Need ideas for those hard to shop for people on your list? Want to give something that won’t just sit around unused or add to anyone’s already full home? Here are ten ideas for useful gifts to delight your friends and loved ones for the holidays:
1. Collapsible fabric totes
These totes are the best! They can be used in the top or bottom of a closet for a multitude of essentials: winter accessories, pet supplies, extra slippers, spare toiletries… just about anything! And, when they’re not in use, they fold flat and store easily. You can give a set of two or three, collapsed, or open each one up and fill them with snacks and treats to use as gift “baskets!”
2. Slim non-slip hangers
Know someone with lots of clothes and not enough closet space? These work great and take up less than half the bar space as the plastic ones. Dress the gift up with a silk scarf (that will be sure not to slip off these hangers!)
3. Craft Storage Case
Is there a knitter or crafter in the family? So many craft stores now carry quite an array of craft supply organizers – from bead sorters to long knitting needle cases – thoughtful and practical gifts for anyone who loves to be creative.
4. Under-bed Shoe Storage
Those zippered cloth shoe storage bags that can hold 10-14 pairs of shoes and slide right under the bed can be a perfect gift for someone who’s always wearing something different on their feet. It keeps shoes out of the way, easy to reach and dust/pet hair free! Want to add some pizzazz? Top it with a pair of slippers or all-weather crocs.
5. Lap Desk
Lap desks are perfect for almost anyone these days. They offer a firm work surface while providing cushion for your legs. They’re great for students sitting on a bed using a laptop or for grandma sitting on a couch doing a crossword puzzle. And they store easily beside whichever seat you choose.
6. Car Organizer
There are several different types of car and trunk organizers. Some hang over the back of a seat and some sit upright on the floor or in the trunk. Great for busy parents who are always on the go!
7. Photo Storage Box
Although many stores carry photo organizers, my favorite type is the Power Sort Box sold by Creative Memories. It holds and safely stores over a thousand photos and makes sorting them a snap!
If you know someone who has a lot of paper, numbers 8 or 9 might be the perfect gifts:
8. Paper shredder
In this day and age of identity theft, there is nothing more necessary (or fun!) than having a paper shredder on hand. It’s a wonderful gift of peace of mind.
9. File Cabinet
If you’ve ever tried to battle with old file drawers that no longer slide easily, you can appreciate how much of a treat having a new, easy-gliding file cabinet would be!
10. Gift Certificate
Make sure that any gift certificates you give can be used online or locally: Spa, Grocery Store, Movie Theatre, Babysitter… or time with a Professional Organizer!
Here’s wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and clutter-free holiday!
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