There is nothing like the feeling of giving a good gift. Finding the “just right” item for that perfect person, pairing it with a card or smart wrapping or another item to even further its significance makes the holiday season sing. But let’s face it, most of us can’t afford to order out of the Neiman Marcus catalog. In fact, most of us struggle to find something in our budget even in the Sears Roebuck wish book. Giving meaningful gifts doesn’t have to cost a lot. In fact, you can spend very little and still show just how much you care. Here are five Christmas gift ideas that might spark your gift giving sensibilities into finding a present that is just right for someone you love.
Business Cards
I know, I know. Business cards seem like an incredibly boring gift to give. However, if you have a special someone in your life with deep aspirations to open their own business, this might give them just the nudge they need. You can order from a discount site like Vistaprint (always search for a coupon first) or have them printed in store at a Office Depot or Kinkos (again, promise me you’ll look for a coupon!). This is what I’d call a gift of symbolism. You could do something similar by buying a fountain pen for someone who longs to write or whisk for someone who longs to go to culinary school.
Photo Gifts
If you have kids, their grandparents would treasure a picture of their grandchildren. Whether you go with the trendier option of canvas or simply have a photo printed (always look for Walgreens coupons and freebies and/or use the great Vistaprint code BEMERRY for 50% off Holiday photo gifts) and then choose a frame, you can make a gift that has long term impact without spending a lot of money. I love these little books from Sam’s Club for less than $4.
Frame Recipe Cards or Special Letters
This is one of my very favorite meaningful gift ideas. A few years ago, I took recipe cards belonging to our grandmothers and slightly enlarged them. We then chose a frame that complimented and turned them into works of art. We’ve done the same with an excerpt of a family diary. You could use old love letters or birth announcements. Turning a family heirloom into artwork is a fantastic way to create a gift low on cost but high on value. You might even be able to have them printed on an “engineering print” at a copy store (an oversized print that usually costs under $2) and then choose to mount or frame the copy.
Significant Re-gifting
I probably don’t have the best manners but I have few qualms with re-gifting. Obviously, you need to be mindful of who gave you the gift originally but especially when it comes to candles, frames, bath and body items, if you don’t think you’ll use it, it’s fine to pass along the gift to someone you think would love it. However, the true re-gifting I’m talking about in this instance is giving away an item of significance you already had to someone you love. Perhaps it’s a family piece of jewelry or a an item which reminds you both of a social moment. Maybe it’s a journal or a book that has been in your family for years. Or it could even be a kitchen utensil or piece of furniture. Think about the recipient and what they might treasure due to an emotional connection.
A Shared Experience
Instead of focusing on things, decide to share an experience together this Christmas. Maybe you’ll have dinner together or bake cookies. Maybe you’ll do a project together or simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. I always encourage people to spend time and not money and it really rings true this time of the year. You could give the gift of time and end up being much more fulfilled with less stuff. For grandparents this could look like a museum membership or a trip to the movies. Whether you play a board game or make a craft, that experience could replace your traditional gift giving.
It definitely takes a bit of creativity but you don’t have to go all Grinch this Christmas. Give things that people will treasure for their entire lives, not for a few short days.
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