Think back to past years and the presents you received. Did you love them? Do you still have them stashed in a closed unable to part with them because they were a gift from someone you care about? It is the thought that counts, right?

This holiday season, keep that in mind while shopping for your loved ones. Instead of creating clutter, let them know you are thinking about them. Here are a couple of ways to do that:

• Snap a picture when you see something funny that makes you think of them and send it to them. Letting them know that you are thinking of them when you see that Chia Head or Snuggie leaves them with a fun experience without the clutter to store.
• Host a party with all of those you care about. Instead of buying gifts for everyone, have a gift card exchange. White elephant parties are also a lot of fun and you don’t have to buy anything. Just bring something around your house you no longer want. The guests will take home memories to last a lifetime.
• Make a donation to the person’s favorite charity in their name. This is a great way to spend money on something worthwhile and let the person know you care about the causes they find worthy.

Simplifying gift giving helps you take the time to make each gift you give more thoughtful and the holidays a little more merry.