Clutter Free Gift Ideas: Gift More Joy, Not More Stuff!
In this blog post, I'm sharing recommendations based on my personal opinions and experiences, and I want to clarify that I do not receive any compensation from the organizations or businesses mentioned.
It’s the season of giving! Every year I’m reminded how quickly holiday joy can turn into stress — the pressure to find the “perfect” gift, the overspending, and then the wave of stuff that fills our homes. It’s clear so many of us crave a simpler, more intentional approach to gift-giving, so a couple years ago, I started sharing ideas for gifts that don’t create clutter.
Here we are, year three — This year includes some longtime favorites and some new finds to help you give meaningfully without adding to anyone’s “stuff.” It includes 60 fresh ways to give experiences, consumables, and acts of service, while also highlighting some amazing small businesses in the St. Croix River Valley.
If you’re not local to the Twin Cities, take this as inspiration! Seek out your own favorite small businesses — the cozy bookshops, neighborhood bakeries, family-run salons, and local makers that make your area unique.
When choosing clutter-free gifts, keep these guidelines in mind:
It’s not a physical object (think experiences or services).
It’s consumable (something that can be enjoyed and used up).
It fills a real need or brings genuine joy to the recipient.
This Small Business Saturday, let’s keep the focus on what really matters — less stuff, more connection, and gifts that make life a little lighter.
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The 2025 List:
Consumable Gifts: Thoughtful treats that get enjoyed, not stored
Perfect for those who appreciate good food, cozy comforts, or a little indulgence—these gifts get used up and savored, leaving behind only happy memories, not clutter.
Greeting “Clards” by Soak It Up! Send a heartfelt note that turns into a reusable dishcloth
A bottle of wine with purpose (or a membership to the wine club) from So What Wine (she offers classes, too!)
A candle “flight” from Nordic Scents
Seasonal CSA of fresh produce from 10th Street Farm & Market
5. A fresh loaf of bread, granola, or bagels from micro-bakery Cherry Street Bread
6. A bottle of amazing olive oil or specialty vinegar from Stillwater Olive Oil. Level up by including a recipe for a tasty treat!
7. Fresh roasted beans, a gift card, and a guaranteed smile to Sunshine Coffee
8. Some unique flavor pairings with a jar of Serious Jam, fresh from Scandia, MN
9. A selection of “meat candy” from Hagberg’s
10. Make a personalized calendar with children’s artwork or photos (Office Depot offers discounts on printing for Greater Stillwater Chamber members!)
11. A gift basket of skin and beauty care from a local maker, such as Oh, Beehave or Modern Roots
12. A flower bouquet subscription from Ladybug and Blooms
13. A sweet treat that is a work of art! A box of chocolates from St. Croix Chocolate Company.
14. Amazing custom cookies by Morsels
Acts of Service: The Gift of Time and a Lighter To-Do List
These gifts show you care through action—whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a skill, or taking something off their to-do list. They create meaningful moments and a lasting impact, all without adding clutter.
15. Offer to come to the party or event a little early to help set up, or stay a little late to wash dishes
16. Ask if you can pick up last minute items, like ice or wine, on your way over
17. Volunteer for a specific task throughout the event (does she need someone to take pictures? Make sure the bathroom stays tidy? Refill the punch bowl?)
18. Sharp knives make ALL the difference to a home chef! Edge Mobile Sharpening will come right to their home.
19. Offer childcare for a date night
20. Volunteer pet sitting or plant care for their next trip
21. Gift a room styling session with Juniper (Contact me here) to help them pull together the perfect home look
22. A post-holiday deep clean from Squeaky Services (also an excellent hostess gift, if you’re staying for an extended period of time)
23. A gift card to The Minnesota Table for fresh, chef prepared meals delivered to their home.
24. Provide a season of snow shoveling, or set them up with Willow River Company
Classes & Group Experiences: Memories Together, Not More Stuff
Skip the usual Secret Santa or office party clutter—give the gift of shared experiences, learning, and fun that everyone can enjoy together.
25. If you’re feeling bold, take a pole-dancing or aerial silks fitness class at The Pole Barn Aerial Arts & Dance Center
26. Enjoy a candle pouring experience at Carpe Noctem Candle Co.
27. Plan a private sip and shop at La Vie Est Belle Gift Boutique
28. Go ax throwing at The Lumberjack
29. Work together at Stillwater Escape Co.
30. Host a wine tasting at home with Dancing Dragonfly Winery
31. A day of DIY-ing with AR Workshop
32. Plan your own pizza crawl in downtown Stillwater with The Grand Pizza, Gio’s, Melt, Victorino’s, and QuickFire
33. Host a BierCycle Adventure through historic Stillwater
34. Bring in mobile coffee cart, Buna, for a caffeinated afternoon
35. Revisit your childhood with nostalgic console games, board games, and chill vibes at Matt’s Basement
Experiences for Couples or Individuals: Moments They’ll Remember
From cozy date nights to solo adventures, these gifts create lasting memories and joy without taking up space.
36. A session package from Woodfire Wellness for a season of saunaing
37. Gift confidence with a gift card for a salon service from Establish Salon
38. Or a traditional cut and shave for him at Prohibition Barbers (This would also make a sweet father/son day out!)
39. A salt cave experience at Just For Me Spa (or private rental for girls night!)
40. A day of pedal power from Herman Electric Bike Rentals
41. Book a gondola cruise on the St. Croix River with Gondola Romantica
42. Dance lessons at Dance and Entertainment Studios
43. A family history from Lead Sheep Productions
44. A gift certificate for a yoga class at Studio One Yoga
45. Audio book membership through Libro.fm supporting Swoonworthy Booksellers
46. Get outside and book a private local birding tour with Next Bend Birding Tours
47. A season pass the the Phipps Center for the Arts
Kids & Teens: Fun They’ll Enjoy, Not Outgrow
Give experiences and activities that spark creativity, learning, and joy—without adding to the toy pile.
48. Season passes or lessons at Afton Alps
49. Schedule an afternoon of ropes courses, laser tag, or other shenanigans at The Burrow
50. Have an animal encounter at Eagle Eye Farm
51. An art kit, class, or party at KidCreate-Woodbury
52. An afternoon of parlor magic from Untamed Magic
53. A discovery flight and lesson with Lake Elmo Aero
54. Give a gift that keeps giving with a membership to the Minnesota Toy Library (ages birth-5 years)
55. An afternoon of at-home fun with Play Nook Adventures (ages 5 and under)
56. Science Museum, Children’s Museum, or Minnesota Zoo memberships
57. A special event with a loved one (such as afternoon tea at the Mad Hatter Tea House)
58. Young children will enjoy a play membership at Hullabaloo (They also have a kids consignment store!)
59. A membership Good Times Playground is great for older kids for indoor movement and exercise
69. Ear Piercing by Megan is a trained nurse who comes right to your home to pierce your kiddos ears!
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This list is just a glimpse of the many thoughtful, clutter-free ways to show you care. This holiday season, shift the focus from more things to more meaning—choose gifts that create memories, spark joy, and make life feel a little lighter long after the holidays are over.
For more local ideas check out The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, the Green Business Directory, Discover Stillwater,