Make Memories This Valentine’s Day

Instead of buying things for Valentine’s Day, do things with the special people in your life. Shared experiences create memories and deepen relationships. Try volunteering with a nonprofit together, creating a memory book to collect mementoes of the times you’ve shared, or making time to engage in uninterrupted, one-on-one conversation. “Don’t fall victim to the prefabricated crutch of hackneyed floral arrangements and ill-advised, gigantic stuffed bears,” Frugalwoods says. “Instead, seek authentic intimacy with your partner, your family [and] your close friends.”

Valentine’s Day: It’s the Thought That Counts

On Valentine’s Day, it really is the thought that counts. To keep your celebration inexpensive yet heartfelt, Frugalwoods readers suggest tailoring all gifts and observances to their recipients. Outdoorsy types might like to take a hike in the woods; art lovers will enjoy a trip to the museum. Homebodies (and workaholics) might like to take a night off to bake some heart-shaped cookies, order a heart-shaped pizza or cook a special favorite meal. Make your own cards, or simply leave Post-its around the house inscribed with romantic affirmations.

Don’t Overspend on Valentine’s Day

The temptation to overspend is substantial on Valentine’s Day — and the nation’s jewelers and chocolatiers encourage it. But you don’t have to spend a lot to make your partner feel special, PopSugar says. Instead of stretching your credit to buy more or more extravagant stuff, try a gag gift exchange or watch a romantic movie. Make handmade vouchers for chores and other favors, or revisit the memories that make your relationship special over a home-cooked meal. If you really need something as a couple, agree on a gift you’ll enjoy together and make a day out of buying it.

Give the Gift of Decluttering

While we at the Organizing Blog often preach minimalism, we still maintain a childlike sense of anticipation about finding brightly wrapped gifts under the tree with our names on it — not to mention the many hours of “retail therapy” that go into giving a thoughtful gift.

But the many new things you’ll give and receive during the holidays do take up space, and when left haphazardly around the home, they become clutter. And when left unchecked, clutter not only crowds tabletops, hallways and closets, it can crowd the mind.

That’s why some of the best gifts are ones that organize all of the stuff in one’s busy life into spaces that make sense — or even cut down on what and how much of any category of thing one hangs onto. Treat decluttering as a gift, and you can show you really care.

This year, try giving things that maximize the space already available in one’s home. SimpleMost suggests 19 clever gifts, for example, that will help your giftees create more storage space in kids’ rooms, mud rooms, kitchens and closets.

Another excellent gift at year’s end is a daily, weekly or monthly calendar, planner or journal. You can’t magically make someone into a Type A, but having a place to write down and organize one’s appointments is a great start. Self offers a number of options.

Some of the best gifts are things that hold other things. Sorting small, like items into a designated place can help keep them from scattering around the house or getting lost. Pop Sugar has selected a bunch of bins, hooks, caddies, shelves and holders that can contain the clutter in style.

You can also give a gift that doesn’t add to the clutter whatsoever. Anything that can be used up is a great choice — homebaked cookies, a nice bottle of wine or a gift basket of gourmet charcuterie. Or you can gift an experience with theater tickets, dinner out at a local restaurant or a spa treatment.

If you get something for which you just can’t find a place, there’s no shame in getting rid of it. The goodwill won’t go unappreciated— even though whatever it is might get lost in a heap of surplus stuff. Quietly set whatever it is aside and include it in your donation to ClothingDonations.org so it can’t clutter your home.

Less clutter means less stress. And who doesn’t want that?!

Mother’s Day Gifts on the Cheap

You don’t have to break the bank to find great Mother’s Day gifts for moms who like to entertain at home, says kitchn. The site offers 36 gift ideas including candles and coasters that retail for less than $25 to a stoneware and a smoothie blender in the more spendy $75 category. Whatever you wrap up, remember that it’s the thought that counts; gifts should speak to their recipients’ likes and needs. And even moms who enjoy cooking may want to take the day off for once!