How's everyone doing today?
As I sit here all bundled up in my room on this very chilly day in upstate New York (but luckily not western New York-- some parts have over 3 feet of snow!!!), I have nothing else to really do other than to write some bullsh!t blog entry about some bullsh!t stuff. I know I shouldn't talk about my ideas or my writing like that, but sometimes it's true. I don't care if one person reads this, or no one reads this. I will just be happy enough having written it. And that's all that matters, right?
- Photo frames: For the photographer. Marshalls, TJ Maxx, the Dollar Store, Michael's, and plenty of other stores out there similar to these mentioned ones, have lots of inexpensive and really unique and pretty frames for you to gift. Leave the frames empty, or put in a photo of you and the receiver of the gift, or write a little message/quote on paper and place in the frame. And voila! You have a sweet little gift.
- Notecards: For the letter-writer in your family or group of friends! Buy a pack of cute notecards from any of the above mentioned stores, or buy in bulk online and create your own! Recently I've been making my own with some photos I've taken. I use them to write letters to my grandparents frequently, or as thank you notes, birthday cards, etc. You can use them for a variety of things-- don't restrict yourself. (I bought the blank note cards on Amazon.com- 50 to a pack, includes envelopes- and then bought my photo prints at Walmart! I even sell mine or give packs away). Who doesn't love good ol' fashioned snail mail? A handwritten letter will never lead you astray.
- Notebooks: For the writer. Go to your local bookstore and you'll find a section full of beautiful and artsy notebooks that make fantastic gifts! I know I can't get enough of these awesome notebooks--or any notebook, for that matter-- and the writer in your family or group of friends will love a notebook or two just as much! To add a special little touch, write a sweet message on the inside cover.
- Mugs: For the coffee/tea drinker. One of the best gifts you can give! Buy one with pretty colors or an intricate design, or buy a blank one and get to paintin' or drawin'! Here's a link with some fun (and easy!) ideas: Click me!
- Books: For the reader. Ah, yes, books. The most perfect gifts. In my opinion, anyway. Find out what your loved one likes to read, just to get a general idea, then do some research! There are lots of great (and TERRIBLE) books out there. So be careful in your searching. Instead of buying the books brand spankin' new (and brand spankin' expensive), try half.com, Amazon, or a local used bookstore. But make sure when you buy used books, that they're still in good condition!
- Music: For the musician or lover of music. Whether it's a full album, a mix tape (do these even exist anymore?), or an iTunes gift card, share the joy of music with someone you love. This is, of course, the best time of year to share your favorite Christmas music with someone. Not only is music a great gift, but it's also a great way to bond with a friend. Break out the CDs, radio, whatever your choice is, and get singin'! Take it from the movie Elf: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
- FOOD: Perfect for everyone and anyone. Seriously, though. You can't go wrong with food (unless someone has a food allergy!). Homemade goodies, a whole meal, desserts, you name it! Whatever you enjoy making or baking or cooking or even buying (who am I to judge?), gift it! As always - to add a personal touch, write a little message or quote or cute saying. Here's a great example of something as simple as Hershey's Kisses in a kitchen whisk (to the right). So get creative! Spice it up with some ribbons and bows and fun packaging details. The possibilities are endless with this great food idea! Candy, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, or even a jar full of baked good recipe ingredients for your receiver of the gift to make themselves! Google some more foods that make great and easy gifts. I'm sure there's plenty more than I've mentioned...
- Soaps and lotions: Not necessarily for your smelly friends. Nevertheless, plenty of people are looking for some good-smelling soaps, lotions, body washes, etc. My sister may say otherwise, but I personally think they make a pretty decent gift. You even have the option of making your own and putting it in a jar and gifting it. My friend Melissa made my friends and I this fabulous body scrub last Christmas. And though I have yet to use it (oops, sorry, Meliss), I'm still a fan.
- Coupons: For whoever you like! By coupons, I mean this: make your own coupon book filled with fun things to do (lunch, dinner, movies, etc.). I've made these a few times for my boyfriend, my friends, and my family. And I gotta say, they're a pretty big hit! (Though I will warn you, if you put a coupon in there for a "free back rub" for your boyfriend or significant other or whoever, he will insist upon it and you may or may not dread it-- also, don't make the free back rub more than 5 minutes...). From my own personal experience, I find the coupons to be a sweet and thoughtful gift that you can personalize however you like!
I know there's plenty of other great gift ideas out there, but for the the sake of space and time, I will provide you with some links to other sites that give what I think are great lists of gift ideas for the holidays:
There you have it, folks! I hope you get some ideas and the holiday craziness isn't nearly as bad as it usually is / has been. Remember: HAVE FUN! That's the most important thing, I think. And making other people happy, but ehhh.
Have a great rest of your evening/night!
xoxo, Clare
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