Gift Ideas that aren’t clutter
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
This is one of my most requested articles. When I look at a pile of store bought gifts, I think they are just adding more stuff to already cluttered spaces. I try to give gifts that aren’t clutter and to find something which will create a memory or help my family and friends relax and have fun. Here are tons of ideas to get you on the right track and keep you out of the stores this month. Hope you use them!
ADVENTURE and TRAVEL
· A day trip or weekend away at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY. Have a look! www.mohonk.com
· A hot-air balloon ride with Mick Murphy of AER Blarney Balloons (The morning is prettier than the afternoon) 203.910.4955 (Did you know I used to be a hot air balloon pilot?)
· A certificate to Riverside Nursery and Garden Center . A visit here gives you a chance to enjoy the picturesque Farmington River.
· Plan a family day at the shore. Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Niantic. While you’re there, visit the Niantic book barn.
PAMPERING
· A month off from housecleaning. Maid service from DomesticAide: 860.651.4933
· A MASSAGE! with the amazing Jolly Lux in Avon. jollylux@sbcglobal.net 860.478.1536
· Gift certificates to the spa, hairdresser, manicurist. Go together.
FOOD
· For the foodie on your list, this cheese is addictive. Washington State University Cougar Gold, aged 2 years. www.wsu.edu/creamery. Warning, once you try it, your annual cheese budget will go up!
· Tea for two at charming Passiflora Tea Room in New Hartford. Delicious, healthy and organic food. www.passiflorateas.com
. Fancy cupcakes from the Cake Gypsy .. YUM! http://cakegypsy.com
HELP
· Car detailing at Fine Details in Simsbury. The service is wonderful there. 860-651-4934
· TREE SERVICE or WOOD CHIPPING: Lawns and Gardens by Norm
| 203.788.5874 |
· For someone who has difficulty driving, offer your services as a chauffeur for a day.
· Window Washing, WOW!. I use Jonathan Oakleaf 860.693.6898
· Organizing Help; If someone you love has a messy office, kitchen or closet that they could use some help with, give them a gift certificate for organizing services.
ENTERTAINMENT
· Dinner and a movie with you at Gilson Cafe and Cinema in Winsted. A fun way to have supper and see a movie.
· Tickets to a show at Infinity Hall in Norfolk. The renovation is a knock-out! www.infinityhall.com
· Check out the shows coming to Bushnell or Goodspeed.
· Tickets to Bridge Street Live in Collinsville. Music and Comedy.
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
· A fun, new learning experience; Glass blowing workshops at Peter Greenwood studio in Riverton. www.PeterGreenwood.com
· A cooking class at Sur La Table. Even teens like this. www.surlatable.com
MEMORIES
· A family photo session with Patty Swanson Patty Swanson Photography on Facebook She always has original ideas.
· Have a old tapes or VHS converted to a CD of family photos and memories from New Day Memories: 1.877.431.1011 www.newdaymemories.com
· Have friends and family contribute letters about a life and create a scrapbook of memories.
· Arrange a surprise family reunion.
CHILDREN
· Give one of your favorite recipes with all the ingredients and a date to make it together. My nieces love shortbread snowmen that they can decorate with candies.
· A day at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. www.maritimeaquarium.org
· Yourself – Plan an outing together. Something you’ll all enjoy. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, eating, mini golf, picnic, the zoo. Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven DINOSAURS!
IMINISHED MOBILITY
- Organizing Help, Closets, Paper, Kitchens from Farmington Valley Organizing 860.558.1747
- Roll out kitchen or bathroom shelving for easier access: Shelf Genie Designer Linda, 860.558.1747.
P.S. If you MUST go into the shops this year, arrange your shopping list by store and location, so you get everything you need in one stop
