Get Creative With Holiday Gifts–You’ll Save Money and Have More Fun

Whatever you do this holiday season, please don’t go to the mall and get a silver picture frame with something engraved on it. I know, I know…some people are impossible to buy for. But when you really think about it, it’s not them, it’s us. We’re in a hurry and our brains turn to yorkshire pudding this time of year. There really is something for everyone.

It says so much more when you identify true characteristics of the person you’re shopping for and purchase accordingly. I like to receive gift cards but they’re expensive (if you’re going to do it right) and they really are impersonal. If you’re buying for a couple, restaurant gift cards are nice because the purchase is something they’ll both enjoy. But, again, the above applies.

I always have trouble with my in-laws (who doesn’t?). But, seriously, shopping for the three women is easy but the husbands are another story. You feel like you’re cheating the guys if you get something for the house unless it involves barbequeing or the tv and most people have everything they need for those two activities.

This year I’m giving both couples and the other sister a book. The subject is one they’re all interested in and it’s one of those books that truly provides a great escape, sending the reader away with something more than they had before. With their hectic, obligation-driven lives, I hope this will be a relaxing treat. 

I think books are great gifts because, if you pick the right one, it shows you really know the person and they’ll actually use it. Even if they aren’t big on novels, they must be interested in something–finance, fishing, jokes, games, gardening, beer drinking around the world, whatever. There is a book somewhere for everyone. And besides, if they’re going to stick your present on a shelf, it may as well belong there.

I like to get unique items for people and I like to receive them. Go to a vintage store and get something from the past, something they’ll recognize but haven’t seen in a couple of decades. Or check out the closeout stores–Big Lots and TJ Maxx are two of my favorites around here. Great clothes, accessories, and decor items can be found at unbelievably low prices and, to me, their stuff always looks like one of a kind. Your “givees” haven’t walked past the item 364 times that year while they were buying cat food, cold medicine, or milk. You can grab something artsy, eclectic, and original looking for around $12 or less–always!! Women, especially, will be very impressed.

This season definitely should not be about material things but, since we’re getting them anyway, the message should be, “I know who you are and what you like. I listened to things you said throughout the year. I want you to be comforted, entertained, inspired, and feel good in general.” That’s showing true appreciation for that person being in your life. And that’s a huge part of what the holidays are all about.

The other plus about looking for items unique to the individual in off the wall places is NO LONG LINES. (Disclaimer: This DOES NOT APPLY to TJ Maxx and Big Lots). But independent bookstores, vintage stores, or small one-of-a-kind shops are generally in, out, and done. They usually either wrap or provide a nice gift bag too!

Another idea I like, especially for casual friends, co-workers, or anyone–really–is some specialty food item. My mom makes this awesome, very original barbeque sauce. I’ll make a big batch, put it in mason jars, and make some kind of funny label for it. I’m going to do the same thing with our “family recipe” spaghetti sauce. Both have a flavor I haven’t found anywhere else and that kind of thing is nice for people to grab off the shelf one night when they want something they don’t normally make or need a quick, easy dinner. Homemade salad dressing is another good bet. Again, it’s your original idea and you took some time to think about the person while you made it.

So put that shower radio back on the shelf, put your feet up in front of the fireplace, and jot down some ideas on a notepad. Then go have a FUN and interesting holiday shopping experience. Martha Stewart says.