A Tidy Take with Ashlee Piper, Author of No New Things - In this episode, Tidy Dad chats with Ashlee Piper about rethinking the way we give gifts. Together, they explore how to bring more meaning and mindfulness into the season, shifting the focus from stuff to sentiment.

They talk about why so many of us feel caught in the chaos of consumerism, how to make gift-giving feel personal again, and why teaching kids the joy of thoughtful giving might be the best gift of all.

Takeaways

* Somewhere between wishlists and wrapping paper, some people have lost the true meaning of giving, and replaced it with stress and stuff.

* The best gifts can come from considering a person’s needs, not from spending more. Sometimes an act of service means more than anything you could buy.

* Gifting doesn’t have to be impressive or expensive, it’s about being thoughtful, making the recipient feel understood and seen, and adding utility and joy.

If this episode has you rethinking your holiday habits, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s less about buying more, and more about finding meaning.

That’s why I put these resources together for you this season:

✨ The Holiday Surthrival Download: your guide for thriving while surviving! Inside you’ll find five signature surthrival strategies, a reflective year-end wrap-up, and a cozy Holiday Bingo game that turns tidying and self-care into something worth celebrating.

🎁 The Tidy Dad Gift Guide for Kids: 10 of our family favorites from recent toy events, that inspire connection, not clutter. This holiday season, try to choose gifts for kids that make creativity part of everyday life, and inspire play that lasts all year!

🧦 And Stocking Stuffers for Kids, Under $10: Fun, thoughtful, and also practical finds for kids. Because sometimes the littlest gifts can bring the most joy!

If NYC is on your holiday list, don’t miss the new NYC Experiences Worth Gifting PDF, filled with festive, family-friendly experiences!

Because this year, it’s not about having more things—it’s about making more memories.

👀 Follow Ashlee on IG: Ashlee Piper

🌟 Check out Ashlee’s book: No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity

📚 Want more tips like these? Check out my book: Tidy Up Your Life

🗞️ Subscribe to The Tidy Times: tidydad.substack.com

📸 Follow along on IG: Tidy Dad

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