Top 5 Best Gifts for Hoarders

Updated December 3, 2023

What does one give to the person who literally has everything? Hoarding, over-purchasing, and holding on to things beyond their usefulness are very common these days. Having a hoarder in the family or among your friends raises gift-giving concerns that we may not otherwise consider.

What can be given that won’t add to the hoard? Hoarders will often save gifts for a “rainy day” or a special occasion. Some hold on to things for sentimental reasons.  Gifts sadly find their way to the top of a pile, rather than being used.

This makes the holiday season tricky.

Some may think that not giving a gift at all may be in order, but when it is a family member or a best friend and you know that despite everything, they would still appreciate a gift from you–and not just gift cards, becoming thoughtful and creative is in order.

Hoarding stems from anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive behavior or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. It is very difficult to reverse and often the hoarder has become unaware or is in denial of their living conditions, which can be a function of a hoarding disorder. Avoid the temptation to hire a professional organizer, or to give them Marie Kondo’s book, Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The Holidays are not the time to address problems.

Lecturing, judging, or trying to help them clean does little to help the hoarder, and may drive a wedge between you. Hoarders need professional help. Family and friends do best, in the gift-giving department, to think creatively, and choose a gift that won’t add to the clutter and still will send the message that you care.

Here are a few gifts for hoarders I have given over the years that were appreciated and used.

Some of these ideas enhanced our relationship, which can be strained as a result of the hoarder’s behavior.  When it comes down to it, quality time is a good thing and can be a perfect gift, especially when someone has too much stuff, so many of the gifts that have worked the best have had a quality time component to it.

Top 5 Best Gifts for Hoarders:

1. A holiday wreath or flowers:

Flowers or a wreath that are tossed out at the end of the season can be a great option. When considering this gift, you need to be sure that the wreath or flowers will be disposed of after the season. If you are uncertain, this may not be the best choice.  Sending an annual Christmas wreath to a family member has become something they look forward to each year, and makes my Christmas shopping easier.

2. Foodstuffs, cookies, cakes, or a prepared meal:

Food items make great Christmas gifts, such as a gourmet food basket packed with goodies your loved one enjoys. You can also order food from iconic restaurants across the country–I used to send a Scandinavian salad to my father every Christmas.  We have dropped off prepared meals that only require heating, as well as dessert items and cookies all of which worked pretty well.

3. Tickets to activities:

Tickets or a gift certificate to a favorite show, museum, or sporting event can be a safe bet for friends or family members who love getting out and doing things. Perhaps you can plan a visit to a museum or a picnic at a local park. We have arranged this type of event, with great success. Memories of these days are still a source of happy conversation. Cherished memories are among the greatest gifts of all.

4. An offer to host dinner at your house or a favorite restaurant.

Inviting your friend or loved one to a special dinner in their honor is a great gift, and can hold great sentimental value to the recipient. Take photos to share using your phones–decorate and add special touches to the meal–it’s often the small things that make holiday gift-giving special.

5. A certificate for an appointment at their favorite spa, barbershop, or salon.

A spa day is a great clutter-free gift idea–pampering can be a wonderful thing or perhaps you can pay for one of those affordable month-to-month memberships at a nail salon or a massage parlor.>

6. Make a homemade coupon booklet

Creating a homemade coupon booklet with activities you can do throughout the year like going on a fishing trip, dining at a special restaurant, or a game night once a month is an excellent gift, that can be put to good use and enjoyed.

Pro tip:  Be sure to take pictures of your fun times and put them in a digital picture frame.

7. Consider making a charitable donation

Make a charitable on behalf of your loved one. Present them with a small certificate letting them know of the gift.  We used to send gifts from Hefrord International which used donated money to purchase livestock for farmers in third-world countries.  You can choose the type of animal which is fun.

It is always said that it’s the thought that counts. Finding creative ways to let your friend or family member know you love them is the true purpose of a present, and there are plenty of ways to let someone know you love them without giving them a physical gift.

So often we give each other worthless items wrapped in colorful wrapping paper, just to “have something to open”.    When someone in your friend group has a problem, it’s time to think outside the box and create happy memories, rather than buying a bunch of inexpensive things that will just clutter our living spaces.

Dealing with friends and relatives with problems such as hoarding is a delicate thing. Exercising a bit of empathy and compassion as well as love and generosity is possibly the greatest gift we can give to anyone we encounter. We have lots of gift-giving ideas for others on your list, click here for hostess gifts, Mother’s Day gifts (for hoarders), and Christmas gift guides. If you have any additional gift ideas, be sure to let us know in the comments below!