog-scented soap. (www.lushusa.com )
     
    A photo calendar with pictures of the recipient's family, favourite places or other personalized content makes a year-long gift. (www.shutterfly.com )
     
    ProsperityCandle.com offers the Forever candle, made by —and providing a living wage to — women artisans in developing countries, and when you've burned yours down you can return it for a free refill. Fragrances include vanilla bean and peppercorn, amber and orchid, and redwood and patchouli.
     
    For some, the best presents are experiences, including classes, lessons, gym memberships, vacations, event tickets, massages, charitable donations, and music or magazine subscriptions.
     
    Humanaut, a branding agency in Chattanooga, Tennessee, runs a site called UnstuffGifts.com that lets you find gifts based on the recipient's interests. For example, a hipster might like a distillery tour. Adventure buffs might enjoy a day of indoor sky jumping. A hiking enthusiast could appreciate a state park pass.
     
    "The spirit of giving is a wonderful tradition. But the truth is, most of us simply don't need more stuff," says David Littlejohn, Humanaut's creative director.
     
    "We created Unstuff so that people could give thoughtful gifts with a clear conscience, knowing their gift will be appreciated, used and never contribute to the planet's growing amount of trash and waste."
     
    Do you have a skill or talent? Know-how makes a great gift, says Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance.
     
    He suggests giving away your expertise in, say, web design, pet training, first aid, photography or a craft. Neat freaks might offer closet organization or cleaning services.
     
    Tech-savvy teens might give several hours' worth of their digital skills to more senior relatives.
     
    No worries about size, breakage or where to store it; now that's a gift you can use.

    MORE Life ARTICLES

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween
    PARIS - As if visiting the Paris Catacombs in the daytime wasn't creepy enough — you can now visit the underground maze of skeletons after nightfall, too. That is if you dare defy the warning at the entrance: "Stop, this is the empire of Death."

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily
    Li Guochuan from Fujian province has gained a reputation for her passion and skills in sports, Xinhua reported....

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'
    Do you feel guilt-free if your friend orders that mouth-watering chocolate mousse for you that you were craving for some time? You are not alone....

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'

    Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk for women

    Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk for women
    According to a Danish study, over 40 percent of women had consumed more than five units of alcohol before they were sexually assaulted by...

    Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk for women

    Changing school schedule could help kids perform better

    Changing school schedule could help kids perform better
    Instead of forcing your teenager to wake up early for school, finding a way to start school late could be a better way to help him/her perform better, researchers believe....

    Changing school schedule could help kids perform better

    Too Soon? How About Not At All For Halloween Costumes Making Light Of Ebola

    Too Soon? How About Not At All For Halloween Costumes Making Light Of Ebola
    NEW YORK - No holiday screams pop culture controversy quite like Halloween. So what's the costume flap of the year? It might just be Ebola, as in Ebola zombies, sexy Ebola patients and faux protective gear.

    Too Soon? How About Not At All For Halloween Costumes Making Light Of Ebola