Think local with over 80 clutter free gift ideas: The 2024 List
In this blog post, I'm sharing recommendations based on my personal opinions and experiences, and I want to clarify that I do not receive any compensation from the organizations or businesses mentioned.
As the season of giving approaches, once again I see clients bracing themselves for the stress of holiday shopping, followed by the influx of unnecessary things in their homes. Last year I wrote a blog post on How to be a Better Gift Giver. The post talked about how an unhealthy gift-giving culture can turn a wholesome and memorable tradition into drudgery, resulting in resentment and frustration. It inspired me to put together a list of clutter-free gift ideas to get you started on your holiday shopping.
Well, I am back with more. This year I've added over 20 more ideas to show your love through giving without adding to their clutter. These suggestions range from acts of service, to consumable gifts, to experiences, and also allow you to show support for the local businesses in the St. Croix River Valley!
If you’re joining us from outside the Twin Cities, use this as a starting point and look up some of your own local bookshops, distilleries, bakeries, boutiques, salons, spas, and craftspeople!
A clutter-free gift needs to meet one or more of the following criteria:
It isn’t physical (such as a service or experience)
It is consumable (it goes away eventually)
It fulfills an actual need for the recipient (as opposed to a perceived need by the giver)
It will be loved and cherished by the recipient (as the giver, make sure you know your recipient well enough to choose something that will bring this kind of joy)
This Small Business Saturday, set the example amongst your friends and family by leaning into less stuff and more moments!
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80 clutter free gift ideas!
For The Hostess With The Mostess - Clutter-free finds to show your appreciation and make any host feel extra special:
1. Send a handwritten card of thanks after the event using these greeting cards that turn into cleaning cloths by Soak It Up! (pictured left)
2. Bring a unique bouquet from Petal and Stick
3. Bring a bottle of wine with purpose (or a membership to the wine club) from So What Wine (she offers classes, too!)
4. Gift a candle “flight” from Nordic Scents
5. Offer to come early to help set up, or stay a little late to wash dishes
6. Ask if you can pick up last minute items, like ice or wine, on your way over
7. Volunteer for a specific task throughout the event (does she need someone to take pictures? Make sure the bathroom stays tidy? Refill the punch bowl?)
8. Bring a fresh loaf of bread from micro-bakery Cherry Street Bread. Better yet, pair it with…
9 …A bottle of amazing olive oil from Stillwater Olive Oil
10. Any home chef will appreciate sharp knives! Edge Mobile Sharpening will come right to their home
For The Foodie Friend - Deliciously unique gifts that satisfy without taking up kitchen space:
11. A CSA subscription for seasonal vegetables from StrongHeart Farms or meat from KDE Farm
12. A charcuterie board form Tossed, or save them from making dinner one night with a gift card for a future meal
13. A cocktail kit from Forge and Foundry Distillery, or a private tasting (great for couples or friend groups, too!)
14. Fresh roasted beans and a gift card to Sunshine Coffee
15. Some unique flavor pairings with a jar of Serious Jam
16. Custom cookies from Morsels Bakery
17. A selection of “meat candy” from Hagberg’s
18. Give the gift of flavor with a variety pack or gift card to Pinch ‘n Rub Spice and Tea Hub
19. Fresh pasta and sauce from Cornelius Pasta
For The Wellness and Self-Care Guru - Mindful, space-saving gifts that promote self-love:
20. Treat them to have their colors done, a style analysis, or the perfect makeup with Georgia Giguere of House of Color
21. Celebrate the pollinators with products from Oh, Beehave!
22. Rent a sauna for the weekend from Little Ember Co. (This is also a great idea for spouses or partners, small group gatherings, or girls night!)
23. Gift a session with Margie Schmid of Sprout Nutrition and Wellness to talk nutrition, healthy meal planning, or coaching. (She also offers events and retreats!)
24. Gift confidence with a gift card for a salon service from Establish Salon (I’m a personal fan of hand tied extensions!)
25. Or a traditional cut and shave for him at Prohibition Barbers (This would also make a sweet father/son day out!)
26. A gift card for a service (such as the salt cave experience!) at Just For Me Spa
27. Let them choose their own service from the med spa experts at The Aesthetic Collective
28. A massage at Stillwaters Healing (She also offers a girls night in package!)
29. A gift basket of organic, toxin-free beauty products from Toxyfree
30. A gift certificate for a yoga class at Studio One Yoga
For Kids And Teens -
When buying for young kids, think of Mom and Dad’s load:
31. Schedule an afternoon of ropes courses, laser tag, or other shenanigans at The Burrow
32. Have an animal encounter at Eagle Eye Farm(pictured left)
33. An art kit, class, or party at KidCreate-Woodbury (18 months-12 years)
34. An afternoon of parlor magic from Untamed Magic (ages 3-about 9)
35. A discovery flight and lesson with Lake Elmo Aero (contact for age requirements)
36. Give a gift that keeps giving with a membership to the Minnesota Toy Library (ages birth-5 years)
37. An afternoon of at-home fun with Play Nook Adventures (ages 5 and under)
38. Give kiddos a budget and/or time limit in Tremblay’s Sweet Shop (any age, am I right?!)
39. Science Museum, Children’s Museum, or Minnesota Zoo memberships
40. A special event with a loved one (such as afternoon tea at the Mad Hatter Tea House)
41. Offer to cover a class or lesson (like swimming lessons, and wrap up a bathing suit and towel for under the tree)
42. An audiobook subscription through Libro.FM, which supports local bookstores like Valley Bookseller (pre-teens through teens)
43. Movie passes to the iconic Riverview Theater (teens)
44. Gas card (teens)
For Teachers And Childcare Providers - Show gratitude for those who nurture and inspire:
45. Gift cards!!! (Amazon, Target, or Visa offer the most versatility, or keep it local with Chamber Bucks)
46. Cash and a thoughtful, handwritten card of gratitude
47. Get breakfast or lunch for the staff, or for your kids’ classroom teachers
48. Ask the teachers if there is anything they need for the classroom that you could purchase and donate
49. Time! Ask if there is any activity or chore you could complete on their behalf, or project they need help with in the classroom
50. Potted plants for the classroom from Mother Co. Plants
For Family Members & Parents - Think practical, memory-making gifts that bring joy without adding clutter:
51. Season passes or Lessons at Afton Alps
52. A day of pedal power from Herman Electric Bike Rentals
53. A day of DIY-ing with AR Workshop
54. Make a personalized calendar with children’s artwork or photos (Office Depot offers discounts on printing for Greater Stillwater Chamber members!)
55. Design your own bar, pizza, or specialty fare crawl in downtown Stillwater at the many restaurants
56. A Washington County Parks Pass
57. Childcare so they can have a date night or just a kid-free day
58. Pet sitting for their next trip
59. A personal family history from Lead Sheep Productions
60. A session or two organizing their photos with Holly Corbid of Capture Your Photos
61. Chamber Bucks, issued by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and redeemable at dozens of local businesses and restaurants
62. A family portrait session from Kristina Lynn Photography
63. A Power Hour interior design consultation with Draper House Design Co.
For Your Spouse Or Partner - Meaningful, memory-making gifts that deepen your connection:
64. A monthly flower subscription from Two Bees and a Bud (They also offer private classes and events! Contact for delivery area) (pictured left)
65. Book a gondola cruise on the St. Croix River with Gondola Romantica
66. A voucher for a night alone in a hotel room, while you stay with the kids
67. A family membership to a gym or fitness club, such as River Valley Athletic Club, and a promise to be an accountability partner
68. A fancy dinner out, followed by a show at The Phipps or The Guthrie
69. Dance lessons at Dance and Entertainment Studios
70. A couples cooking class at Rivertown Inn
71. Have a cozy winter picnic in a wine yurt at Alexis Bailey Vinyard
72. A post-holiday deep clean from Squeaky Services (also an excellent hostess gift, if you’re staying for an extended period of time)
For Girlfriend Groups or Coworker Gatherings - Forget Secret Santa and spend some quality time together with a fun, local adventure:
73. Get your romance-reading besties together for book club with a pop-up visit from Swoonworthy Booksellers
74. Enjoy a candle pouring experience at Carpe Noctem Candle Co.
75. Plan a private sip and shop at La Vie Est Belle Gift Boutique
76. Go ax throwing at The Lumberjack
77. Work together at Stillwater Escape Co.
78. Have a creative make and take event at Kari’s Create & Paint
79. Take a group fitness class at Align Optimal Wellness
80. If you’re feeling bold, take a pole-dancing or aerial silks fitness class at The Pole Barn Aerial Arts & Dance Center
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This is of course not an exhaustive list, but just a sample of the heartfelt and creative ways to show people you care. This year, focus on the moments and the memories by choosing gifts that bring joy without adding clutter—gifts that will be cherished long after the wrapping paper is gone.
If you’re a local business in the greater St. Croix River Valley and have a product or service that might be a good fit for this list, email me at contact@juniperorganizing.com. I am always looking for ways to promote local and consume less!