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If holiday shopping hasn’t been on your radar, get your head in the game! You should anticipate it taking 30 days for your packages to reach their destination this year. Thanks Covid. So, NOW is the time to make your list and check it twice.
Before You Start Spending, Make A Plan
I think every family is concerned about finances and job security right now. Consider asking your family to create a per person spending limit. For the past few years, my family has limited our spending to $25 per person and it works really well for us. If you have a large family, lower the amount to $10 each or choose names from a hat, similar to Secret Santa.
No one should drain their bank account to buy presents
There are so many ways to show people you love them. Spending money you don’t have is NOT one of the ways. Similarly, there are lots of meaningful, unique Christmas gifts that are inexpensive or even FREE. Have I peaked your interest? Read to the very end of this post for a free holiday Printable! First up are fun diy gift ideas.
Unique Christmas Gifts to Make
Holiday Spirit Lip Balm
You can’t have enough lip balm in the winter, especially if it’s holiday scented! This diy treat is made with natural ingredients and essential oil. Created by Sparkles of Sunshine, this recipe is easy for first-time makers and is a fun project to do with a friend or kids. The supplies cost about $40 and it is a great coworker gift and stocking stuffer. Because you have to buy the supplies in bulk, it’s most cost effective to give this gift to multiple people.
Here are all of the things you need to get your balm on! I sourced the best deal in each category just for you. 😉
Tile Coasters
This project looks so satisfying. And is another simple diy gift that can be customized to match any decor or style. I can’t wait to try it! Additionally, these tiles can be hung on the wall and used as art.
A second hand craft or building material store is the perfect place to look for inexpensive supplies. All you need are square tiles, felt, fun scrapbook paper, Mod Podge and glue. The Cottage Mama came up with a unique Christmas gift that anyone can make! Create 12 tiles (3 sets of 4 tiles) for $40 with the supplies below.
| Square Tiles (with cork, no felt needed) | Mod Podge |
| Scrapbook Paper | Acrylic Sealer |
No Sew Lap Desk
This diy gift is great for anyone working or learning from home. Although it’s slightly more complicated than the other two projects, I think you’re up for the challenge. Shanty 2 Chic recommendations decorating the desk with a letter stencil or come up with your own idea!
Because you may have to buy a big sheet of plywood, it’s more cost effective to make this gift for multiple people. Shanty 2 Chic used burlap to wrap the foam, but you can choose any fabric as long as it’s thick. Also, the size of the desk is customizable to the size of the laptop and to the supplies you purchase. For reference, here are the supplies you need for this project.
Unique Gifts from Black Owned Businesses
Given the current social climate, supporting black-owned businesses is a thoughtful way to spend your money and give a gift. All of the unique Christmas gifts below are $40 or less.
Harper May Invitations
This lovely stationery is a beautiful tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s the perfect gift for someone who enjoys sending handwritten cards. You could even purchase the cards for your post-holiday thank you notes. 10 cards for $13.75
Addi Mae Co.
This awesome onesie speaks for itself. Every baby deserves the same future- regardless of race. Addi Mae has many social justice inspired items to choose from! The onesie is $14.99
CanDid Art Accessories
These chic u-turn earrings are sure to turn heads. Dress them up or down as they go with any outfit. The earrings come in sterling silver or 14k gold filled. $30-$35 per pair
HJ Art Studio
Shopping for an art enthusiast? I love this abstract landscape oil print, “Faceless Masses” by artist Helen Jones. The longer your look at the image the more you see.
The image is printed in A4 size, 8.25 x 11.75 inches. Finish the gift with a frame from a local craft store. $33.10 per print
LOVie Beans
Fall in love with a LOViE Beans doll! The dolls are 14″ tall and can be customized to look like the recipient. Choose the doll’s hair color and style, as well as, her skin and eye color. You can even pick her outfit. With all of those options, this doll will definitely become a favorite! $40 each
Belna Candle Company
For someone who needs extra pampering, this set of handmade goat’s milk soap is sure to do the trick. The set includes five fragrances: Red Rose, Lavender, Mango & Coconut Milk, Waterfall Mist (cedar wood, jasmine, orange & violet) and Spaaaaah (sea salt, jasmine & lily of valley). $15 per set
Uncle Nitty’s Market
The foodie in your family will love experimenting with this selection of seasonings from Uncle Nitty’s Market. The set comes with Lemon Pepper, Wing Seasoning, Garlic Chili and Ancestor Blend. Hopefully, you’ll get to sample the chef’s creations! 4 spices for $27.17
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Gifts that Give Back
Support a nonprofit organization by purchasing a gift that gives back. You can’t beat a present that does double duty!
Serrv International
This is my favorite place to buy gifts. Serrv sells fair trade, handmade crafts and goods created by artisans from all over the world. Every purchase fights global poverty and helps artisans and farmers build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. From pottery and decor, to jewelry, ornaments, clothing and textiles, everything made by Serrv artisans is beautiful and affordable!
Oxfam
For the family member that has everything, give a child, family or community in need a gift in their honor. Oxfam uses your donations to take on the big issues that keep people poor: inequality, discrimination, and unequal access to resources including food, water, and land. Choose from gifts like animals, clean water, tools, health care and education. Long after the holidays are over, your gift to Oxfam will keep on giving.
FREE Gifts- my favorite ❤
Sometimes the most meaningful present is the gift of time. Each year, I give my godchildren a “Birthday Adventure.” We go someplace fun and spend the day making memories. Similarly, who in your family could use quality time? You could gift new parents an evening of babysitting. Do you enjoy cooking? Make your parents a home cooked meal where they don’t have to lift a finger. Think of creative ways to turn your time and talents into a present.
When you come up with an idea, use these printables to make a gift certificate. There are two designs to choose from. It’s my gift to you for being part of my community.
I know this holiday season will be different, but here’s to making the best of it. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and socially distant holiday.
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