Gifts That Keep On Giving
Giving gifts can be tricky. Especially if you know the recipient is trying to downsize. At Smart Moves we often help people organize and downsize their space in preparation for a move or to improve their current living space. Sometimes this involves letting go of items while finding a way to hold onto the memories they invoke. As a result, we have curated this list of ideas that can both honor memories and be a way to give a gift that is meaningful and long lasting. Let us know if you have given or received any of these gifts. Are you planning to give a “memory saving” gift this year?
Transform the Memory:
1. Shirt Quilt/Pillow: A collection of t-shirts from fun runs, multiple flannels, band t-shirts from concerts attended. These are just a few examples of shirt collections we’ve seen. One great way to minimize a collection of shirts is by turning them into a quilt. Project Repat is one company that makes this an easy project and a quick google search can bring up local quilters who also offer this service. Another option is to turn a loved one’s shirt into a pillow. What a great way to be able to curl up with your memories and make space in your dresser drawers at the same time!
2. Wall Hanging/Ornaments: Turning fabrics or collections into a hanging decoration is another fun option. Fishing lures into windchimes, measuring cups and small tools as ornaments, are just a few ideas of ways to share collections with family members.
3. Shadow Boxes: The following are a few great ideas we’ve seen: framing a loved one’s famous recipe with a picture of them to hang on the kitchen wall, your parents wedding rings with a wedding photo, your child’s first pair of shoes with a drawing, mom’s costume jewelry collection turned into artwork. What would you find frame worthy?
Share the Photos:
1. Photo Estate Organization: Many clients report feeling overwhelmed by their photo and/or video collections. Offering to help someone organize them into photo safe boxes or digitize is a great gift. If this is not something you have the skill or time for look at hiring a company like Pixologie to do all the sorting, organizing, and formatting for you.
2. Digital Frames: There are lots of digital picture frames available these days. This allows families to share photos from anywhere in the world to the loved ones frame. What a great way to stay connected all year long!
Save the Stories:
1. Storyworth is a great gift for loved ones who would like to share their life story, and we all have stories to tell. Each week a question prompt is sent to reflect one and after one year the responses are turned into a book to share with family and friends.
2. The Stories Project: Not into writing, capture the stories through video. A team will interview your loved one and produce a video that captures their stories in their own voice.