Christmas presents don’t automatically mean you have to give something physical and if you have to think too hard about what someone needs, surely it’s because they need nothing at all?

Vicky Silverthorn is one of the UK's most sought-after professional organisers and author of Start With Your Sock Drawer. She has helped everyone from celebrities to busy families declutter and simplify their homes. This year Vicky wants us to forget about ‘stuff’ and start to think differently about what we're going to give this Christmas.

Vicky says, “my bookings in January always involve taking unwanted gifts to the charity shop. This means not only wasted money but emotionally it’s pretty heartbreaking too, right?”

With this in mind, how about the following ideas to keeping the family happy but at the same time knowing you’re not contributing to someone’s unwanted clutter:

1. The gift of nature and adventure

Speaking from personal experience a National Trust membership card was the best gift my Dad has ever given me and one that I’ve used frequently. There are over 500 places to visit and parking is included!

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us
£64.80 (annual pass)

2. The gift of time together

Whether it's your best friends from school, your family or perhaps your ‘mummy friends’ - agree together that instead of gifts you are going to have dinner out together, perhaps somewhere more special than usual. Use an app like Doddle.com to agree on a date, you'll enjoy being together much more than the stress of having to buy individual gifts for everyone.

3. The gift of experience

It’s slightly old-school but if you’re looking for a gift to give to a family, why not give them theme park, cinema, bowling or theatre tickets? What a lovely thought that the gift you give encourages the family to spend time together. Cineworld (and I’m sure the others do too) do a special Christmas Gift bundle for two with drinks and popcorn.

https://www.cineworld.co.uk/gifts#/
£25.00


4. The gift of appreciation

I talk about this website every year, it really is a lovely gift to give someone who truly has everything.

To give you a few examples a soft blanket and clothes for a newborn baby cost just £10.00, you can protect 50 people from River Blindness for just £50.00 and for £45.00 you can buy two goats for a family in Africa. To many of us this is just a stocking filler but to the recipient of the gift it could be a life changer.


https://www.goodgifts.org/
Vouchers start from £10.00


4. The gift of relaxation

A massage, treatment or spa day. If you decide on this type of gift, always remember to print out a voucher so whoever receives it has a physical reminder, e-vouchers just get lost in an inbox. Don’t forget to choose a location that’s local and easy to get to - keep it simple. Alternatively, for the extra busy people how about choosing a service that comes straight to your home.


https://www.perfect10mobilebeauty.co.uk/
Vouchers from £20.00


5. The gift of ambience


Neom Naturals are my absolute favourite candles, organic and 100% natural fragrances for the mind and body. The atmosphere completely changes when you light a candle. Giving a gift that not only gets enjoyed but also gets used up means less clutter in the home. Scented items usually have a shelf life and these candles are to be enjoyed every day and not just saved for best.

https://www.neomorganics.com/christmas-wish-scented-candle-1...
£30.00


6. The gift of hydration

A perfect, yet unusual gift for anyone you know who is particularly health conscious. This wonderful filtration system can sit on your countertop, constructed of highly polished stainless steel. Berkley filters get rid of around 99.99% of parasites, harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and much more.

https://berkey-waterfilters.co.uk/collections/berkey-water-f...
£253.00

7. The gift of gastronomy

A lovely gift for you and friend to give each other where you not only get to spend time together but learn some extra skills too. Give yourselves a gift this Christmas and book into a cooking class, or you could even arrange private lesson in your own home.

https://www.taracookery.com/
Lessons start from £200.00


8. The gift of health and headspace


Ok, so we might be being a little bit bias with this one but You Need a PA and You Need a Nutritional Therapist are part of our business collective and what better gift for someone looking to better their health than a nutritional consultation or a pay-as-you-go PA. They can help someone get on top of life admin and spend more quality time with friends and family.

This only scratches the surface at what these two business offer so if you're interested or would like to ask about gift vouchers, the details are all on their websites.

http://www.youneedapa.com

https://www.youneedanutritionaltherapist.com


www.youneedavicky.com

Vicky has not been paid or asked to recommend any of these products. Ok, well apart from the last one but technically they didn't ask we're just being nice!

Contact: harriet@youneedavicky.com for more information.