As the holidays are around the corner, I always have a hard time of finding a proper gift for my friends and family. This is especially true when looking at the numbers in my bank account. As a result, I have had to become inventive in the past few years with my gifts. Here are 10 Christmas gifts that I have either received or given that are great options for people on a small budget:
1. Arm knit scarf.
There are probably at least a hundred tutorials online for this. If you are not great at knitting, you can use your arms as the needles and make an infinity scarf in less than an hour. Usually they take about two skeins of yarn to make and are very endearing gifts.
2. Goodie Box.
Personally, I have a pretty sharp sweet tooth, and I always appreciated the candies in my stockings when I was younger. Who says adults can't do the same? Buy some small brown Chinese boxes and fill them with small candies and maybe some gag gifts you can buy in bulk.
3. Sharpie Mugs.
This is a little more involved like the arm knit scarf as it requires baking the sharpie onto the mug. You can find a plain mug at your local dollar store or Goodwill and an oil-base Sharpie pen just about anywhere. Write someone's favorite quote or saying on the mug, bake it, and gift it. Personalization is key.
4. Small care package.
Fill a small gift bag with useful items such as toiletries, nuts, and other things of that nature. Someone, somewhere will appreciate it.
5. Chalk painted wine bottles.
This is more of DIY project for the casual (or heavy) drinker. Keep those bottles of wine you drink on the weekend, or weekday, and buy some chalkboard paint. Clean off the bottles, paint them, and write quotes or phrases on theme.
6. A picture frame.
Decorate a picture frame and put a picture of you and the person you are giving it to inside. It will show the receiver of the gift how much you really appreciate them.
7. Books. Books. Books.
Personally, this is my favorite gift. I love devouring books during the holiday season while cuddled up next to a fire with my dog and a cup of coffee or cocoa. I have also found some pretty good deals on newer books at my local Goodwill.
8. DIY Bath bombs.
Bath bombs are pretty easy to make and are great gifts for the avid bather. I love using bath bombs when I'm home, as well as the way my skin feels afterwards.
9. Pringles Can Cookie Package.
Keep some of your Pringles cans, bake some cookies, wrap the outsides of the cans with wrapping paper, and gift them to your friends and family. A nice package of cookies is always a thoughtful gift.
10. T-shirt pillow.
If you know how to sew, consider finding some t-shirts with someone's favorite band or character or TV show on them and then get some stuffing. Cut the shirt into two squares, make it into a pillow sham, stuff it, sew it, gift it. A great and comfy gift.
