Buying Christmas and holiday presents can be stressful: each year seems to bring a longer and longer list of people to buy gifts for. And with the pressure on to make each present meaningful and unique, it's no wonder some shoppers lose their Christmas spirit! This list of ideas should help make holiday shopping easier.
Crafts
Craft fairs proliferate as the holiday season approaches. Whether they are larger events with artisans from across the country, or a smaller, community-oriented craft fair, these can be great sources of handmade gifts that are one-of-a-kind.
Craft swap
What to do when gift recipients already have enough hand-knitted scarves to last a lifetime? Why not trade skills with a friend who does a different craft? Getting a group of friends together to pool skills is not only a great way to catch up with friends, but also to have a variety of handmade, unique gifts to put under the holiday tree.
Etsy
This online artists' market features a variety of unique, handmade gifts, with prices tailored to almost any budget. Products available range from handcrafted clothing, to metalwork, to original paintings and photography, jewellry, and more. As well, many of the artists at Etsy are more than willing to create a custom piece to make that present extra special.
Gift Certificates
Many people think that gift certificates are cold and impersonal, but they don't have to be. Rather than choosing to give gift certificates from big box stores, savvy gift-givers seek out gift certificates from smaller stores, either an old favourite of the recipient, or one that specializes in the recipient's interests or hobbies. Many online retailers also offer gift certificates.
Gift Basket
Gift baskets can be fun to give and to receive. They are also easily personalized, while still being inexpensive. Those making their own gift baskets should look beyond the traditional "basket"-- fabric bags, decorated shoe boxes, and inexpensive vases and bowls all make wonderful containers to hold a variety of treats. Choosing a theme like "Movie Night", or "Spa Sunday Afternoon" can suggest many creative ideas for filling the basket, and can allow the gift to be tailored to the recipient's style and taste.
Homemade Gifts
Handmade presents always come from the heart, and can be a great way to involve the whole family. Ideas for handcrafted gifts can be found online, in magazines, and in craft books available from the library.
Make It Really Personal
There are many online sites that give anyone the ability to design and order stationery products-- personalized notecards, stationery and envelopes make thoughtful and charming gifts, especially those who are hard to shop for. Almost anything can be personalized, from candy bars to monogrammed linens; the gift-giver's imagination is the only limit.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
What about the friend with the sweet tooth? The relative who's a wine conoisseur? An "of-the-month" gift may seem like a big splurge, but it can truly be the gift that makes the recipient feel special beyond the holiday season. An "of-the-month" gift allows the recipient to receive a different candy, bottle of wine or beer, flower, or almost anything, every month for a specified amount of time, usually from three months and up.
Choosing more personal Christmas gifts may take a bit longer, but the reward of giving a thoughtful, handpicked gift is well worth it. Taking the time to gather ideas online can save time and aggravation in the stores with other holiday shoppers.
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