I recently read that Ina Garten likes to give “disappearing gifts.” By this, she means consumable gifts that don’t take up room in the recipient’s home (maybe just some room in their stomachs). She noted that material gifts often come with an unintentional burden on the recipient to find space to use, store, or display an item. The easiest way avoid that? Give someone something that isn’t a permanent thing at all! Here are 30 ideas for gifts that won’t take up any space at all – from experiences and edible delights, to subscriptions or charitable ideas packed with meaning. Also, if you’re running late on gift planning, so many of these would be ready right on time for the holidays!
We’re definitely not against physical gifts – we’re giving several this year! But since downsizing to a smaller home, we think about the whole “where will this thing live in our house” more often than we did in a larger house. And I think that thought process has shaped us to become more intentional about what we bring into our home… and what we give others. Thankfully, there are plenty of intangible gifts that are just as fun, unique, and thoughtful as physical ones… maybe even more so!
30 Gifts That Don’t Take Up Space
Feel free to think of this generalized list below as a jumping-off point. We’ll include more specific examples in other sections, but sometimes just seeing the outlined categories below can get your wheels turning. You might even say they help you think outside of the box (I’m sorry, that was almost *too punny* – and I don’t say that often). The majority of non-physical gifts fall into these five buckets:
Food & Drink
Experiences
Services
Subscriptions & Memberships
Charitable Donations
Food & Drink Gift Ideas
Yes, food and drinks are technically physical items, but the point is that once they’re consumed, they disappear! Plus, these are great options because it’s hard to fail (everybody eats!) and easy to be unique and thoughtful.
1. Prepared Food
Anything from gift baskets (wine, cheese, fruit) to treats (donuts, chocolate) to full meals is on the table (I’m sorry, yet another pun). Send a favorite item of yours, or a new spin on something that your recipient already loves.
Turn a culinary gift into an experience by sending a cooking or baking kit. This is especially great for kids or families who love to do that sort of activity together. You can even bring it over and make it with them.
Give someone a tried-and-true favorite or fun new flavor of wine, coffee, tea, beer, or soda. You can really adjust these to your budget, making them great for stocking stuffers, host gifts, neighbor treats, and more.
This could be a simple gift card or date night to a favorite restaurant (or a new one to try), but could also mean calling around to see if there are special chef tastings or events available.
6. Fast Food & Delivery
Think gift cards to a favorite drive-thru or fast casual place (believe it or not, we know someone who loves a Culver’s gift card more than anything else) – or even a gift card to Door Dash, Instacart, or some other food delivery service. You can also use one of those to order something fresh that shows up at your recipient’s door.
7. Meal Kit Subscriptions
Did you know most meal kit delivery services like Hello Fresh and Green Chef offer gift cards? These are great to help an existing customer extend their subscription or give someone new a chance to try them out.
Experience Gift Ideas
After consumables, experiential gifts are probably the most popular form of non-material gifts. While these might be hard to “package” or “unwrap,” we love them because they create opportunities for rest, adventure, learning, and quality time.
8. Event Tickets
Think concerts, plays, and sporting events… or even just the local movie theater. Many of these might be a splurge, but services like Ticketmaster and Live Nation offer gift cards. Every year we do a big group gift to John’s mom for the Broadway tour that comes through her town.
9. Pampering
Book an appointment or get a gift card for a local spa or salon (services like massages, hair styling, or manicures can be so enjoyable – you know which friends and family members love these). Also consider in-home services for an out-of-the-ordinary treat.
10. Tours
Book a guided tour, like a sightseeing tour, walking historical tours, food tours, ghost tours, etc. You can book these either in your recipient’s own town (many of us never do these “touristy” things where we live) or in a town that you know the recipient is traveling to soon. We gave John’s parents a gift card for a local food tour last year and they loved it! Check out sites like Eventbrite, TripAdvisor, or Airbnb Experiences for ideas & bookings.
11. Classes
Cooking, dancing, crafting, or even learning an instrument – these can be great gifts for someone who enjoys any of those hobbies or passions. These could be a one-off event (like a ceramics lesson or candle-making class) or a recurring occasion (like a series of painting classes). If there’s nothing in person in your area, consider a site like Outschool (for kids) or Masterclass (for adults).
12. Adventures
Are there rentals for bikes, boats, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, or kayaks that could make for a fun, physical outing that your recipient may not think to try on their own? Book an appointment, get a gift card, or write a coupon for a future excursion together.
13. Fitness
Get a gift card for a local spin, yoga, or pilates studio – maybe a place they go regularly, or a spot they might have fun trying out. You could also book an appointment with a personal trainer or other fitness expert if you think they’d enjoy that or have mentioned wanting to try it.
14. Time Together
It sounds cheesy, but people always enjoy quality time with loved ones. So planning an outing, event, or activity with your recipient could be as simple as bingeing a show at your home or theirs (gather all of their favorite snacks). You can even plan a weekend getaway to a local hotel or nearby town you think would be fun to explore.
Service Gift Ideas
Similar to experiences, think about services you could give (via gift card, booking appointments, or do-it-yourself!) that might be a treat for your recipient. These can really alleviate stress in someone’s life (especially if they’re a busy parent to young kids or an aging homeowner). They might seem like a weird choice, but it can really relieve a burden for someone you love, and help them finally get that nagging thing done.
15. Car Wash or Detailing
Lots of car wash companies offer gift cards or membership packages, or you could book an at-home detailing for a special service that requires no work on the recipient’s part.
16. House or Yard Cleaning
Book an appointment with a house cleaner or landscape company to tidy up the home, mow the grass, or cross off an annoying chore like blowing leaves, mulching in the spring, or even hanging lights around the holidays!
17. Photo Session
Hire a photographer to take family photos, headshots, or even photos of your recipient’s home design projects. You can also do one of those retro photo sessions at a department store with your family or give that to someone you love! Ten points if they’re people who will do something amazing like matching cat sweaters.
18. Consultations
Would your recipient enjoy one-on-one time with an expert like a personal stylist or color consultant. I loved having “my colors done” by Created Colorful (I yapped about them enough that they gave me a coupon code, which is YHL20 to get $20 off a color consult). Or maybe you know someone who would love a virtual design or front landscaping plan? Heck, you could even get a psychic or tarot card reading if they’d be into it! I would LOVE receiving that.
19. Babysitting
Whether you’re offering to do it yourself or hire someone, giving someone a day or evening off to spend however they like is such a great and thoughtful gift. Sites like Care.com even offer gift cards!
Subscription Gift Ideas
We’ve already talked about meal kit services, but there are plenty of other subscriptions and memberships that will stretch your gift for days, months, or even the whole year!
20. Museum & Park Memberships
This is a favorite in our extended family. We’ve given memberships to tons of different museums (art, history, science, children’s) and park systems (state parks, national parks, etc) over the years. This is a great way to support a local spot that offers so much value (rehabilitating animals, preserving nature, etc) too!
21. Entertainment Subscriptions
Think about a TV, gaming, or music service that someone already enjoys or might want to try (Apple TV, Spotify, Minecraft, etc). These days you can often pick up physical gift cards that can go toward starting, extending, or upgrading someone’s digital subscription.
22. Reading Subscriptions
We love to give someone a subsciption to a newspaper, magazine, news app, e-book service (like Kindle), or even a favorite creator’s Substack. John took forever to upgrade to the paid New York Times Games and now he’s obsessed with it. Just think if someone had gifted it to him sooner!
23. Paid App Services
Again, in a similar vein, think about popular paid apps like Duolingo (language learning), Strava (exercise tracking), or Calm (meditation).
Charitable Gift Ideas
Donating to a charity that reflects your recipient’s passions or interests can be an incredibly thoughtful gift. For instance, we often find a local animal shelter or rescue organization for a cat-loving family member. But here are some more specific examples:
24. Charitable Gift Cards
Sites like TisBest and CharityOnTop let you purchase a gift card and then your recipient chooses the charity they want to support with it. These could even make great stocking stuffers!
25. Symbolic Animal Adoption
If you want a donation that comes with some physical representation of your gift, try the WWF (where you can purchase a matching stuffed animal) or Fahlo that includes a bracelet and app to track your adopted creature.
26. Volunteer
Give the “gift of time,” specifically yours, spent supporting a cause important to your recipient. Maybe even invite them to join you! This could be at an animal shelter, food bank, senior living facility, or even a walk or 5K benefiting a cause close to their heart.
Other Non-Physical Gift Ideas
To round out our list, here are a final handful of ideas that didn’t fit as nicely into a category above. Some weird, some sentimental, all without that “burden of space.”
27. Celebrity Cameo
Cameo is a website where you can order personalized video greetings from celebrities, creators, comedians, athletes, and more. For example, John once got me a birthday greeting from Real Housewife Countess LuAnn (for $40 ages ago!) and we still talk about it. There was singing and a reference to her falling into a bush. There are a surprising number of celebs on it now!
28. Storyworth
We’ve gifted Storyworth subscriptions a couple of times over the years and it has always been a special & memorable gift. It sends the recipient weekly email prompts like “What was your first job?” and “How did you meet your spouse?” So by the end of the year, you’ve helped capture their life story. You can even order a printed book with photos when you’re done! This is a great gift for grandparents!
29. Digitizing Old Photos & Videos
Speaking of memories, you can help someone declutter their old photo albums of VHS videos by purchasing a digitization gift set from a site like LegacyBox or iMemories. This is one of those things many of us need nudging to get done. In fact, we’re hoping to complete this in 2026!
30. Gas, Grocery, or Phone Gift Cards
Helping cover essential living expenses might be just the gift someone needs this holiday season. Maybe it alleviates stress in their life or frees up some funds for them to treat themselves to something special.
31. Thoughtful Letters
Take time to write a substantive note to someone. Or get your whole family to write a collection of them for a grandparent, teacher, etc. Tell them what you admire about them, how they’ve impacted your year or life, or recount an important memory of the two of you together.
Need More Gift Ideas?
And of course, if you want some additional gift suggestions, here are a few posts that will help you out:
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
This art wall organizer provides functional storage while adding a beautiful decorative element to your walls. It’s the perfect solution for keeping your bedroom looking polished while keeping all your jewelry organized and accessible.
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Those adorable little jewelry holders shaped like cacti and porcelain animals are undeniably cute, but let’s be honest, they don’t always hold much.
If you’ve got more than a handful of necklaces, you probably know the struggle of watching your favorite pieces overflow onto your dresser, getting tangled and covered in dust.
Why This Art Wall Organizer Works
This clever DIY project solves multiple problems at once.
The hidden storage keeps your bedroom looking clean and clutter-free, while the shadow box design protects your jewelry from dust and tangles.
You can customize the front to match any decor style, from modern geometric patterns to vintage florals.
It’s perfect for small spaces where every square inch counts, and it’s a budget-friendly alternative to those expensive jewelry armoires that take up valuable floor space. Best of all, when the door is closed, no one will know it’s anything more than a pretty piece of wall art!
Materials You’ll Need
Wood shadow box frame
MDF board
Decorative contact paper or wallpaper
2 small hinges
Jewelry box clasp
Hooks or small decorative knobs
Primer and white paint
Sandpaper
Saw
Glue or strong adhesive
Cut and Prepare the MDF Door
Start by measuring your shadow box frame carefully. Cut the MDF board to match these exact dimensions—this piece will become the door that conceals your jewelry storage.
Remove the glass from the shadow box frame and set it aside (you can save it for another craft project!).
Sand both the frame and the MDF board until they’re smooth. This step is important because it helps the paint adhere better and gives you a professional-looking finish.
If you don’t have woodworking tools at home, don’t worry—most hardware stores offer free cutting services. Just bring your shadow box frame measurements with you, and they’ll cut the MDF to size.
Prime and Paint
Apply a coat of primer to both the shadow box frame and the MDF board. Primer is especially important for MDF because it’s porous and can absorb paint unevenly without it.
Once the primer is dry, paint both pieces with your chosen color. White creates a classic, clean look that works with any decor, but you can absolutely choose any color that matches your room!
Let the paint dry completely between coats. If you want to add a vintage touch, you can lightly distress the edges with sandpaper after the final coat dries.
Attach the Hinges
Position two small hinges evenly spaced along one side of your shadow box frame. Before you attach them, it’s a good idea to pre-drill the screw holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
Carefully attach the MDF door to the frame using the hinges, then test that the door swings smoothly.
If your door sticks or doesn’t close evenly, try adjusting the hinge placement slightly. This is one of those steps where taking your time really pays off—you want your art wall organizer to open and close smoothly for years to come.
Add the Clasp
Install a jewelry box clasp on the opposite side from the hinges. Center the clasp so the door closes evenly and stays securely shut when filled with jewelry.
Magnetic clasps work great as an alternative if you prefer a cleaner look. Make sure whatever clasp you choose is strong enough to hold the door closed when it’s loaded with your jewelry collection.
Decorate the Front
This is where your art wall organizer truly becomes a piece of art! Measure the front of your door and cut decorative contact paper or wallpaper to fit.
When you’re ready to apply it, measure twice and cut once—you want this to look perfect.
Apply the contact paper carefully to avoid bubbles. Start from one edge and smooth it down as you go, using a credit card or squeegee to push out any air pockets.
Your options here are endless: geometric patterns for a modern look, floral designs for something softer, or abstract art for a bold statement. Choose something that complements your bedroom’s aesthetic and makes you happy every time you see it.
Install Interior Hooks
Now for the functional part! Space your hooks evenly inside the shadow box to accommodate different necklace lengths. Add decorative knobs near the top for shorter pieces like bracelets and chokers. Consider using different hook sizes for various jewelry types—some pieces might need larger, sturdier hooks.
Use strong adhesive or small screws to secure everything in place. Leave enough space at the bottom for longer necklaces to hang without getting tangled. Think about your jewelry collection as you plan the layout—if you have mostly long pendant necklaces, you’ll want to position hooks higher up.
Hang and Organize
Use picture hanging hardware that’s appropriate for the weight of your filled organizer. If you’re hanging it on drywall, wall anchors are essential for keeping everything secure. Hang your art wall organizer at a convenient height—eye level usually works well so you can easily see and access your jewelry.
Organize your jewelry by type or color, whatever makes the most sense for you. Hang your pieces, close the door, and step back to admire your handiwork. You’ve just created a beautiful piece of wall art that happens to be hiding all your jewelry!
Styling and Customization Ideas
Want to take this project even further? Match your contact paper to your bedroom’s color scheme for a cohesive look. You could create a whole gallery wall using multiple art wall organizers in different sizes—one for necklaces, one for bracelets, and another for rings and earrings.
Experiment with different frame styles to match your decor. A sleek modern frame works beautifully in contemporary spaces, while a distressed vintage frame adds charm to cottagecore or farmhouse bedrooms. For even more functionality, consider adding a cork backing where you can pin earrings, or line the interior with fabric to protect delicate pieces. You could even attach a small mirror to the inside of the door for a functional bonus.
The beauty of this project is that you can change the contact paper seasonally or whenever you want to refresh your look. It’s also a wonderful personalized gift for friends who love jewelry but struggle with storage.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Caring for your art wall organizer is simple. Dust the exterior just like you would any other wall art. Every few months, take a few minutes to reorganize the interior and untangle any pieces that might have gotten twisted together.
Over time, the hinges might loosen slightly from regular use, so keep a screwdriver handy to tighten them when needed. Clean the hooks occasionally to prevent any discoloration on your jewelry. If you have particularly delicate pieces, consider adding felt lining to the interior back panel for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shadow box frame works best?
An 8×10 or 11×14 frame works well for most jewelry collections. If you have an extensive necklace collection, go larger—or better yet, create multiple smaller organizers for different jewelry types. There’s no wrong size, as long as it fits your space and your collection.
Can I use this for earrings too?
Absolutely! To store earrings, add a piece of decorative mesh or cork to the interior back panel. You can hang stud earrings on the mesh or pin them to the cork. This works especially well if you create a dedicated earring organizer alongside your necklace storage.
Do I have to paint it white?
Not at all! Paint your art wall organizer any color that matches your decor. Metallics like gold, rose gold, or silver create a glamorous, jewelry-box feel. Deep jewel tones can make a bold statement, while soft pastels work beautifully in feminine spaces. This is your project—make it uniquely yours!
What if I don’t have woodworking tools?
Most hardware stores offer free cutting services for customers. Bring your shadow box frame and its measurements to the store, and they’ll cut the MDF to the perfect size. This makes the project accessible even if you’re working with a minimal tool collection.
How much weight can this hold?
A properly installed shadow box with quality hooks can comfortably hold several necklaces and bracelets. For heavier statement pieces, use stronger hooks and make sure you’ve mounted the organizer to wall studs or used appropriate wall anchors for durability. If you’re concerned about weight, test it before filling it completely.
Can I add a mirror inside?
That’s a brilliant idea! Attach a small mirror to the inside of the door using strong adhesive. This gives you a convenient spot to check how your jewelry looks before heading out. Just make sure the mirror isn’t too heavy for your hinges to support.
How to Make a Jewelry Organizer That’s Cleverly Disguised as Wall Art
Make this jewelry organizer that hides away as wall art! Stow away your necklaces and bracelets with the help of disguise.
Active Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours
DifficultyEasy
Materials
Wood shadow box frame
MDF board
Decorative contact paper or wallpaper
2 small hinges
Jewelry box clasp
Hooks or small decorative knobs
Primer and white paint
Sandpaper
Saw
Glue or strong adhesive
Instructions
Cut and Prepare the MDF Door
Cut MDF to match your shadow box frame dimensions. Remove the glass from the frame, then sand both the frame and MDF board smooth.
Prime and Paint
Apply primer to both the frame and MDF board, then paint with white paint (or your preferred color). Let dry completely.
Attach the Hinges
Connect the MDF board to the shadow box frame using two small hinges on one side to create a door that swings open.
Add the Clasp
Install a jewelry box clasp on the opposite side of the hinges to keep your art wall organizer securely closed.
Decorate the Front
Measure and cut decorative contact paper or wallpaper to fit the door. Apply it to create your “artwork” disguise.
Install Interior Hooks
Attach hooks or decorative knobs inside the shadow box to hold necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.
Hang and Organize
Mount your art wall organizer on the wall, fill it with jewelry, close the door, and enjoy your hidden storage!
Making Beautiful Storage Work for You
Creating this art wall organizer gives you the best of both worlds: beautiful art that enhances your space and practical storage that keeps your jewelry organized and protected. Whether you’re a beginner DIYer or someone with plenty of crafting experience, this project is completely customizable to match your style and skill level.
The hidden storage concept works beautifully for keeping your bedroom looking clean while ensuring your favorite pieces are always within reach. You’ve created something functional that also brings beauty to your walls—and that’s what great design is all about.
Ready to create your own hidden jewelry storage that looks straight from one of the great design studios? Gather your materials and give it a try this weekend. Your jewelry (and your bedroom) will thank you!
Even though it only comes around once a year, I can guarantee that many of us have a few too many Christmas decorations. But instead of disposing of them in your bin, you could take them to your local charity shop instead.
With the Christmas trends cycle evolving every year, it feels like there is always something new to buy, especially when it comes to your Christmas decorating ideas. With tinsel falling in and out of fashion, bows getting larger and larger, and of course, the millions of different baubles and ornaments to choose from, the style-obsessed may be decorating their tree differently every year.
Now, if you’ve ended up with too many decorations than you need, and are wondering ‘Do charity shops take christmas decorations’, the answer is yes. And if your decorations are in good condition, you absolutely should donate them to your local charity shop.
Do charity shops take christmas decorations
‘At British Heart Foundation, we love seeing festive treasures find new homes. If you have decorations that deserve a second chance to shine, we’d be thrilled and grateful to receive them. From baubles and garlands to twinkling Christmas lights, every item sold in our shops helps us fund our lifesaving research, keeping families together for Christmases to come,’ says Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at British Heart Foundation.
‘Simply drop them into one of our 680 shops nationwide or download a freepost label from our website and send them to us. We accept festive donations and unwanted gifts all year round and if you’re considering donating to us, we kindly ask that items are in saleable condition,’ she adds
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Most charity shops will accept undamaged, saleable Christmas decorations; however, it’s best to check with your local store that they’re accepting donations before you pop round.
‘Items that are broken or damaged – such as cracked baubles, tangled or faulty lights, decorations missing parts, or electrical items that may have been altered – unfortunately can’t be accepted. These can pose safety risks and often cost the charity to dispose of, so it’s much more helpful to recycle or responsibly dispose of them instead. If you’re ever unsure about an item, our retail teams in-store will be happy to advise,’ adds Ste Wiggins, Website Manager at The Air Ambulance Service.
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When is the best time to donate Christmas decorations?
‘There are a couple of ideal times to donate decorations. After the holiday season, in January, many people prepare for the new year by clearing out, which makes it a good moment to donate. Another great time is in the autumn (from late September), when we begin preparing for the next Christmas, making sure festive decorations are available for early buyers,’ says Ste.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Bevan)
However, as Allison explains, some charity shops, like The British Heart Foundation, accept Christmas decorations all year round, so you should add your Christmas decorations to your decluttering checklist, or even have a clear-out when you put up your decorations or take them down.
If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to your Christmas decorations, some storage solutions will save you extra space.
SONGMICS
Christmas Decoration Storage Box
Available in three festive colourways, this handy box can keep 64 decorations neatly stored.
SONGMICS
Christmas Ornament Storage Box
This box stores 96 ornaments and will slot nicely under your bed.
GEEZY
Christmas Tree Baubles Storage Box
Keep all your baubles in one place with this handy storage box. It even folds flat when not in use.
Giving is the spirit of Christmas, so it makes perfect sense that we should donate decorations to charity shops. It’s eco-friendly and will bring a smile to another’s face for sure – what’s not to love?
A calm bedroom starts with a space that feels effortless to live in, not one you’re constantly battling with. When your room is organised and uncluttered, it naturally becomes more restful, making it easier to switch off at the end of the day. That’s where smart storage comes in. It isn’t about squeezing in more furniture for the sake of it, but about choosing thoughtful solutions that work quietly in the background, helping you maximise bedroom storage, and support how you actually use the space.
Well-planned bedroom storage helps reduce visual noise, keeps everyday essentials close to hand, and frees up precious floor space. This is especially important in smaller bedrooms, where clutter can quickly overwhelm the room and disrupt that sense of calm. With the right approach, even the most compact bedroom can feel lighter, more spacious, and far more serene. The good news is that a storage makeover doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to create a calm bedroom using smart, practical storage strategies that genuinely make life easier.
Use furniture with built-in storage
One of the simplest ways to maintain a clean bedroom feel is to choose furniture that works harder for you. Beds with built-in drawers or lift-up storage are especially effective, as you can keep your bedding accessories in there.
What are favourite items? Ottomans, storage benches, and bedside tables with drawers can be a game-changer. They make a big difference when you’re trying to keep a small bedroom clutter-free.
Make use of awkward spaces
Some rooms have areas that are difficult to use well and where no shop-bought furniture fits. Whether you’re dealing with awkward alcoves, sloping ceilings, or corners, you need to look for customised items that will fit. This is your sign to walk away from the standardised and mass-produced storage items.
Bespoke solutions are ideal here because furniture can be built specifically for the room rather than forcing the room to adapt. So, this is perfect for custom wardrobes and fitted shelving that can help transform awkward layouts into practical features. This is where services like DAY & KNIGHT bespoke furniture are particularly valuable.
Ditch bulky storage for stylish features
Traditional storage furniture can sometimes feel heavy, especially in smaller bedrooms. Have you ever considered replacing bulky units with creative solutions for a clean and uninterrupted aesthetics? For instance, floating shelves have become a popular option, as they reduce visual clutter. Less visible screws, nails, and so on to distract.
But there are storage solutions that are fully invisible, like hidden bookshelves, where the support is concealed within a single book, and others that stack on top. Storage without visual clutter adds an element of decor interest that brings your small bedroom to life.
Be strategic about what belongs in the bedroom
Not everything needs to live in the bedroom, even if it has done out of habit. A lot of items naturally end up in the bedroom even though they don’t belong there: work, paperwork, or hobbies elements may live there, but, in truth, they disrupt the restful nature of the space. This is one of the key Feng-Shui lessons, and it’s one that helps create a soothing small bedroom interior. So, you want to be selective about what stays to protect your bedroom’s role as a place to unwind.
For items you need to keep but rarely use, external self-storage solutions can be a practical option. This allows you to keep the bedroom focused on daily living and rest, rather than becoming a general storage area.
Creating a clean bedroom feel is less about strict rules and more about thoughtful choices. With smart storage strategies, the room becomes easier to maintain, more visually calming, and far more enjoyable to spend time in.
Stacey Solomon has revealed that her children have their own Christmas tree to decorate, and experts are saying that this is a practice we should all consider adopting, allowing kids the freedom to express themselves.
For many, some of the happiest festive memories come from decorating the tree. From handmade baubles unevenly spaced on the branches of our artificial Christmas tree to putting a wobbling, wonky angel on the top, it’s memories like these that can make decorating continue to feel so special as an adult.
Now, experts are recommending you allow your children’s Christmas decorating ideas to go one step further, by gifting them a tree of their own to decorate, as Stacey has. Here’s why.
Why you should let children have their own Christmas tree
This week, Stacey Solomon posted an Instagram story showing her kids decorating their own tree. While Stacey’s story showed her kids decorating a full-size Christmas tree, it’s fair to say that the majority of us will not have this kind of space. So, what we recommend is giving your children a tabletop tree (like this £4 tabletop tree from Argos) as a budget and space-friendly alternative.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
‘I’m a huge fan of children having their own Christmas tree,’ says Whinnie Williams, interior designer and Trends Forecaster for Balsam Hill. ‘There’s something incredibly special about giving kids a space to make their own, where they can take charge of the decorating.’
‘A smaller tree is ideal so tiny arms can reach the branches. If you’ve got the room, a Baby Nordmann works beautifully, or create a winter wonderland with a Frosted Alpine Fir. For smaller spaces, a little tabletop tree is perfect.’
‘It’s a wonderful chance for children to express themselves. A dedicated tree means they can decorate with the things they love, whether that’s glittery tinsel, felt animals, or decorations they’ve made themselves at school.
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‘I love having a Christmas ‘crafternoon’ with my daughter, baking gingerbread decorations, painting baubles, or making paper chains together. It might be messy, but the results look absolutely magical on her own little tree.’
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
Lisa Henby, interior designer and founder of Lisa Hensby Design & Build agrees, reflecting on how her children enjoy and appreciate having their own tree.
‘As a mum of three, I’m a big fan of giving children their own Christmas tree to decorate. We usually pop a smaller tree in the playroom, and that’s their zone to go completely wild with handmade decorations, clashing colours, all the glitter! It gives them a real sense of ownership and makes the build-up to Christmas even more magical,’ she says.
‘It also means I can keep the main tree in the living room a bit more ‘pulled together’ design-wise. My top tip is to give kids a big box of shatterproof baubles and ribbons, pop on some Christmas music and let them take the lead – you’ll make the best memories.’
Are there any downsides?
The biggest cons of giving your children a Christmas tree to decorate are that they can be impractical and take up too much space, or they pose a safety hazard.
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)
‘Make sure the decorations on children’s trees are safe,’ says Whinnie. ‘Steer clear of glass ornaments or anything fragile. You’ll also want to avoid anything small enough to be a choking hazard or with sharp edges. And always maintain adult supervision of children around their Christmas tree.’
A small table-top Christmas tree is great for letting children express themselves creatively, while allowing them to follow your own design ideas and Christmas trends when it comes to your main tree and decorations. Here are a few decorations to get you started.
Argos Home
Argos Home 3ft Small Christmas Tree
Ths 3ft tree is the perfect size for little arms and fingers, and will happily sit on a side table, windowsill or even your children’s bedrooms. Plus, you can’t argue with the price.
Habitat
Habitat Pack of 49 Shatterproof Scandi Christmas Bauble
Opt for shatterproof baubles to reduce the risk of smashing and potential injury.
Habitat
Habitat Single Big Friendly Giant Hanging Christmas Ornament
Opt for playful, character baubles – or try making them yourself – for a tree full of personality.
My biggest childhood memory from Christmas comes from decorating the tree, and I’d have relished the opportunity to get my hands on my own mini tree to decorate. So, I’m thinking now is a good time to take a leaf out of Stacey’s book…
