Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Anti-Accumulator

I am an anti-accumulator. I hate clutter, and shun trinkets and knick-knacks. Unfortunately, my mother, for one, does not. Thus each holiday, birthday, or Tuesday even, I am inundated with various trinkets meant to be displayed throughout one's home.
Mine usually end up on the shelves of my re-gifting closet however. If this sounds like someone you know, you are probably struggling for ideas on what to give them for Christmas. Well, here are some suggestions.

1. Gift Baskets:
Now I know this seems obvious. But it really is a great way to go. Plus they are super flexible. Now, there are a lot of gift baskets that are pre-made and include a lot of well, junk. Little trinkets or collectibles that act as fillers. Don't go there. Stick to food, wine, flowers, anything that will perish. Remember you are shopping for the non-junk lover. If they love wine, they already have a wine opener. They don't need another one- especially with a reindeer on it.

2. A spa day:
A person can never be over pampered. And like the above, this gift will be much appreciated, but will also not take up permanent shelving or storage space. If they are close friend, it could be a day for the two of you to spend together. This personalizes it a bit more.

3. Car detailing:
Great for the men in your life, or for anyone who is in love with their car. Plus it's practical; and the anti-accumulator generally is just that. This gift satisfies the true definition of a good gift: it's something everyone needs, but rarely sets aside the money for.

4. Tickets to a concert, sporting event etc:
Another good gift. This isn't something everyone needs, but it is definitely something everyone enjoys. It could be to a rock concert, the opera, an art gallery, or a pro-football game. And like the spa day, it could be for the two of you to share.

5. A day on the golf course:
The male version of the spa day. Granted there are tons of women who love golf and are good at it. And there are plenty of guys who enjoy a massage- so please don't be offended by that first statement. Basically this could translate to golf, sailing, kayaking…anything outdoorsy that they may love but never set aside the time to enjoy.

6. A magazine subscription:
This could be a magazine, newspaper, periodical, or collection thereof. These are surprisingly cheap and easy to do. Plus, around this time of year, there are always great deals on prices and combination packages. Plus unlike books, magazines, once read, can be tossed guilt-free.

7. Donations to a charity in their name:
This is the best gift because it captures the true meaning of the holiday. And accompanied, by a sweet hand-written note as to why you picked this charity or organization (why you connect it with the recipient) and you have made a gracious gesture in their name, but also given them a wonderful compliment. And complimenting someone's character is the greatest gift of all.

8. A subscription to a gift of the month club.
There is a surprising array of options when it comes to these clubs. You have your more common meat, cheese, or wine. But also beer, plant, pasta…the options are endless.

9. Adopt something in their name:
Examples of this would be adopting a third-world child, a stretch of a highway, an endangered species, or an acre of the rainforest. Similar to a charitable donation, but more tangible. Along the same lines, you could plant a plant in their name.

10. Coupon books:
I know, cheesy. But indulge your imagination and go for something beyond the ones you made when you were a kid. Thus instead of a free hug, offer to baby-sit. Other offerings: a home cooked meal (if the person is single or spatula challenged), a dinner at a restaurant of their choosing (if they are poor), free yard/ house work (if they are suffering from insanity and time constraints).

The general rule with anti-accumulators is go for the practical. We are people who appreciate blenders on birthdays, and a gift card to the local grocery store in our stocking. We need it, we'll use it, and it will save us time and/ or money. Keep these thoughts in mind when you hit the mall. Cruise past the hallmark store without a moment's hesitation or distraction, and head to hickory farms.