Grandma has spent AGES industriously doing the currently fashionable ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’, she’s down to just the stuff she really wants. It’s been a big job. It’s taken years! All those boxes full of stuff she “just might use'' are gone, the best china - never actually used - has been sold. She now has a lovely capsule wardrobe and has gifted anything to anyone who would enjoy it. She’s pretty pleased with herself… and then. Her birthday rolls around. Sigh. How does one find gifts and presents for the decluttered home that someone actually, well, wants?

Let’s put them into categories. And with the cost of living crisis, let’s get inventive. Think experiences! Take nanna on a hot air balloon ride! What about a surprise art class? 

Some ideas might include:

• Vouchers/gift cards. We all enjoy having a little more money at the till to buy a few more luxuries, don’t we? And she can choose what she actually wants or needs herself!
• A gift certificate for personal treats like massages, facials, nails - these aren’t just for women! How about a nice barber voucher?
• Tickets to a show, movie, sporting event or a gallery
• Flowers or a plant
• Shout a meal out, or cook something special at home
• An inexpensive trip away
• Donate in their name to a charity or good cause
• A membership to a museum, zoo, or botanical garden
• A subscription to Spotify, Netflix or Neon - or similar viewing or listening platform

How about yummy food?

• A basket filled with gourmet food items, coffees, or teas
• A subscription box for their favourite snacks, wine, or beauty products
• A box of high-quality chocolates or other treats

Think about springing for some services:

• A house cleaning voucher - ‘cause honestly, who actually enjoys cleaning?
• A yard work or gardening service
• A personal chef experience for a special occasion
• A technology lesson to help them learn a new skill (using a tablet, video calling)

When choosing a gift, remember to consider interests and hobbies. Add a thoughtful personal touch by personalising any of these ideas with a handwritten card or note to show your love and appreciation. And you know what? Gifts don’t always need to cost money! Pop over, SAY happy birthday and give them a hug. Hugs don’t clutter up a home, they fill a heart, and that warmed heart is what is most important at the end of the day.