By: Dani Kessel
Now that it’s November, we can start discussing the holidays, right?
Christmas. Kwanza. Hanukkah. Yule. So many holidays; so little time! This year will be a little different though. With the pandemic raging on, people may not have as much time or money to put into gifts. We may not be able to see each other in-person as easily. Celebrations are bound to be unlike previous years. This doesn’t mean we have to forgo gifts altogether though. There are inexpensive or free gifts we can offer that will still express thoughtfulness, love, and caring.
Here are 40 gifts for a budget-conscious holiday season:
- A mug with tea bags or coffee beans
- A bottle of bubble bath
- Homemade, fun-shaped crayons (here’s a how-to!)
- A personalized scrabble tile ornament
- A budget cookbook (with people cooking at home during quarantine, this might be a handy gift for many people)
- A winter hat
- Marbled coasters from IKNITIATIVES
- A comic book (support your local comic book stores)
- A handwritten letter listing the reasons you love them
- The Makeup Eraser (Sam swears by this product)
- A drawing in a picture frame
- A personalized wine glass
- Aromatherapy dough from The Squeeze
- Sugar body scrub (It is extremely cheap and easy to make!)
- A reusable straw kit
- Dash mini waffle iron
- Pillowcases
- A handmade, adjustable, reversible face mask from Needle, Ink, and Thread (Yes, this is my cousin’s shop. I’m not recommending it because she is related to me though. I am recommending it because she’s is really good at sewing/the masks are high quality.)
- A candle
- Whiskey stones
- A scarf you knitted
- A vegetable spiralizer
- Pancake mix
- TriceraTaco holders
- Local honey
- What We Keep by Bill Shapiro
- A French press coffee maker (there are quality ones for $10-$15)
- A personalized and engraved compass
- A photobook
- Handmade soaps (I recommend Soap Distillery or Black Dragon Ventures)
- World Market capiz-shell lotus votives
- A dual booklight and bookmark
- A stamped rose bracelet
- 100 First Words for Little Geeks
- A wallet
- A personalized calendar
- Nice hair clips from Loctia Hair Clips
- A pocket knife
- A wine bottle opener
- A teddy bear
I hope this list helped you come up with ideas that will fit into your budget. As we all push through this trying time, we’ve got to lend ourselves the grace and compassion we would give any of our loved ones. We’re in the middle of a recession and a global pandemic. Remember that it’s the thought that matters much more than any monetary value. Also, don’t dismiss the value of DIY presents and crafts. Handmade presents take time and are filled with love.
Are you going to be making any gifts at home this year? Let us know in the comments section below!
These are some really good ideas! I really liked the scribble tile ornament, Etsy honestly has some incredible finds!
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The Scrabble tile ornaments are my favorite! I am thinking of buying ones for my kiddos this year.
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I just now learned that Kwanzaa actually has 2 “a”s at the end. I apologize for spelling it wrong!
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