A GON Reader Asked:

As the family grows larger each year, limited finances, and usually seniors do not want any more knickknacks (that's me) what are some families doing for gift exchanges? My daughter loves to get and give gifts. I do too, but I would like to put a limit on the gifts exchanged somehow. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thank you for your help!!

--Shirley

Maria Gracia Responded:

Shirley,

I'm so glad you asked and yes, as someone who doesn't like to give (or receive) gifts that clutter, I do have some ideas you may be able to use:

1. Secret Santa: Put each family member's name in a basket and draw names. Each person buys one gift and gets one gift. Impose a spending limit if necessary so nobody goes overboard.

2. Amazon Wish List: As I think of gifts I might like (throughout the year), I include them on our Amazon Wish List. We actually use one 'family list' and include names next to each item (me, my husband, or our daughter.) My sister's family uses our Amazon Wish List to choose gifts for us based on our selections. It is still a bit of a 'surprise factor' because we have a number of items on that list and we don't know which of those selections we'll receive. We're always happy with what we get! My sister's family has items on their Amazon Wish List and we purchase their gifts from those choices.

3. Go somewhere or do something. Skip the gifts and do something together as a family or friend group...like a holiday outing, a home cookie exchange, or a Christmas movie marathon at one or more homes. No clutter and lots of fun memories. If you absolutely must buy gifts, do something simple, like a Christmas ornament exchange.

4. Only buy for the kids. Most adults have what they need, or just go out and buy what they need when they need it. So, see if you can't get everyone to agree to just buy for the children. If adults must be involved in exchanging 'gifts', perhaps they can agree to something simple, like a book exchange.

5. Make a 'basket of gifts' together. Each person puts a gift in a basket, and that basket gets delivered to a children's hospital or assisting living facility. Focus the gift-giving on those who truly need it.

No matter what, always buy within your means. If someone insists on giving you a gift valued at $50, for instance, and you can only afford one valued at $20, so be it. Christmas is not about putting you into an uncomfortable situation financially. Whatever you give, whether it's from a store, something you baked, something you made with your hands, or giving of your time, it's more important to give from your heart than from your wallet.

Hope this helps a bit.

P.S. To learn the insider secrets to getting organized like the pros, check out my I'm Finally Organized Tool Kit!

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the DECEMBER 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

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If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the DECEMBER Issue...

Positive Changes Require Action
Thinking about making changes is not the same as actually making them. Action is key for accomplishing change

I Can See Clearly Now
It's easy to take our eyes for granted and to put off measures to keep them healthy. Here are 13 ways to take care of our eyes and vision

The Beauty of Art Journaling
This form of self-expression allows your creative side to shine through

Organize Your Handbag
An organized purse makes life easier when you're on-the-go

Top 10 Winter Must-Dos
Do these for an organized, prepared, stress-free winter

Making Social Media a Positive Part of Your Life
5 ways to ensure you're using social media for positivity and connectedness

Quick, Creamy Tomato Soup
This recipe has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes

Spotting Fads
Fads can drain your wallet and add to your clutter

2022 Countdown
Put your best foot forward as you step into the new year

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on DECEMBER 3: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my December Monthly Organizing Checklist. The December 2 TO DO focuses on Christmas gifts and cards. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my December Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Make a list of Christmas gifts you're giving. One you have a visual list, on paper or your computer, you'll be able to start checking off each item as you buy or make it. You'll also be able to see if you're staying on track or going a bit overboard, giving you the opportunity to adjust your list in plenty of time before Christmas.

___ 3. Start writing out your holiday cards. Here's how I get my Christmas cards addressed in a flash. Visit: GetOrganizedNow.com to access my Dirty Little Secret on this topic.

'The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value.' (Charles Dudley Warner)

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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-- Maria Gracia