
These easy, quick gifts ideas are for people whom you want to do something special, but don’t want to break the bank. For some of these gifts, you can stock up on them, and store them in a container until you’re in one of those “Oh! I need a gift for so and so!” situations. Of course you’ll have to take into account the personality of the recipient, however, several of these will make a great token of appreciation for most people (think: teachers, acquaintances, friends, neighbors, etc). Some of these gifts will also make great stocking stuffers for Christmas.
- Plants such as succulents are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Due to their hardiness, they’re a good option even for someone without a green thumb. Purchase a cute holiday container that has drainage holes at the bottom, along with some soil, and plant the succulent. Wrap a festive ribbon around the top of the plant container and you’re good to go!
- Keep it sweet without the calories. Sometimes people don’t want to receive snacks, pastries or the calories that come with them. With all the gluten and dietary restrictions, you could play it safe. Instead of cookies and sweets, consider a holiday themed cookie cutter or two. You could turn the cookie cutter into an ornament by tying a ribbon to it.
- Support local business owners. Buy a book from a used book store. Sometimes a time-worn classic novel becomes a treasure for a friend that happens to be a bookworm.
- Bird feeder with birdseed
- The latest, hippest board game
- Slippers
- Movie Tickets
- Offer to wash someone’s car, babysit, cook a meal, or do a chore they really dislike.
- Whatever happened to Mix Tapes? You could create a list of upbeat, feel good songs. Then simply copy the CD, rather than trying to switch the songs out or customize it for each friend.
- REALLY affordable gifts / stocking stuffers I saw at the 99 cent store: Stylish Scarves, mittens & gloves, holiday socks, book markers, candles, Christmas ornaments, candy, Martinelli’s Ciders and Lemonades, holiday stationary and cards, key chain flashlights (great for moms with big purses).