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.