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Meet Lisa Malone
Lisa Malone, a professional organizer specializing in closet transformations, has taken a refreshing approach to holiday traditions by eliminating the practice of gift-giving with her family. Instead, they choose to create cherished memories through shared experiences, emphasizing the value of time spent together over material possessions. This philosophy not only aligns with her professional principals of curating personalized, meaningful environments but also highlights her commitment to fostering genuine connections and joy through thoughtful, experience-based celebrations.
Rethinking Gift Giving
The holidays often bring joy—and clutter. Our homes are already overflowing with items that contribute to stress, disorganization, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Instead of adding to the chaos, imagine giving gifts that bring true value and joy without filling up the shelves: experiences and services. These meaningful alternatives foster connection, create lasting memories, and help us embrace a simpler, clutter-free lifestyle.
"Reflecting on our first year of trading traditional gifts for experiences, we ventured into cow cuddling at a local farm, followed by a memorable dinner," Lisa Malone shared. "The laughter and stories from that day are still some of our favorites. That’s when we truly discovered the magic of shared experiences."
The Problem with Physical Gifts
Physical gifts have their charm, but they come with hidden costs for our homes and the environment. Consider these staggering facts:
The U.S. generates over 25% more waste during the holiday season, largely due to packaging and wrapping materials.
Unused gifts often end up gathering dust or, worse, in landfills.
“When we moved after 15 years in our family home, I was stunned to find closets and bedrooms filled with unused gifts my four kids and husband had accumulated over the years,” said Lisa. “The gifts were thoughtful, but they became part of the clutter we were struggling to manage. It was a wake-up call—sometimes, we just don’t need more stuff.”
Beyond the environmental impact, there’s an emotional burden to excess. Too much "stuff" can overwhelm us, triggering stress and guilt as we try to make use of items we didn’t need or want. While material gifts bring momentary happiness, they rarely create the enduring joy that experiences or services can offer.
If you want to learn how we evolved to this state of overconsumption, watch Netflix’s Documentary: Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy
The Value of Giving Experiences or Services
Experiences and services shift the focus from fleeting pleasure to meaningful moments and practical benefits. Here’s why they make exceptional gifts:
Stronger Emotional Bonds: A wine-tasting tour, concert tickets, or day trips explore new areas locally can create cherished memories that bring people closer.
Life-Enhancing Practicality: Services like home cleaning, personal styling consultations, or meal prep subscriptions simplify busy lives and offer lasting value.
Sustainability: In today’s minimalist, eco-conscious world, experience-based gifts align with the values of intentional living and reducing waste.
Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas
Here are some creative ideas to spark your imagination:
For Families:
A local activity like cow cuddling, goat yoga (SO FUN!) or driving through holiday dispays.
A day at the zoo, local museum, or amusement park.
A professional family photography session to capture cherished moments.
For Couples:
A cooking class or wine-tasting experience.
A romantic Airbnb getaway or a spa day for two.
For Individuals:
A yoga retreat, art class, or wellness experience to recharge and grow.
A wardrobe transformation session or closet organization consultation.
Services That Transform Lives
Some of the most impactful gifts come in the form of services that improve daily life. Imagine the joy of receiving:
Wardrobe Transformation Services: A personalized session to declutter and organize a closet into a boutique-like space.
Home Cleaning or Organization Services: Perfect for busy families or individuals craving calm and order.
Meal Delivery Subscriptions: A lifesaver for those juggling work, family, and daily commitments.
These thoughtful gestures show that you’ve considered not just what the recipient likes, but what they truly need.
How to Package a Service or Experience Gift
Make your intangible gift feel just as special as a physical one with these creative ideas:
DIY Gift Certificates: Design a beautiful certificate or card that explains the gift.
Pairing with a Small Tangible Item: For example, pair a necklace with a styling service or a cookbook with a cooking class.
Festive Wrapping: Use decorative boxes, ribbon, or a handwritten note to make the presentation festive and thoughtful.
“You can still create that ‘wow’ moment with an experience gift,” says Lisa. “Wrap a huge box with all the festive flair, and inside, tuck the tickets to a concert or a gift card for a special experience. It’s a big gift moment with an even bigger payoff—lasting memories.”
Addressing Concerns About Non-Traditional Gifts
Not everyone immediately warms up to non-traditional gifts. “After years of waking up to piles of gifts under the tree, making the shift to non-traditional gifts was a shock to our family routine,” Lisa Malone admitted. “But once we embraced the idea of shared experiences, we realized that the joy and memories we created together far outlasted anything wrapped in paper.”
Here’s how to handle common concerns:
If They Prefer Physical Gifts: Blend experiences with keepsakes—such as gifting concert tickets along with a band’s merchandise.
Making It Convenient: Schedule experiences or services at times that suit the recipient, and ensure they can easily redeem them.
When personalized and tailored to the recipient, non-traditional gifts can become even more meaningful than material ones.
The Ultimate Gift: Memories, Joy, and Simplicity
This year, rethink your gift-giving approach. By choosing experiences or services, you’ll give gifts that go beyond fleeting happiness to create lasting impact, foster connections, and bring joy without adding clutter.
Discover our approach to reducing clutter, reinventing what you already own, and developing your personal style and how to make it work for you, when you sign up for The Ultimate Wardrobe Transformation master class.
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