Pass It On: Save Money & Share Joy!

As the holidays begin to peek around the corner, I want to share a quieter and more meaningful approach to sharing joy. It is the idea of giving rather than gifting. This simple shift helps us honor the people we love, save some money, clear the clutter that weighs us down, and fill the season with genuine connection instead of more shopping bags.

“Giving, not Gifting” is about finding joy in passing along meaningful items to others, rather than buying something new just for the sake of it. This gentle, thoughtful approach is inspired by The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, a book that encourages us to lighten our load while we’re still here to see our treasures enjoyed.

Here are a few real-life examples that capture the spirit of it:

My sister had lovely gold jewelry that she rarely wore. Before she passed, she chose a golden globe necklace for me to give to my travel-loving daughter. Now, whenever my daughter wears it, she feels as if she is taking a little piece of her aunt along on every adventure. That is giving, not gifting.

A wise older friend of mine gives what she calls “Heritage Gifts.” She gave an elegant glass box that had belonged to her mother to a great niece as an engagement present. What made it truly meaningful was the heartfelt letter she included. She wrote about the box, its history, why it mattered to their family, and why she chose to pass it along. The thoughtful story made the gift even more special.

Another client had a dainty China tea set inherited from her grandmother. It sat untouched for years and was destined for donation, until I suggested she give it to her six-year-old granddaughter for tea parties. The set became part of playtime, connection, and memories, rather than sitting unused. Even though pieces broke over time, it lived a longer, joy-filled chapter in the family.

A dear friend of mine always smells wonderful. When I once complimented her perfume, she smiled, picked up the bottle from her vanity, and gave it to me on the spot. It was spontaneous and generous, and now every time I see it on my dresser, I think of her.

So this year, before you start shopping, look around your home.

•         Do you have jewelry that could become an heirloom now?
•         A book a friend would love as much as you did?
•         A vase, scarf, or candle that’s too beautiful to stay hidden?

Give now. Share freely. Let your belongings bring happiness to others while you can still see them. Because the most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in paper, they come wrapped in stories, connection, and love.