Gifts That Don't Become Clutter

Inundated with all kinds of tantalizing commercials for the latest and greatest in toys, our children's gift wish lists are a mile long. We aim to please the little darlings and we, too, get caught up in all the latest gadgets available.

Is there a better way? Want to put an end to unnecessary clutter? Here are three suggestions for gift giving that will do the trick.

First, consider giving toys that will add value to your child's life and are built to last. What types of toys would that be? Toys that spark a child’s imagination and toys that can be used in numerous ways.

Some of the toys that come to mind are: blocks, puzzles, dolls, dishes, play food, cars, trucks, play-do, and age-appropriate books.

You'll notice most of these have been around for decades, and there's a good reason. These toys are timeless because children always have, and always will, enjoy them for the creativity and imagination they inspire. These gifts have longevity.

Another great non-clutter gift idea is the gift of an experience. For example, give your child dance lessons, gymnastic lessons, or piano lessons. Take your child to the theater. Give your child a plastic bucket, shovel and bathing suit with the promise of taking a trip to the beach when the weather cooperates.

Does your child enjoy music? Take him to hear your city’s Orchestra. Does your child enjoy art? Enroll him in art classes or spend a day visiting art studios and museums. Does your child aspire to be an astronaut? Your gift could be enrollment to NASA’s Space Camp. Maybe a membership to the local recreation center would be fun for your child, as well as promote healthy activity choices for him.

What other experiences can you think of? What incredible and memorable experience do you remember from your childhood? A trip to the circus? Learning how to ice skate? Taking a train ride? Getting your first pony? Remember what it was like to be a kid and all the wonder and curiosity you had. This can bring other ideas to mind.

If you feel as though the gift should be something tangible for the child to open, then consider giving watercolor paints and paper along with the art classes. Likewise, you could give her a tutu and tights with her dance lessons. Gifts of experience can be coupled with small, practical, and relevant gifts that can make the experience you are giving something to really anticipate.

The last non-clutter gift to consider is an investment in your child’s future. Ask grandparents, aunts and uncles to give to your child’s college fund or give a savings bond. Suggesting that a donation in your child’s name be given to your local homeless shelter is a great way to help instill compassion for others, especially if your child is involved with the delivering of the donation.

Use your imagination when choosing gifts for your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. A toy that can be played with in all sorts of creative ways is a toy that will be loved and used. You can be sure that kind of toy will not become clutter.

With the busy lives most of us have, the gift of our time is something that is completely immeasurable. An experience that you give and share with your child can be priceless. There is absolutely no way this type of gift will sit around collecting dust.

Promote empathy and appreciation in your child by investing in their future or in local charities. Giving children everything they want materially is not how gratefulness is cultivated. However, it is how clutter develops.

Look for gifts that will enhance and challenge your child's growing mind and capabilities. Think outside the box for gift ideas that will create long lasting memories and appreciation in your child. These non-clutter gift ideas are something you and your child will both enjoy!

Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org

Nancy J. McGarity is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, Facilitator of local Clutter Clubs, and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. She is the author of the upcoming book “Organizing For Real Life”, creator of Tot Tags for organizing toys, and a distributor of The Hecht of an OrganizerTM. For more tips and to request your FREE copy of “25 Secrets of Clutter Prevention”, go to www.realsolutionsforliving.com.

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