5 cheap but elegant gifts to create yourself
No, you don’t need to give expensive gifts this year. Nor is it necessary to hand out the latest toys of the decade. You can find at least 5 cheap but elegant gifts to send to your friends and family.
It is not necessary to spend more or buy more. With the economy going the way it is, wouldn’t it be much more reasonable to scale down and still have something no one would look down on? It just takes getting more creative with your gift options to have something stylish, unusual, and affordable all at the same time.
There has never been anything wrong with giving a handmade gift. Although you need to start preparing a bit earlier, and planning can be a bit more complicated, it’s a surefire way to cut down on unnecessary spending and resource usage.
Have you ever known someone who has turned down baked goods? No matter what the time of year, a gift of breads, cakes, cookies, or a special cake will always be greeted with a smile and a “Did you make this yourself?!”
These also pack easily and beautifully into a variety of containers. To be truly eco-friendly, it would be best to recycle glass containers that have been thoroughly cleaned. Simply decorate the top with a cut piece of fabric over the lid tied with an attractive ribbon. If the lid is presentable, all you need is a festive ribbon tied in a bow and a sprig of dried or artificial flowers and greenery to embellish it.
Why not share some much-needed caffeine joy with your friends? All you need to do is purchase a commercially available handmade or inexpensive cup of coffee and combine it with individual packets of instant coffee. For fun, take a metal teaspoon and dip it into some white sugar that you’ve caramelized. Before it sets, dip spoon in ground cinnamon or mini chocolate chips. Wrap the spoon in a shiny piece of cellophane tied with a clear ribbon and put it all in a nice cloth napkin or a large cellophane bag. Accent with a homespun ribbon and a slice of dried orange or a cinnamon stick.
Don’t want to give an edible gift but faced with a sugar addict? Why not create a luxurious basket with a homemade body scrub made from brown sugar, white sugar, extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil and the essential oil of your choice? Combine it with a luxurious bar of super fat soap and it will be a gift that will be remembered for a long time.
How about making a romantic massage kit for your partner? A bottle of massage oil, a set of votive candles, and a CD of romantic, zen, or nature-based massage music wrapped in a silk bag will set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The only thing you will need to add is your own hands to provide that wonderful massage.
For that extra special someone, why not commission a custom piece of art? You can find art galleries online that can make a portrait from an image that is sent to them. It is a truly special gift that can be passed down to the next generation.