These small but classy holiday gifts will bring budget-friendly pleasure
I'm ahead on my holiday to-do list this year. Holiday gifts are mailed off, the house is clean and the tree is up. All that's left is to schedule some virtual visits and short walks with friends … and I want to buy a few small gifts for those friends.
It's no secret to those who know me that I love to bake, so this year some homemade goodies will accompany small, Scrooge-approved gifts. I've looked around and found some chic, inexpensive gift ideas to accompany my baked goods and elevate my little gifts into unique and special presents. While spending less than $10, Scrooge will be happy and so will my friends.
NEEDLEPOINT FUN
There has been a resurgence of needle and yarn crafts over the past year. It's a great way to be creative, and feel like you've accomplished something artistic. The tiny needlepoint kits found at Giant Tiger — $5 for various whimsical patterns including unicorn, sloth and cactus — are small enough to fill a quiet afternoon of handiwork by the fire. I'll accompany a kit with homemade Matcha green tea sugar cookies (such a festive green colour) to encourage snack breaks between yarn colour switches on the needle.
CANDLES
Being restricted as to how often I can visit with friends and family has made me thankful for the walks, phone calls and virtual visits. Candles are always a great gift and I found the perfect one at Marshalls ($6) for those friends who like long, indulgent baths. I'll pair it with a small tin of maple cream fudge. Who wouldn't have gratitude when you're luxuriating in a candlelit bath while savouring a classic Canadian treat?
STYLISH HOT BEVERAGE
Grabbing a takeout coffee or tea and catching up (socially distanced, of course) with a friend while walking has many benefits: exercise, fresh air and the chance to visit local outdoor attractions. I've had a lot of fun this holiday season with the Starbucks holiday colour changing cups, $4. Hot liquid beverages change the cup's colour from green to red as you drink. I'll buy a few to give to walking pals and wrap it up with my chocolate espresso shortbread cookies (I use Starbucks' holiday blend via instant espresso in the recipe). A fun cup, some cookies and a bundled-up walk is a great experiential gift.
SWEET DELIGHTS
Brunch parties with the gang will be virtual this year. To share a similar experience, I'll be dropping off snack hampers and forwarding everyone a playlist of our favourite holiday jazz music. That way we can all create a similar experience while in our homes. Wildly Delicious Mimosa glitter spread ($9) will be accompanied by my fresh baked cranberry orange scones — perfect for a morning brunch celebration that will make my guests sparkle with holiday joy.
OTHER BUDGET- FRIENDLY GIFTS
Want to add a little something to an inexpensive gift but don't bake? Here's a few other easy ways to spend like Scrooge without looking like the Grinch. It really is the thought that counts.
1. Add a homemade gift certificate for a delivered meal, pet sitting or an hour of your time for shovelling or yard work.
2. Make a holiday music playlist that suits the gift you are giving. For instance, soothing holiday classics to accompany a gift of bath gel or a candle.
3. Assemble a simple winter bouquet. Fill a clean tin can with cedar, pine, spruce clippings and pine cones; finish it off by tying a red ribbon around the can. It's a perfect festive accessory for a balcony or windowsill.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.