Installment 4: Holiday on a Budget
I certainly fall into this category this year.
But don't fret, being on a budget need not interfere with your
gift-giving prowess!
Rule 1:
Shop around for deals. (and/or free shipping)
And don't be embarrassed to use that coupon/coupon code!
In fact, I have no qualms about googling, for example, "Pottery Barn coupon code", prior to purchase. If the box is there at checkout, a coupon code exists somewhere! It's just up to you to find it.
Rule 2:
Buy sets. Then split them up into multiple gifts.
No one will be the wiser and everyone gets to share the goods.
Rule 3:
Buy local.
(Note: This is always a good idea regardless of economics.)
Example: If your city is known for cheese or maple syrup or beer,
send some to your out-of-town friends and family!
They will appreciate the local specialty, which is likely more expensive/unavailable wherever they dwell.
Rule 4:
Homemade anything rules.
So get your bake or craft on!
I will never shun a gift of homemade Christmas cookies or candy.
(Just be cognizant of your ingredients and supplies. Certain projects can end up being pricier than had you just bought them something from the store.)
Homemade gifts are actually some of my favorite gifts to receive, as it shows the person put some sentimental thought and labor of love into their gift. I received homemade Limoncello and a plate of Christmas goodies from a friend last year. LOVE! And everyone knows a homemade card is where it's at.
With that being said, here are some of my favorite "budget" gifts this year.
For the foodie:
Get them something they wouldn't necessarily splurge on for themselves
(but will certainly put to good use).
Example 1: Organic Grey Sea Salt
$12
{HERE} via St. Helena Olive Oil Company
Example 2: Sicilian Honey
$32.95 for a set of 3
{HERE} via Gilt Taste
Split up the set, then pair with some tea and/or homemade scones, biscuits, granola,
and you're a rockstar.
For the hip hostess:
Once again, I bring you cheese.
Buy a set of adorable cheese plates...
Starting at $15.99
{HERE} via Pier One
And maybe a set of cute spreaders while you're at it...
$5.95 for set of 6
{HERE} via CB2
...then simply split up the sets (keep 2 spreaders for yourself - Merry Christmas!),
add a brick of your favorite cheese,
(Double Cream Brie from Trader Joe's is delicious and inexpensive),
and voila! Four instant delicious gifts!
(Under $10 each!)
For the girly girl (or guy):
The holidays, namely NYE, is the perfect time to sport some sparkle.
(And you couldn't go wrong with glittery nails if you tried.)
$6 each
{HERE} via American Apparel
And I personally have no beef about getting undies on Christmas.
I certainly fall into this category this year.
But don't fret, being on a budget need not interfere with your
gift-giving prowess!
Rule 1:
Shop around for deals. (and/or free shipping)
And don't be embarrassed to use that coupon/coupon code!
In fact, I have no qualms about googling, for example, "Pottery Barn coupon code", prior to purchase. If the box is there at checkout, a coupon code exists somewhere! It's just up to you to find it.
Rule 2:
Buy sets. Then split them up into multiple gifts.
No one will be the wiser and everyone gets to share the goods.
Rule 3:
Buy local.
(Note: This is always a good idea regardless of economics.)
Example: If your city is known for cheese or maple syrup or beer,
send some to your out-of-town friends and family!
They will appreciate the local specialty, which is likely more expensive/unavailable wherever they dwell.
Rule 4:
Homemade anything rules.
So get your bake or craft on!
I will never shun a gift of homemade Christmas cookies or candy.
(Just be cognizant of your ingredients and supplies. Certain projects can end up being pricier than had you just bought them something from the store.)
Homemade gifts are actually some of my favorite gifts to receive, as it shows the person put some sentimental thought and labor of love into their gift. I received homemade Limoncello and a plate of Christmas goodies from a friend last year. LOVE! And everyone knows a homemade card is where it's at.
With that being said, here are some of my favorite "budget" gifts this year.
For the foodie:
Get them something they wouldn't necessarily splurge on for themselves
(but will certainly put to good use).
Example 1: Organic Grey Sea Salt
$12
{HERE} via St. Helena Olive Oil Company
Example 2: Sicilian Honey
$32.95 for a set of 3
{HERE} via Gilt Taste
Split up the set, then pair with some tea and/or homemade scones, biscuits, granola,
and you're a rockstar.
For the hip hostess:
Once again, I bring you cheese.
Buy a set of adorable cheese plates...
Starting at $15.99
{HERE} via Pier One
And maybe a set of cute spreaders while you're at it...
$5.95 for set of 6
{HERE} via CB2
...then simply split up the sets (keep 2 spreaders for yourself - Merry Christmas!),
add a brick of your favorite cheese,
(Double Cream Brie from Trader Joe's is delicious and inexpensive),
and voila! Four instant delicious gifts!
(Under $10 each!)
For the girly girl (or guy):
The holidays, namely NYE, is the perfect time to sport some sparkle.
(And you couldn't go wrong with glittery nails if you tried.)
$6 each
{HERE} via American Apparel
And I personally have no beef about getting undies on Christmas.
Especially when they are soft and pretty!
(You could pair them with a nice lip gloss
or even roll them up and place them inside an ornament.)
$16 per pair
{HERE} via Madewell
Or, 2 for $28 mens' holiday boxers.
Adorable and quality-made.
Adorable and quality-made.
{HERE} via J. Crew
For the classic beauty:
Handmade soaps are ultra feminine, beautifully packaged, and practical.
$14.95
{HERE} via New Sohum
(Although places like Whole Foods & local apothecaries sell such goods for much less moola!)
For the health nut:
Water bobbles.
Convenient, re-usable, eco-friendly...
You know I love them!
$9.99
{HERE} via Container Store
For the homemaker:
A beautifully-scented candle is always useful!
I think the best-smelling ones hail from Yankee Candle.
$10.99-$24.99
(Be sure to sign up for the coupons!)
Some of my favorite scents:
Sage & Citrus or Autumn Wreath
(Be sure to check out the sale/clearance table for some steals!)
For the environmentalist (or shopaholic):
BAGGU's!!
Re-usable. Available in leather and/or a thousand colors/patterns.
Starting at $12
{HERE} via BAGGU
For anyone who wants to treat themselves...or deserves some R&R.
(Say with a facial, massage, or night out on the town.)
Groupon!
Why not? The recipient will get one kick-ass gift,
and you will appear way more generous than you perhaps could otherwise be!
(Note: When you select "give as gift" option at checkout,
pricing information will not appear on the voucher.)
I'd be impressed with any of these gifts,
and I'm sure your friends will, too!
~Images via St. Helena Olive Oil Co., Gilt Taste, Pier One, CB2, American Apparel, Madewell, J. Crew, New Sohum, Container Store, Yankee Candle, BAGGU & Groupon~
For the classic beauty:
Handmade soaps are ultra feminine, beautifully packaged, and practical.
$14.95
{HERE} via New Sohum
(Although places like Whole Foods & local apothecaries sell such goods for much less moola!)
For the health nut:
Water bobbles.
Convenient, re-usable, eco-friendly...
You know I love them!
$9.99
{HERE} via Container Store
For the homemaker:
A beautifully-scented candle is always useful!
I think the best-smelling ones hail from Yankee Candle.
$10.99-$24.99
(Be sure to sign up for the coupons!)
Some of my favorite scents:
Sage & Citrus or Autumn Wreath
(Be sure to check out the sale/clearance table for some steals!)
For the environmentalist (or shopaholic):
BAGGU's!!
Re-usable. Available in leather and/or a thousand colors/patterns.
Starting at $12
{HERE} via BAGGU
For anyone who wants to treat themselves...or deserves some R&R.
(Say with a facial, massage, or night out on the town.)
Groupon!
Why not? The recipient will get one kick-ass gift,
and you will appear way more generous than you perhaps could otherwise be!
(Note: When you select "give as gift" option at checkout,
pricing information will not appear on the voucher.)
I'd be impressed with any of these gifts,
and I'm sure your friends will, too!
~Images via St. Helena Olive Oil Co., Gilt Taste, Pier One, CB2, American Apparel, Madewell, J. Crew, New Sohum, Container Store, Yankee Candle, BAGGU & Groupon~
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