Ideal Bite

I just did something so satisfying the other day. I got rid of all my tchotzkes.

Bon voyage, Eiffel Tower miniature! Auf wiedersehen, novelty Oktoberfest stein!

It's bad enough living in a city where most apartments are small enough to make Thumbelina claustrophobic. Accumulation of stuff that I don't need just makes it worse. That's part of the inspiration behind my extended fam's yearly Christmas donation. Instead of giving each other material gifts, one of us chooses a charity and we all write a check. It's waste-free and goes a little further than yule-themed handsoap or a fruitcake. Last year, I got to choose, so we all donated to Amnesty International. (Check out a few more of The Bite team's fave charities in our Giving It Away tip.)

Next time you're shopping for a gift, just remember that it's the thought that counts. Think before you buy, and you might save your friend a trip to Goodwill.

-Toshio, off to unload a big bag of stuff at the local homeless shelter...

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