More ideas on unique way to gift this holiday season--and it won't break the bank
Gifting Holiday
Décor
In most counties, there are a number of organizations who
provide shelter, housing and group homes for individuals
and families in need. Early December is s perfect time to donate excess
holiday themed décor. Please only donate items in good condition. Keep in mind that many of these organizations
also need cash donations, furniture, small appliances, linens and other
household goods. Decorations and accessories that are no longer in good
condition may be gifted to a craft club or hobbyists who may use the items as
raw materials. Holiday items that have sentimental
value, but no longer suit your home, may also be gifted to family members.
Gifting Heirlooms
The holiday season is the perfect time to add to your family
legacy by passing on heirlooms to next generations. And you don’t have to be in your eighties or
nineties to begin this kind of gifting.
Make it part of your annual tradition. Give at least one meaningful or
sentimental item to another family member. If you have concerns the other party
may not understand or appreciate the item, include a card or note that explains
why it has special meaning or value. Describe how or why it is part of family
history. It is not always easy to choose
the right recipient for family heirlooms and certainly no one wants to start an
argument between jealous siblings as gifts are unwrapped. Consider who will
most appreciate or use an items and look for family members or friends who have
at some point, expressed an interest in the item. As you consider your many
sentimental possessions, it may also be the time to ask yourself if anyone in the family will ever
appreciate Aunt Rose’s spoon collection. It may fare better if sold or donated to a dedicated
collector.
Give and Get
As you stop by your favorite retailer this season to replace
your old office supplies and electronics with new ones, bring the old ones
along. The following is a short list of
national retailers who provide recycle services. Please visit retailer websites
for more information, applicable fees and restrictions. Also, in the spirit of
“giving” don’t forget to ask a housebound or elderly neighbor if you can drop
off some of their stuff too!
Best
Buy: everything from TVs to refrigerators, games, stands, cell phones,
rechargeable batteries and printer cartridges
Staples:
ink and toner cartridges, desktops, laptops, printers and peripherals like
keyboards, mice and speakers
Apple Store: cell phones, Apple products, computers,
displays, and peripherals. Cables, mice, keyboards, speakers, printers,
scanners and hard drives,
Verizon:
wireless phones, batteries and accessories
Other Gifts:
The short list below may also help you find the perfect gift
for others who need a little help with their own holiday organization.
Regardless of how you choose to handle your own home and
property, make choices that provide value to you personally while improving
someone’ else’s at the same time. Giving to others has always been the best
gift we give ourselves and we wish you many “giving moments” this season!