How to Give Clutter-Free Gifts That Create Memories

In this heartwarming Magazine Moments episode, Julie and Janis dive into one of the most freeing concepts of the holiday season: gifting experiences instead of stuff. Inspired by Joshua Becker’s article “How to Gift Experiences Instead of Things” from Becoming Minimalist, this conversation unpacks why experience-based gifts deepen connection, reduce clutter, and create lifelong memories—without adding anything to the closet, drawer, or donation bin.

If you're ready to simplify your holidays, shop with intention, and give gifts that truly matter, this episode is for you.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Why traditional gift-giving has shifted—and why it’s time to rethink it
• The four guiding rules for clutter-free gifting
• How to transition your family to experience-based gifts without overwhelm
• Thoughtful ways to choose the perfect experience for each person
• A massive list of 30 experience gift ideas ranging from free to luxurious
• How to present an experience gift so it still feels exciting to unwrap
• Long-term experience gifts that keep giving joy all year
• The magic of shared memories and DIY experience ideas
• How experience gifts can change a child’s life (yes, really!)
• When to honor loved ones’ requests for physical gifts

Plus, Julie and Janis share personal stories—camping trips, cooking subscription boxes, family experiences, and even a grandmother-granddaughter trip to Japan—that illustrate how powerful and memorable clutter-free gifting can be.

Why Experience Gifts Work

Experience gifts aren’t just “less clutter.”
 They are:

• Meaningful
• Memorable
• Personalized
• Connection-building
• Budget-flexible
• Emotionally rich

And they reduce stress, storage needs, and the guilt that comes with unwanted items. Yes, please!

30 Experience Gift Ideas Mentioned

From simple to spectacular:

• DIY spa days
• Stargazing nights
• Cooking classes
• Museum passes
• Escape rooms
• Pottery lessons
• Nature walks
• Winery tours
• Ziplining
• Weekend getaways
• Luxury cruises

… and 20 more ideas to fit any budget or personality.

Perfect For:

✔ Minimalists
 ✔ Declutterers
 ✔ Busy families
 ✔ Parents wanting fewer toys
 ✔ Gift-givers who want more meaning
 ✔ Anyone tired of holiday overwhelm

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abcdeclutterwithjj

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity

🖥️ Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com/

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://www.thejjsdeclutterpodcast.com/

🖥️Email: hello@abcdeclutter.com 

#GiftingExperiences #ClutterFreeLiving #MinimalistGifts #DeclutterPodcast #HolidaySimplicity #IntentionalLiving #ExperienceGifts #SimplifyTheSeason #JJsDeclutterPodcast

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!!