[mndy]

The last couple of years I've made the decision to stop buying "things" for Christmas as much as I possibly can and start buying "experiences." I just feel like so many things are only hot for a minute or don't live up to the hype and figured it would not only be easier on the planet and our environment but that it would offer something of more lasting value.

So, with that in mind I've bought gift certificates for virtually everyone on my list in the following areas.

For the girls, trips to the spa/salon. Either massages or mani/pedis depending on the individual. I've found that this is well received by girls and women. There are plenty of men who appreciate this as well. Particularly professional men and a manicure at a nice salon.

For couples, I've purchased gift certificates at their favorite restaurant. This works well for people you are particularly close with but I've done this in the past for people who live in other areas and just researched reviews and restaurants in their areas and I've been successful. This is especially nice for parents as it also gives the gift of a "night out" for mom and dad.

For the teens, gamefly.com gift certificates. It's a service where kids can rent all the new video games for all the different systems instead of having to buy them. Anyone who's got kids who play video games knows how expensive these things are to buy so this is a nice gift to your pocketbook too. Not to mention the lack of clutter. It's set up just like netflix is, it's just video games instead of movies. Kids can keep what they rent as long as they like and send it back when they're done and get the next game in their game list. And a nice perk is that the account can be set up with parental controls to keep the mature stuff out of their hands. It's a great, inexpensive way to give teens on your list something they want that will allow them to choose what they get. You'll win major "cool" points for this one too. You can buy them for anywhere from one month to a year and they/you can choose to contine the service once the gift certificate period is completed.

Speaking of netflix... I bought my mom a membership there last year and she absolutely adored it. This one is probably not as easy to give anymore as most people use it already but it's a great one if you know someone who doesn't already have it.

The idea is to avoid "things" that clutter up the house or eventually end up in a landfill. While there is always something of a material nature to be given at some point to someone I really try to give gifts of a more experiential nature.

Any new suggestions or thoughts in this vein are most welcome!

[MissyChrissy]

Great ideas! I can see myself giving those gifts to coworkers.

[mndy]

Yeah, that's the thing. They're all pretty much universally enjoyed by most people. Who doesn't love having a spa treatment or a mani/pedi? And everyone enjoys a nice dinner somewhere. Virtually every parent I know has kids who play video games and lives on a budget so setting them up with a gamefly account to rent games ultimately ends up being not only a gift to the kids but to the parents as well over the long term. Netflix is pretty much a standard these days. If you're lucky enough to have some friends/family on the list that don't yet have it it's always a winner too.

I've been trying to rack my brain for additions to the list. I guess movie passes at the local theaters would be a good one. Maybe tickets to a theme park in the area for families... I'm sure there's a wealth of things I haven't thought of.

I've really latched on to the idea of avoiding all the wrapping paper and getting away from giving material items. There's just so much junk mucking things up these days I get overwhelmed. Particularly this time of year.

[twinzplus3]

We're doing something similar for my older children this year for Christmas. We decided to buy a calendar for each older child and every month list a coupon be it for an outing to go get pizza with one parent, or a trip to the store to buy a board game we can all enjoy. As they get older, I hope to do less and less 'things' and more and more 'experiences' as well.

[mama2riley]

Great ideas! The calender/coupons is great too - will have to remember that when mine get older. I try to stay away from "stuff" and clutter as well and love the idea of creating experiences for people to enjoy and spend together! Thanks for the tips!

[poliscmjr]

There are great ideas! It's true a lot of my family has everything they really need. But a day at the spa or movie passes is great change from the norm!

[twinzplus3]

Yeah. . .Melissa, I have to say that I can't imagine my twins being hunky dory with a calendar. They do have to kind of get it. Even with my 4yo we're giving her a calendar and a toy or two. But how do you get the extended family on board with not going hogwild with the presents? That's my real dilemma!!!

[mama2riley]

Yeah I know what you're saying . Well, for me I know my kids will need clothing in larger sizes for the upcoming year, so if people asked what they need I always mention that first. One idea if there are a lot of kids/cousins in your family is the grab bag. That way instead of getting gifts from everyone, they get gifts from one family. I know we are planning on doing that with dh's side next year when there are more kids (there are a couple on the way now). And the other thing I have asked for as far as "toys" go for Riley is stuff like art supplies (like paints, crayons, playdough) stuff that gets used up and doesn't take up a lot of room and told people please NO stuffed animals seems like those darn things always accumulate!

[QueenAngie]

Spending time with family members
is also lovely.
These would be fun for children in your family.
Other good coupon gifts may include:

A) One afternoon baking cookies with grandma or auntie

B) One evening playing board games with grandpa or uncle

C) Ice cream sundae night - let's make ice cream sundaes with all the toppings

D) Let's bake a cake/cupcakes together

E) Supper of your choice, cooked at home by Mom

F) Choice of movie at home along with popcorn

[mndy]

All such lovely ideas. I think I've picked up a few ideas for stocking stuffers. Love the coupons idea. Clever and so sweet...