Hi, I’m The Organising Lady a professional organiser in the UK and recently I was featured in The Telegraph talking about something I’ve felt deeply for a long time:
I’ve stopped buying gifts.
Birthdays. Christmas. Special occasions. I’ve opted out of the pressure, the panic-buying, and the financial drain that often comes with giving.
Now, before you think I’ve gone full Grinch, let me explain.
The Pressure to Give
We live in a culture where gift-giving is expected. Not just on holidays, but all year round. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, end-of-term teacher gifts, house warmings you name it, there’s a reason to spend. And often, we’re not just giving because we want towe’re giving because we feel we have to.
Clients often tell me how stressful these occasions feel. It’s not just the money it’s the pressure to get it right. To give enough. To keep up.
I’ve felt it too. That slow-building guilt when I didn’t spend “enough.” Or the mental load of trying to come up with something anything just to tick a box.
So I made a change.
I Gave It Up Not because I don’t care about people. But because I care about myself, my time, my finances and the people I loveenough to stop performing rituals that don’t feel good anymore.
I now focus on intentional living. That means fewer things. Less clutter. More meaning.
I’d much rather spend time with someone, write them a heartfelt note, or simply show up for them in a way that’s real than wrap up another scented candle or bottle of wine out of obligation.
What Happened When I Stopped Giving Gifts?
At first? A few raised eyebrows. Some awkward “Oh you’re not doing gifts?” conversations.
But then relief. Others started telling me they wished they could do the same. Some did. And it opened up a bigger conversation about boundaries, money, emotional load, and expectations.
Now, celebrations feel more peaceful. I don’t dread December. I don’t panic in shops. I don’t stress about shipping deadlines.
Instead, I’m building a life (and a home) that’s lighter physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This Isn’t About Being Anti-Gifts.
It’s about being pro-intention. If giving brings you joy brilliant! Keep doing it.
But if it’s leaving you stressed, resentful, or overdrawn? You’re allowed to rethink it.
You’re allowed to say:
“I love you. But I’m not doing gifts anymore.”
That’s a boundary. That’s self-respect. That’s freedom.Over to You
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by gift-giving?
Would you ever consider stepping away from itor changing how you do it?
Let’s keep this conversation going.
And if you want help decluttering your home and your habits, I’m just a message away.