CONSUMABLE GIFTS

I'm playing the Minimalist Game for the second month in a row and something that's come up in both groups is that people struggle with getting rid of things they received as gifts, even if the item is no longer used. The sentimental value is still there and there's a sincere appreciation for the time and/or money that was spent by the giver, but the item itself is no longer a blessing in the recipient's life.

In my opinion, a gift (or any other item, for that matter) that is no longer earning it's space in your home needs to go. If it's simply a matter of not taking the time to use it (maybe a game you haven't played in a while or a kitchen gadget you haven't used lately), then wait a month or two and make an effort to use the gift during that time. If you already know it won't get used or if you give it a little extra time and still don't use it, then pass it on. Give it to a friend who will be thrilled to have it, donate it to a thrift store whose cause you support, or sell it and use the money for something you need.

Please understand that I'm a big fan of non-consumable gifts. I happily wrap myself in blankets people made for me, enjoy playing games I was given, have a bunch of Ws on my wall from friends and family that make me smile, and so on. The rest of my family members have also received gifts that they love wearing, playing with, reading, or using in other ways. We're not anti-stuff.

However, one type of gift that I love giving and receiving is a consumable gift. I don't have to wonder if the recipient will actually use it and they don't have to store it or feel obligated to hold onto it longer than they want to. In light of the conversations in the last two Minimalist Game groups, I'm going to list some consumable gifts that we've given or received and some that I've seen others give or receive.

* 24 hours (or however long you want) of unlimited screen time
* individual/family membership to an art museum, zoo, children's museum, gym, science museum
* gift card for a place to eat (restaurant, ice cream) or drink (coffee or tea shop)
* Netflix subscription
* sidewalk chalk (yes, you have to store it ... but not for long)
* toiletries (fun soaps and lotions, razors for someone starting to shave)
* one time pass or a gift card for an activity place (miniature golf, trampolines like Sky High, inflatables like Pump It Up, movie theater, or the places listed under memberships)
* snack pack of foods, whether healthy or treats, the person likes
* iTunes gift card
* tickets to an event (sports, concert, circus, play)
* acts of service that you do yourself or pay someone else to do (house cleaning, childcare, oil change)
* seeds to plant in a garden or pot
* outing together (day at the beach, getting manicures, hitting balls at the batting cages, hiking)
* giving to a charity in the recipient's name/honor

This list is obviously not extensive, but hopefully it will help you start thinking of some consumable gifts that would work for you to give to some of the people in your life. Bonus points for the fact that some of them are free.

As for non-consumable gifts, don't stop giving them. Both consumable and non-consumable gifts can be a blessing!