This list is more than an attempt to be frugal or minimalistic. You could technically do all of your Christmas shopping secondhand by thrifting. But this list is more than that— it’s about cultivating generosity and gratitude.

I’ll be completely honest. I have felt frustration lately (even anger at times) when I’ve seen yet another influencer share their ‘ultimate’ gift guide. On one hand, I think most items tend to be focused on what is trendy and short-lived. Other items are definitely beyond the average person’s budget so that can be disheartening if you’re trying to give if you’ve got a large family. But what weighs on me the most is this— all I want for Christmas is my Papi. The last phone call I had with him was the day before he passed unexpectedly in October. Our last conversation was about visiting him for Thanksgiving.

As a content creator myself, I felt this urgency to create my own gift guide to ‘engage’ and ‘grow’ my audience but I felt conflicted. For one, I don’t have the energy or enthusiasm this time around (which is to be expected with grief). More importantly, I wish I could somehow convince every single person to go into the holidays both happy and grateful (instead of begrudgingly) that they have two gifts that cannot be purchased: time and family.

But I know I can’t change anyone. But here’s my attempt to at least influence you in a small way through my Substack. What I’m learning so far in this journey of grief is this: it has the power to impact one’s perspective. Grief can either soften or harden my heart. It has the ability to open my eyes and see the world differently either with joy or bitterness. And I have the option of responding to others with either compassion or cynicism.

My goal is not to guilt anyone into a gift ban or minimalism because I’m grieving but rather to help declutter your heart and home of excessive consumerism and discontentment this holiday season. I hope you’ll join me!

10 items you already own to re-gift this Christmas

The gift that keeps on giving… This usually refers to the longevity or impact of a gift. But what if this year, we gave (away) items from our homes. Consider this an intentional list of 10 items to pass on with love.

1. Unused journals

My Roman empire are journals and notebooks. I’m a sucker for some stationary at literally every store I go to. So I end up with a few extra journals that I say I’ll get to once I finish using the current journal I’m using. Think of a family member or friend who loves to journal or a fellow writer! If you have a loved one who attends church or is a student, then they probably do some note taking weekly so that works too.

2. Books

If you love writing, you probably also love reading and it’s time to clean out your book cases anyways. You might be a part of a book club and know some fellow book lovers. Last year, I was a part of a book club and we decided to do a white elephant game but every item was a blind date with a book. Here’s some Pinterest inspo!

3. Mugs

As we were walking around a flea market in Mexico recently, one of my brothers recently joked that I always give everyone mugs. I love this type of item beause it’s both sentimental and practical (literally)! Most of us are coffee and tea drinkers so you might as well declutter some mugs if you’re a mug-collector like me!

4. Fancy dish-ware

Some people love to host (and others like to just hoard). Before moving cross-country for the second time, I realized the amount of kitchen household items I owned were too much to pack. If you’ve got beautiful and fancy themed dish ware just collecting dust in your hutch, why not gift these items to a friend that loves hosting. Bonus points if you’ve got fancy napkins or a table runner to go along with a set!

5. Throw blankets

Why do women own so many?! Do you know anyone who recently moved into a new place? Maybe a recent college graduate or new parents. Throw blankets are not only cute but can make a home feel so cozy. If you’ve already got more than 3-5, consider re-gifting these gently used (and washed) items.

6. Decorative pillows

For reference, these are basically the same as #5.

7. Picture frames

Every thrift store always has a plethora of picture frames and I have a small pile of unused frames that I always say I’ll eventually get around to printing. This simple gift is a family favorite! You can surprise someone by printing a family photo that they love and recently posted on social media and frame it for them too.

8. Candles

Read section on unused journals for these too! 😉

9. Clothes & Accessories

I think we can all agree that we all own too much clothes. I’ve been doing a YouTube series all about creating a capsule wardrobe for the purpose of combatting retail therapy. I’m not even a minimalist and I was shocked that I made two seasonal capsule wardrobes with 50 items each (one for fall and one for spring/summer). Have you ever counted the total of clothing items you own (pants, tops, layers, etc)? Most men and women enjoy thrifting too so consider looking through your own closet and re-gifting items that would be new and loved for someone else!

For re-gifting accessories, think of items like hats, jewelry, scarves, etc!

10. Kids & Baby Items

Toys, scooters, books, musical instruments, and even clothes too! If you’re a parent of older children, then you probably know some families with younger kids who would love a (gently used) hand-me-down. Or maybe you know an expecting or new mom, consider re-gifting items you won’t be using in the future now that your kids are older (especially the expensive brands for wraps, carriers, and other gear).

A beginner’s guide to decluttering your heart & home

It’s the perfect time for a holiday reset and refresh (especially if you’re hosting)! From Clutter to Calm is the beginner’s guide to Declutter Discontent™ for a peaceful mind and life. I created this digital guide, which includes the step-by-step process to do some decluttering not only for your home but also for your heart (including some digital decluttering). It’s on sale for only $5! You can download and print it too. Buy here!

Other tips for re-gifting

1. My go-to store for affordable gift bags and tissue paper is the Dollar Tree! They have cute brown paper bags and tissue paper with sequins. Second-hand items can easily be presented in a way that is creative and beautiful even though they’re not new in a box of some sort.

2. If you’re excited to try this idea but feel a bit hesitant, try including a hand written card to express the sentiment and heart. Remember, second-hand or hand-me-down items are still special.

Enjoy watching over reading or both? Check out my video version over on YouTube! Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss future videos or email newsletters.

📋 4 ways to declutter your heart this Fall

Sometimes we crave change and refreshment but don’t know where to start. Check out my simple list below to create a refreshing fall season (no matter how busy you are)!

1. Use your planner

If you’re like me, you can probably relate. We begin every new year feeling ambitious, motivated, disciplined, excited, and then we’re a few months into the year and we stop using our planners. Is this advice necessarily revolutionary, unique, innovative? Not really. But there is something so impactful about using a planner to help you get organized to reset your home and refresh your calendar along with your routines and rhythms. Here’s the planner I LOVE! It’s undated so you can start using it any week of the year. I have noticed a significant difference on days where I don’t sit down to plan out my day or week. I end up feeling hurried, restless, or irritable instead of peacefully productive.

2. Plan a fall day

I’m all for a bucket list but honestly, sometimes creating another long list can add to the overwhelm. I think simple festive activities can still be meaningful. I recommend planning one day filled with fall activities. Maybe get a pumpkin-flavored coffee or pastry on your way to a pumpkin patch with your family and end the day with some chili and a fall-themed movie while painting your pumpkins. I know that may sound daunting to plan multiple fall activities in one day but I find that this sort of planning can remove the pressure. I know some people who attend or host several friends-giving meals and like Christmas, sometimes we end up overwhelmed and overcommitted. The goal is to unplug and truly savor the season. Last month, we stayed in a cabin for a few days and had lots of family time while being outdoors (especially since we had not cell service but only wifi at the cabin). I hope to make this an annual tradition!

3. Refresh your morning routine

Spoiler alert: we tried reading the Bible chronically with The Bible Recap along with the workbook and fell behind for several reasons. I’ll share a post soon with an in-depth review. Download this FREE Bible Reading Plan! It’s the one year reading schedule by Robert Murray M’Cheyne, which covers the entire Bible in 365 days. What I enjoy about this structure r family reading (to be done with others like a spouse or parent) as well as. section of daily reading that is done privately. Don’t let perfectionism or shame keep you from reading the Word. God’s mercies are new every morning. It’s never too late to start fresh. You can pick up and start reading from the month of October or just start with Genesis 1 (listed on January 1st) on whatever day of the year it currently is.

4. Do a brain dump

In the words of Michael Scott, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid)! A habit that has really been helping me in this season is to do a brain dump whenever I’m anxious or stressed. I don’t have a fancy method or formula for journaling. My writing isn’t thoughtful or eloquent. I literally write every thought I’m thinking in the moment—no matter how sad, silly, or seriously dramatic. I usually write as if I’m addressing my thoughts to God or in other words, prayer journaling. I use these simple journals (and once I’m done filling up every page, the plan is to throw them away).

💻 A digital guide to reset your heart & home

Fall Into Focus is the perfect checklist right in time for a fall reset and refresh! I created this digital guide, which includes over 30 ways to do some decluttering not only for your home but also for your heart (including some digital decluttering). You can view, download, and print it here!

🍁 A low to no-cost guide for Fall

I loved watching this low to no-cost guide to a cozy fall! From recipes to creating fall bucket lists of movies and shows to enjoy this season, I decided to make my own no-spend guide: heart edition. Watch the video that inspired this post:

Enjoy watching over reading or both? Check out my video version over on YouTube! Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss future videos or email newsletters.

Recap (or a little heart-to-heart)

Honestly, I’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, and unmotivated since moving. Starting over can be a fresh start with the right perspective. But I’ve become aimless somewhat as I navigate the newness of life in a new place. Most days I’m just focused on what’s right in front of me— grocery shopping, trying to fit in a home workout, and trying to enjoy moments throughout the day with my son. I do believe my family matters most and also because it’s all the capacity I have for in this season. But I do miss dreaming and planning creative projects… I decided to look at my Notes app where I have all my goals for 2025. As we begin a new month and the last quarter of the year, it’s not too late for joy and growth. I’m praying God’s helps me see life as a glass half full rather than half empty, especially when life can feel heavy or hard!

1. Reflect

When was the last time you reviewed your list of goals or New Year’s resolutions? I know most of us dread this conversation because it’s usually rooted in shame… But I heard this phrase online and it’s stuck with me. Shame off you!

Consider these truths and take heart.
— The Lord’s mercies never run out (Lamentations 3:22).
— The Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
— If you are in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1).
— If you are in Christ, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Questions for reflection:

• In one word, how did you feel at the end of last month? Last quarter?

• What worked well? What didn’t work well?

• In one word, how do you want to feel at the end of 2025?

2. Reframe

Reframe your perspective. If you struggle with perfectionism or pessimism too, you may find yourself focusing on your shortcomings or failures. Timothy Keller wrote, “Rather than thinking less of yourself, think of yourself less…” (my paraphrased version). Our goals aren’t about us. Let’s reframe our tasks in light of who we want to become, not just what we want to do with our time and efforts.

Our motive for setting and keeping goals should begin with recognizing that the chief end of man, or in other words, our purpose for existing and living is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.1 The ultimate goal and prize is the high calling of being called children of God and followers of Christ (See Philippians 3:12-21). Everything we aim to do should be rooted in loving God and others faithfully.

Questions for reframing your view of growth and progress:

• What is one area of my life in which I can see growth?

• What is God teaching me lately?

• Where can I see God’s goodness evident in my life?

3. Refresh

Read John 15:1-5. As you abide in Christ, write out some Spirit-dependent goals for this new month and last quarter of this year. Grab a paper or pen or if you prefer digital note taking, type out your updated goals for this month and quarter. My approach includes both resolutions and goals (which I explain in depth in my online mini-course here). A resolution is a a firm decision to do or not to do something (your WHY) and a goal has a deadline to help you move in the right direction to actually bring your resolution to fruition (your HOW). In other words, a goal makes a dream into a reality!

Questions for refreshing and updating your list:

• What is the purpose of pruning?

• Which goals need to be pruned?

• What is one step you can take to let go? One step to start today?

4. Resources

I created an online mini-course called Abide & Thrive for ONLY $5! Buy here! 🌿
Overcome burnout and embrace Spirit-dependent goals for abundant living! This course is for you to live a fruitful rest of the year as you set Spirit-dependent goals and abide in Christ. Pre-recorded lessons and digital course workbook included.

P.S. Click on the image below to download my FREE habit tracker (enough space to track a goal for a whole month and quarter!

In My Keep Pile

Here are some of my current favorites for you that can make my life more enjoyable!

🫶🏼 The daily prayer journal that has actually changed my morning routine → Buy Here

🗓️ The weekly planner that keeps me organized finally → Buy Here

In My Giving Pile

Here are digital products that I’ve made to give to you and my online community to help you live fully!

🎥 Check out my YouTube channel → Watch Here

📦 Buy my digital guide From Clutter to Calm → Buy Here

The Stack

Liked this post? Here are a few of my related Substack entries and recommended reads you’ll enjoy next!

→ My Dopamine Menu (Mom Edition) 🍓
Need more joy in your life? Sometimes life can feel mundane. Here's a feel-good list rooted in the Gospel that can actually help Christian moms and women in general both spiritually and physically.

→ Not Too Late for Joy: A Summer Bucket List for the Woman Who Feels Behind or Too Busy 🌞
If you're already missing summer as you prepare for the fall season, this is a no-pressure, no performance list— just a reminder to play, rest, and make meaningful moments, right here and now.

→ Ins and Outs for My 30s
After a decade of life lessons, I’ve officially entered my thirties! I'm sharing the ins and outs ins and outs” of this new decade: what I’m embracing and what I’m leaving behind from my twenties.