Affordable Holiday Gifts
Creative, Eco-Friendly Presents For Host, Hostess
A guide to holiday gift ideas -- all suitable for taking to someone's home.
Gift cards may be convenient, but they lack a personal quality that makes present-giving a fun and unique experience. That said, picking out holiday gifts – whether for the entire extended family or two closest friends – can be stressful. Keeping purchases under a certain budget can increase the difficulty. Use this guide as a reminder that gifts don’t have to be extravagant to be special.
For the Environmentally Friendly: Reusable grocery bags are the quickest way to cut down on excess trash and banish those plastic bags for good. And just because they’re beneficial for the earth doesn’t mean they have to look bland! Delight.com offers the prettiest versions yet – Envirosax Reusable Grocery Bags come with five bags folded into a tiny pouch, perfect to keep in the car (or tote). The bags measure 19.5” x 16.5” and are incredibly durable, holding much more than regular grocery bags. $34.50
For the Techno-Savvy (Or Not): While most people who own a computer already own an external USB port, who can resist the diverse and creative USB ports available? There are USBs attached to key chains, pens, even shaped like Hello Kitty. The possibilities are endless!
For the Homeowner: Wine and treats are always welcome, buy try this non-edible gift for a homeowner – buy a plain silver metal bucket (very inexpensive) at a hardware store and fill with a pretty plant. Or if the host or hostess likes to garden, fill the bucket with seeds, a gardening tool or gloves. Tie a pretty ribbon or decoration around the bucket to finish the look.
For the Homeowner With Kids: These same metal buckets are perfect surfaces for decoupage. Buy enough buckets (often in different sizes) so that every child can decorate her own – the adults may want to participate, too! Put the smaller buckets in one large bucket, along with wrapping paper samples, origami paper and magazines (to cut out images) as well as Mod Podge decoupage glue and foam brushes. This is a fun, leisurely and easy activity that can be enjoyed during the holidays or saved for a rainy day.
For the Holiday-Weary: The holidays can take a toll on all areas of the body – especially one’s feet. Whether stuffed into shoes in cold or warm weather, sometimes feet need more than a bucket of water to soothe and relax. Enter YogaToes – rubbery toe separators that ease foot problems, stretch muscles and help circulation. Available at yogapro.com, $49.95, discounts for ordering more than one pair
The holidays may be overwhelming, but gift giving needn’t be unpleasant. Enjoy!
