Clutter-Free Gift Guide

DISCLOSURE
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I love the holidays as much as the next person, but I’m not a fan of the pressure to find the perfect gift. You know that feeling when you’re at a store, looking around, trying to find something that might work for the special person in your life. You panic, and end up buying them another scarf, novelty vintage toy or scented lotion. After the holidays, you relish the memories, but get the donation box ready for all the things you know you can’t return, but definitely don’t want to keep.

Not this year. 2020 has been the ultimate year of reflection, and decluttering and organizing have definitely been in the front of people’s minds as they’ve been home more than ever. So this year I’ve rounded up a ton of my favorite recommendations including services, things you can use up, virtual experiences and so much more. My hope is that it will help you find something for everyone on your list, to help us all reduce clutter. There are some special deals below as well! Happy Holidays friends, I hope you have a merry season.

For the Organization Lover

New Year. New Spaces. My own Tidy Tips Workshop Series is the perfect gift for those looking to organize their homes in the new year. This series allows you to peek inside my brain to see how I create solutions for my clients. You will also have access to my tried-and-true product suggestions, and get top tips, so you can apply those ideas to YOUR space!

Enjoy this Special Holiday Sale just for blog-readers! Save 20% on any workshop or Tidy Tips bundle by using code holiday20 through the end of 2020!

If you prefer to gift one-on-one virtual sessions, I also have gift certificates available!

Tidy Tips Workshop Series with me - Carly Adams

For Coffee Lovers

If you’re like most Moms and entrepreneurs I know, “Procaffeinating” is a staple in your daily routine. Give the gift of Rise & Grind this holiday season!

Enjoy a personalized coffee subscription matched to your taste or a sampler box from Driftway Coffee.

If you’re looking for small- batch beans, then Bandit Coffee is a great choice. This cafe, founded by The Minimalists, serves lattes, pour-overs & other drinks brewed from single-origin roasts, and can be shipped straight to you!

Gift cards always make a great stocking stuffer. You can never go wrong with Starbucks or your local chain. In Sacramento, we love Dutch Bros!

For the Goal-Getter

This holiday season I am sharing some of my favorite resources - people that will help you build a positive mindset and crush your goals.

Are you struggling to get the results you want in your business? I strongly recommend booking a Strategy Intensive session with Kachet Jackson-Henderson of The Kachet Life. I can tell you from personal experience that a strategy session with Kachet is like none other. She is able to look at your brand from a fresh perspective and give you practical advice that you can implement immediately to help level-up your business. From social media and website audits to marketing strategy and partnership brainstorming, she’s one of the best investments of my business! Use this code to get $100 off your session, for a limited number of clients.

Another recommendation from Kachet - the Five-Minute Journal. “The daily prompts don’t allow me to get caught up on the bull; I have to focus on the positive while I reflect on the day. I don’t know about you, but I’m just trying to have a peaceful mind, a graceful heart and celebrate the little things. If you are someone who is looking to adopt a journaling practice, I totally recommend you get one. It would also make a great gift for your best friend or sister.” Learn more here!

Kachet Jackson-Henderson

Chayla Charlise is a brand strategist and mindset master who helps coaches stand up and stand out so they can attract more dream customers into their group programs. She helps her clients elevate their brands through her VIP Intensive - Rebrand In A Day, so they can get in, get out, and get back to business.

If someone special in your life (or you!) have healthy goals for the coming year, Linsey Levy is a Healthy Lifestyle Coach who believes that health does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. She works with her clients to achieve whole person wellness with no BS or fads, just science. Learn more about her coaching opportunities, and her group coaching in 2021 on her website.

My Goal-Getter roundup isn’t complete without mentioning Tami Hackbarth - 100% Guilt-free Self-Care Coach. Having worked with Tami extensively over the last two years, I HIGHLY recommend her coaching and group programs. She helps you prioritize the activities and thought processes that will help you avoid overwhelm and burnout in the new year and beyond. Her program Deferred Maintenance starts again in February!

For the Music Lover

Ready for something new? Let’s get singing. Halswell Music offers online voice lessons by my dear friend Halley Elwell, an amazing Jazz singer based on the East Coast. She is an awesome coach for anyone - even if you don’t have any prior singing skills! Learn more about her beginner adult voice lessons on her website.

You are going to need an instrument to play to go hand in hand with those singing lessons. Why not try the piano? On Playground Sessions you can take online piano lessons, curated by artists like Harry Connick, Jr. and Quincy Jones.

Music is the best gift to people. Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music are all great streaming services that have every genre and artist of music you can think of. Consider buying a gift subscription to one of these streaming services for a fellow music loving family member or friend!

For the Cozy Home Gal

A cozy self care night is always a necessity, and these links will help you up your hygge vibes in no time!

Have you realized in 2020 that your home needs a refresh? Rebecca Plumb is a premier interior designer based in the Sacramento area, who specializes in mid-century modern design. From full-service and online design to a la carte services, Rebecca offers it all. Learn more about her services on her website.

Fish & Chip Craft Co. is a candle and handmade goods business in Sacramento. Established in early 2019 by Marissa Greenband, her mission is to repurpose wine bottles and other containers, and give back to organizations supporting kittens through fostering and adoption. The brand is named after her two cats, Fish and Chip! This holiday season, Fish & Chip Craft Co. is featuring three holiday scents in addition to their regular line - Apple Harvest, Vanilla Pumpkin, and Frosted Juniper. These scents are available in tumbler jars, repurposed wine bottles, or a new option - custom fills! This allows you to connect with the maker herself and provide your own loved container from home you want repurposed and made into a custom candle for your home. I tried out this service and LOVE IT! Instead of throwing out that cute candle that burnt down or keeping that random empty jar you’ve been holding on to, you can now receive a custom made candle in your container to give it a new life, and her scents are amazing. Visit her website to get started!

Have someone on your list who is always binging the latest shows? Check out Sackcloth & Ashes for their line of cozy blankets. Founded in 2013, for every blanket purchased, they give a blanket to your local homeless shelter.

Another super cozy and very practical gift - Bombas socks. These are my favorite socks EVER. For every pair of socks purchased, they donate a pair of socks to a homeless shelter. To date, they have donated over 42M items.

For the Traveler

During this crazy year, there isn’t much traveling taking place for any of us right now. So while we might not be able to go to Japan (which was originally our big trip planned for 2020), we can still bring Japan to us! Enjoy Imported Japanese snacks from Bokksu! Get 10% off with code PAOLO10 (a code from one of my favorite vloggers Paulo fromTOKYO).

Giving the gift of adventure is also another great option with State Park Passes.

This Leather Travel Case Set by Cuyana is a favorite of my friend Luci from Luci’s Morsels. She says: “I’ve had these two cases for about 5 years and still love them as much today as I did when I first got them! These two cases can be used to tidy up whatever clutter you may have. I use the big one for all my makeup. It sits open in the drawer at home for easy access and then I just zip it up when I’m off for the weekend or around the world! The little one is my catchall for everything tech-accessory. It sits open on my desk for easy access. When it’s time to move my work (to the coffee shop, living room, or an airplane seat), I throw in my charging cables, headphones, wireless mouse, and off I, stylishly, go!”

Donation to a Non-Profit Close to Your Heart

Giving back is very important to me, especially in times like these. Check out some of my favorite nonprofit organizations to see how you can make a difference this holiday season!

Women’s Empowerment is a non-profit organization here in Sacramento that educates and empowers women who are experiencing homelessness with the skills and confidence necessary to get a job, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children. Check out their Holiday Wish List to help to provide for those in need.

Another one of my favorite nonprofits is Aging UP, a non-profit that empowers youth with experience in foster care to successfully transition into adulthood. Check out their website for more information on how to support their mission this holiday season.

This year we’re holding non-profits that help animals especially near to our hearts, after having to say goodbye to our sweet Hank over Thanksgiving. Although many shelters and organizations are accepting less donations than before due to Covid, local animal shelters are always in need of financial support as they care for animals that are waiting for their forever home. In Sacramento, we are especially fond of the Sacramento SPCA, Scooter’s Pals, and the NorCal French Bulldog Rescue.

For all non-profits, one-time donations are amazing, but if you’re able to set up a monthly donation, it provides the extra bonus of helping organizations plan their budgets long-term!

For the Cook

There’s nothing I love more than a delicious homemade meal! If you are struggling with coming up with gift ideas this holiday season, I definitely recommend looking into holiday food packages. It is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook or even someone who is trying to explore more in the kitchen.

On D'italia you will find the best specialty Italian holiday bundles for cheap prices. If you or one of your friends/family members love cheese trays and Italian food, you won’t regret these delicious packages.

Shopping for someone who loves to cook? Blue Apron has delicious gourmet meals ready to make. This is the perfect gift for an at-home date night!

One of my favorite things ever is trying new foods from different cultures. While we’re not able to travel right now, the next best thing is to check out Try the World for their wide variety of sample foods from all over the world.

Gift your friends or family members with some tasty meals this holiday season. They will definitely appreciate it!

Food Delivery Gift Cards

For many of us, the best gift these days is the gift of not cooking!

Grubhub and Postmates are great delivery services that will leave you satisfied with your favorite meals from your favorite local restaurants. They also have gift cards available online, making gifting as easy as (delivered) pie.

Gifting someone with a gift card to their favorite local restaurant is also something that you can never go wrong with, especially now that everyone delivers or has curbside pickup.

For the Gardener

Shopping for a family member or friend who loves gardening? Consider buying a gift card from Burpee, an awesome website that has an abundance of seeds from practically every plant you can think of! This is one of my go-to gifts for my Dad, who loves wild flowers and roses!

Another one of my local favorites (that can ship to you!) is the Prickly Pear. They offer a wide variety of adorable succulent packages that not only include a succulent but a self-care item as well (pictured here with a candle from our friends at Fish & Chip!). A subscription for their monthly packages would be a great gift to a plant lover!

I’m also loving this Birth Month Flower Grow Kit from Uncommon Goods. It’s a fun and personalized at-home project that’s perfect for anyone who loves growing flowers. Their website has a lot of other interesting gifts you can grow, from herb gardens to bird feeders to shitake mushrooms. If you know the person on your list loves growing certain items - this is a fun site to explore.

For the Pet Lover

If those on your list are obsessed with their dog, we’ve got the perfect gift. Wilderdog Santa Paws Coal Sacks are the holiday-themed poop bags that are hilarious and practical. They’re also biodegradable, so owners can pick up their dog's waste while also maintaining a healthy environment.

Want a gift that keeps on giving year-round? Barkbox the cutest gift subscriptions for dogs with a themed collection of toys and snacks each month!

Shopping for a cat lover? Purrfect Packs has subscription boxes for cats. Each box includes a combination of 4-5 treats, toys, and catnip!

If you are looking to donate to the many animals in the shelters this holiday season while also buying a treat for your dog, check out Give Pet - Premium Dog Treats. When you buy a bag of their heathy treats for your pet, they donate enough treats for at least 10 shelter dogs. It’s a great way to make a donation to a shelter in need while also buying treats your dog will love you for!

For the Fashionista

I’ve got ideas to help you pick out the perfect gift for the favorite fashionista in your life. From jewelry to wardrobe redesign to gifts that give back - read on for my favs.

Need help redesigning your wardrobe? My good friend Missy from Simplified Wardrobe has you covered! She specializes in helping her clients curate “non-boring capsule wardrobes” and offers virtual services. Check out her website to learn more!

Jillian B. Designs was built in the home of a Northern California mother who had a vision of helping people embrace their stories in the form of wearable art. Her process is personal, and each handmade design, carefully and intentionally created in collaboration with her customers, is a vessel for healing and joy. She is committed to 100% customer satisfaction with every piece, which inspires her customers to return again and again. She also offers gift cards, so your loved one can choose their own piece! Learn more on her website.

Toms shoes has been one of my favorite companies for over a decade. The company revolves around a movement that creates better living conditions for individuals in need, specifically children. Toms will dedicate at least one-third of their net annual profits to a giving fund managed by their Giving Team, to help fund a variety of grants and causes the company has invested in. Their gift cards will let the recipient pick their perfect item!

For the History Buff

It’s never a bad time to freshen up on some interesting historical facts! The New York Tenement Museum is currently offering virtual museum experiences. I took a tour recently with a group of friends, and it was really insightful! I definitely want to visit the museum again in person next time I’m in NYC.

Gift cards to independent bookstores near you are always a great gift, as many bookstores ship these days and need our patronage. Here in Sacramento we love Capital Books, and another one of my favorites to visit is Powell’s in Portland, OR.

Another great resource is the History Vault by the History Channel. They offer tons of documentaries and series exploring the events that shaped our world, from ancient empires to modern warfare. Stream commercial free, for less than $5/mo! Learn more here.

Kids - Books & Toys

I asked about your favorite kids’ toys and books on Instagram, and am sharing the most popular answers below, as well as a few of my favs!

Artkive - Kids' Art in a Custom Book. Have less clutter & more memories! Fill the Artkive Box with your kids’ art and send it back to them. Artkive will professionally photograph it and turn it into a stunning, keepsake book or framed mosaic. Use code TIDYTIPS for $20 off your order!

Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris - When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as "too assertive" and "too ambitious," it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down. Anyone who's ever been underestimated or overshadowed will find inspiration in this empowering picture book from New York Times bestselling author Meena Harris. Now on preorder for January!

I heard from many parents that they are loving books by Vashti Harrison, like Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, and Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World. Learn more about all the books in the series here!

Another favorite is National Geographic Kids Magazine - a fun publication designed especially for children ages 6-9. Give the gift of learning about animals all over the world! If the kiddo in your life loves learning on a tablet, some favorite learning apps include Muzzy, PBS Kids and the Epic Reading App, all of which are engaging and fun!

Also recommended by my Mom friends and Instagram community - these are the toys your kids reach for constantly, and don’t add to the clutter!

The #1 recommended toy by you is Magna-Tiles, offering hours of screen-free fun for the kids! Kinderfeets was also highly recommended, for their balance boards and trikes. If the kids in your life love puzzles, Melissa and Doug is always a hit - and have tons of options - you can even shop by age on their website! Another tip someone recommended is finding out what they already have and add to their collection (Legos, doll clothes, etc.). You could also gift them with passes to the places they love to visit! (like a zoo or children’s museum).

Know a budding chef? They will love Raddish - a cooking club for kids! They offer monthly culinary fun delivered to your doorstep! Check out their website to get all the details.

You can always gift something practical for the kids in your life, giving their parents a break. I’m the Auntie who usually gifts the next size up pajamas, shoes or shirts!

Practical Gift Cards

Obviously, I’m a big fan of practical gifts at the holidays, and gift cards are always a great way to go. Let’s be honest - people love choosing what gift they want and you don't have to fret about getting them something they won’t like!

Amazon, Target, and Costco are all great places for gift cards because they have something for every person of every age! Share some love this holiday season by giving your loved ones a gift card for one of these shops and I promise you, they will put it to good use.

Finally - the gift of cash never goes out of style. Consider gifting money to a family member or friend. Venmo and Paypal are the easiest and best apps to give money through this holiday season, and make it easy to gift funds for everything from a latte to next month’s rent.

I hope these ideas have inspired your holiday shopping this year! My goal is to help you shop without resorting to giving trinkets you know will end up in a landfill in a month. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season, full of wonderful memories and free of clutter!