2020 has been a difficult one for us all, with a multitude of reasons. It has offered highs and lows. Nobody could have predicted the devastation that Covid-19 has caused. But now, with a number of vaccines cropping up, hope is strong and celebration is on the horizon.
We all naturally want this Christmas to be a happy and reflective time, shared amongst those that we hold so close. Regardless of whether we are allowed to cross households, it is important to show people that you care.
Here is my budget-friendly guide to gifting this Christmas:
Make a List
No, I’m not referring to making a list for Santa Claus. Draft up a list of who you want to make/ buy gifts for this Christmas. Work out your finances and create a Christmas budget.
OPTION 1: Cheap, Cheerful, Creative
It’s been a squeeze this year, redundancies are high and students are paying arms and legs for accommodation that 9/10 times, they wouldn’t need if teaching was completely online. How can we keep budgets low and still get gifts out to the ones that we love?
By getting creative!!!
This isn’t everyones hand in life but it is a very personal option and tends to get a good reception when you hand them out. Time and effort is a big win – especially with the older generation!
- A scrapbook? You can get supplies on sites like Amazon and Ebay. Pictures can also be transferred from your camera roll to physical prints through online sites such as Freeprints, Snapfish etc.
- Photo frames? These are cheap enough and you can throw in your oldest memory with the lucky loved one.
- Cooking? Sometimes it’s the little things! On the week leading up or following Christmas, you could do a food drop off.. or maybe make dinner for the both of you (depending on Covid-19 restrictions). This would be an especially thoughtful gift for someone who may be alone this year.
- Socks? A blanket? Everyone appreciates a cosy gift, particularly in Winter. You could get the knitting needles out and make them yourself or grab some cheaper options, throw them in a box with a tub of hot chocolate.. it could be a mini snug gift then!
OPTION 2: Supporting the small businesses
There are so many little businesses that are depending on us this time around. They’ve survived two waves of lockdown’s and need you to step in and get them back on track. Remember, big stores don’t celebrate when they make a sale. You’re not adding to a millionaire’s yacht fund… you’re getting a little one their football lessons.
You could pop a post on Facebook, asking friends if they have any small businesses or maybe know someone else who does. See what is out there to offer.
Alternatively, there are sites out there to buy hand-made products. This saves you time, allows for a lovely crafted gift and shows your support for small businesses. An example of these sites is Etsy. Notonthehighstreet have also dedicated a section to small businesses after they cried out for support during the first lockdown.
OPTION 3: Subscription
These days, there is a subscription box for everything! The best thing to do is a subtle snoop, find out the interests of your intended receiver. Do they enjoy reading? There are plenty of book subscriptions out there. Maybe they love makeup and self-care? What about a beauty box? One of the best ones I’ve seen is a pyjama box.. who doesn’t love being snuggly?!
The best thing about these boxes is that they typically all offer a range of options regarding subscription. It allows you to reflect on your budget and decide on which would suit you the best e.g. a singular subscription, bi-monthly, annually.