7 Experiential, Clutter-Free, Gifts To Give / Ask For This Holiday Season

I’m not crazy about gift guides.

Yes, I’m starting a gift guide by throwing shade at other gift guides.

But hear me out…

As someone that lives in a teeny tiny apartment, the last thing I need is more stuff. I barely have room for my slow cooker to be stowed away as is. Girlfriend doesn’t need any more kitchen appliances (although I will say my Nespresso + frother was a FAB grad school graduation gift from my parents.)

I think being Jewish there’s also just not as much gift-giving going down during the holiday season. Or maybe that’s just me and how my family operates.

That being said I do still love gifts. Duh, I’m not a total grinch. In recent years I’ve always opted to both give and get “experiential gifts” when I can for holidays and birthdays versus “stuff.”

If you’re still on the hunt for some gifts to give the loved ones in your life — or wanna plan for your next birthday 😉 I gotchu covered with these experiential, clutter-free, tiny apartment-friendly, gifts:

1. Fitness Classes

I love me some boutique fitness classes but let’s be real, they’re mad expensive! There have been quite a few years that I’ve asked for gift cards to one of my favorite studios as a holiday or birthday gift.

* NOTE: please please please know your audience if you decide to give this as a gift! This isn’t about shaming someone into working out! But this is a great gift for someone who you already know loves SoulCycle or has been dying to try 305 Fitness.

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2. A Massage

Every year for my birthday I ask for a massage, it’s legit the best present in my opinion. I’d get a message every freaking week if I could afford it (#careergoals) but for now, I’ll just enjoy the ones I get as a gift every once in a while…

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3. A Facial

Gift the gift of clear, exfoliated, gorgeous skin! Another thing I’d do all the time if it wasn’t so dang expensive. If you’re in NYC I recommend HeyDay for all your facial needs — the 30 minute one is quick but lovely.

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4. Theater or concert tickets

Instead of stressing about a gift to get a friend, parent or significant other consider swapping tickets to a show or concert you’re both dying to see. You each buy 1 expensive ticket and call it even. Jeremy and I swapped Hamilton tickets for a solid 3 birthdays in a row 😂 I was NOT mad about it!

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5. Travel

Okay, this one is a big-ticket item and probably just for a significant other or someone you really really love. Instead of splurging on a nice piece of jewelry, go somewhere fun. For a few holidays, Jeremy and I counted a big trip we went on as our holiday gift to each other.

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6. Meal Prep Service.

If your loved one is looking to cook more in the new year gifting them a box (or two) from a meal prep service that already measures out ingredients is a great gift.

I’m a huge fan of Sunbasket (check out my review here) as it perfectly fit my dietary needs but I’ve heard great things about Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and other similiar services.

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7. Mani / Pedi

Clearly I’m a fan of gifts that pamper 😂 A mani or pedi is always a great gift for a loved one doesn’t cost a ton. In NYC I love Glosslab (I have a membership there) for mani/pedis but I’ve also heard great things about the salon Sundays which is totally non-toxic.

Your turn: What’s your favorite experiential, clutter-free gift you’ve ever given or received?