Hey Reader,

I've spent ten years in other people's kitchens, which means I see the gifts that worked and the ones that didn't.

Many people love shopping and gift-giving, especially at the holidays. And recipients know this about the gift-giver. That's what makes the items hard to get rid of later.

A lot of the gifts that a professional organizer donates are because someone felt guilty.

Last year, one of my clients paid for a cleaning lady for each of her three daughters who were married with little kids. They were all over the moon to receive this gift from their mom.

No one had to find a home for it.

Here is what I want you to know before you buy anything this year:

• Ask yourself where it will live. If you can't picture the exact spot in their house, don't buy it.
• Don't give someone a hobby they didn't ask for. The sourdough kit, the yoga mat, the gardening set.
• I always suggest consumables. Coffee, olive oil, and dark chocolate.
• Avoid anything that needs its own storage. A gift that lives in a bin eleven months out of the year is one more thing to find a home for.
• Always include a gift receipt. And tell them, when they open it, that you will not be offended if they return or exchange it.

The goal isn't to buy nothing, but rather to be intentional and thoughtful about what you buy.

I wrote the whole list out, including what to do when you still want something to wrap.

👉 The Gifts I Donate Every January, and What to Give Instead​

I choose experiences not stuff, because what we have is simply enough.

Amy

P.S. What intentional gift are you giving this year?