It’s the time of year where gift giving is at its peak. Creative and unique Christmas gifts are widely available to choose from. With the giving season, comes a myriad of feelings among people.
Unfortunately, this season can bring feelings of stress and overwhelm. There are a variety of ways to prevent and cope with that through certain self-care methods.
There is also the topic of giving. Though this is the “season of giving,” we should give freely from the heart, not out of compulsion or because we “should” since it’s that time of year. Giving should be joyful, not stressful.
Get creative with your gift options. They don’t have to be things to blow your budget. There are creative and unexpected Christmas gifts that can be inexpensive and more personal. These options are great for the person whom you have no idea what to get.
Food Gifts
These work well because you know they will get used. When you’re giving food Christmas Gifts, ensure that the items you’re giving are foods that the recipient likes to enjoy. Also take note of any allergies they may have.
Baked goods
Cookies are a Christmas classic. This is a great time to make a Christmas cookie box. You could also make cake, either mini loaf cakes or full size layered cakes. Pies work well as gifts. They can be gifted already baked or before baking. If you give them raw, be sure to include baking instructions. Cinnamon rolls are
Drink mixes and kits
These are fun to make as party favors as they are quick and can make a lot easily from a few ingredients.
- Hot chocolate is a common option during this time of year. Create a hot chocolate mix with different ad-ins and various flavors.
- If you have a tea lover, include a box full of teas and honeys they would enjoy.
- Fun mocktails are also a great option. Include the ingredients in a cute basket with the instructions of how to mix everything together for a personalized gift. Choose flavors you know the receiver would enjoy.
- For a simpler option, you could order a drink subscription for your person. If there is a pressed juice you know they love, order a large kit of those.
Homemade frozen dinners: pot pie
These are really helpful for those who you know have busy schedules and don’t always remember to eat. This also works well if you have specialty recipes and enjoy being in the kitchen. Choose options that are easily frozen and taken out.
Chicken pot pie is a great option as you can premake it and freeze the pies as a gift. Make a traditional pie or use alternative options like mini pies or hand pies. You could also make stews and soups as they freeze well.
Homemade bread: focaccia, sourdough, dinner rolls
- Focaccia is a simple bread that
- Sourdough
- Dinner Rolls
- Biscuits
Handmade Unique Christmas Gifts
This option is great for those who are nifty and crafty. The personal touch is special and the items can be kept as a keepsake.
Sewn or Knitted Items
These are fun and simple items to sew. Choose smaller options that won’t take as much time if you are making them for multiple people.
Photo Gifts
You can make a mini scrapbook of your favorite memories with the receiver. Get creative with the layout and design. An option is to complete the scrapbook fully or to start one and have the receiver finish it. Another option is to find a beautiful, unique frame and put a special photo in it that tells of a beautiful memory.
Things the Recipient Likes
Giving random small gifts or the recipient’s “little joys” shows how much you care and pay attention to them. Use this time to find unique and specialty versions of what they already like. This is a great time to support small, independent businesses.
- Coffee: Purchase a bag of coffee from a local coffee shop.
- Candle: Choose a luxury candle brand or a unique scent from a specialty brand.
- Collected Item: Get creative here. If your recipient collects an item, find unique versions of that item. Suggestions include keychains, stickers, mugs, etc.
- Sweatshirts or t-shirts: If you know your recipient lives in sweatshirts or t-shirts, give them that but make it special. Find one with a phrase they always say or an encouraging image.
Upgraded Classics Unique Christmas Gifts
Go the classic route and give needed items but an upgraded version. Similar to the last option, you will want to make these special. Purchase them from a speciality shop, choose options that have unique designs and sayings, or go for the luxury version of these items.
- T-shirt: classic cotton t
- Socks: soft cashmere or wool socks
- Gloves/mitten/winter hat: fun print or handmade knitted ones
Box of Favorites
This gift will leave your recipient feeling loved, known, and seen. Put these items in a cute basket, a small wooden box, or for smaller items, a large trinket box. There are two routes you can go with this option.
- Things they love: In this box you will put a variety of all of their favorites. Mix and match what you choose. Select some items from the above categories as well. Options include: candies, favorite snacks, coffee, lip balm, plant, plant holder, hair accessories, favorite hair product or make up go-to
- Themed: This is perfect for the person who has that one special theme they love. Options include: favorite show or movie like Clueless or the Office; favorite character like Stitch or Olivia Pope; or a favorite animal or insect like a bee or dolphin
