It’s the most festive time of year when homes and storefronts are lined with glistening decorations and shiny presents. If you truly love the holidays, giving is the best part of the celebration! These affordable holiday ideas will put you in a festive mood and help you get ahead on your shopping. Discover something for everyone, including those eager foodies and inspired adventurers. With your shopping finished early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the season’s magic.
- Chocolate Gift Boxes
Chocolate is a classic holiday gift. After all, everyone loves a box of delectable sweets they can enjoy at home or a party. Give your loved ones a fun twist on the typical chocolate bar when you buy them plant based chocolate. Find bars with delicious ingredients like oat milk. You’ll make it even more special with chocolate gift boxes in festive flavors and bright colors. The best seasonal flavors include rich vegan toffee and creamy almond butter. For a one-of-a-kind present, shop for responsibly sourced chocolate. Discover a variety of seasonal bars with flavors like pumpkin pie and eggnog. With so many indulgent options, you’ll be everyone’s favorite elf!
2. Museum or Tour Tickets
Some of the best presents are an experience, so buy your friend tickets to an intriguing museum or tour. The price of admission is an affordable gift and helps your loved one discover something new. Find an art museum or chocolate factory within the distance of a day trip. More ideas include a science center or a local sightseeing tour.
Wrap your tickets in a festive way to make them into an exciting gift. One idea is to place them in a protective cardboard tube, and then wrap them in your choice of holiday wrapping paper. If you don’t have seasonal paper, you can decorate the tube with adornments like pom poms or glitter. Or put them in a rectangular tin and tie them with a red or gold bow. It’s simple yet festive to place the tickets inside a holiday card. Put them in an envelope with decorations or stickers and let the recipient enjoy the anticipation of opening your present.
3. DIY Holiday Cocoa Kit
Do-it-yourself gifts are popular during the holidays. Everyone loves an indulgent DIY present they wouldn’t buy for themselves. There are many different kits you can choose from, but our favorites include a homemade holiday hot cocoa bundle featuring quality drinking chocolate. To make a kit for yourself, start with a glittering red tin or a white wicker basket. Add a bag of drinking chocolate crumbles and a snowman or evergreen tree mug for enjoying the hot chocolate. Include tasty additions like cinnamon sticks or decorative glass vials of crushed peppermint or espresso powder.
Complete the DIY kit with a drinking chocolate recipe and a cloth holiday napkin. Add a nametag to make the present feel like it should be under the tree. These gifts are fun to put together and put a personal touch on your gift-giving game. They also make for a memorable story you and your friends can share later.
4. Paint by Number Set
A paint-by-number set is an affordable gift for the artist in your life. You’ll find these sets at craft stores or big box stores with a variety of options for artwork and colors. Some versions may be available online. Choose from pictures that inspire, including animals and nature scenes. You can even find sets featuring mandalas or flowers.
There are many beautiful pieces, so shop for something that resonates with your friend or family member’s personality. Some are looking for a paint-by-number to display at home, but you can also find styles to celebrate the season. Paint with kits featuring everything from candy canes to holiday lights. To make your present complete, wrap it up in fun paper and decorate it with a big bow.
5. Cozy Throw Blanket
When it’s getting cold outside, everyone appreciates a cozy throw blanket. There are cotton styles for keeping comfy or wool blankets for staying exceptionally warm. Fleece is especially affordable and keeps you feeling toasty on the chilliest nights. Keep with the holiday theme by finding a throw with candy stripes or a Fair Isle print. Other fun patterns this time of year include the buffalo check and red and green plaid.
If you prefer to get them something they can use all year, shop for a blanket that matches their bedroom or living area. When in doubt, buy a throw in a neutral color. Cream and white will look attractive and feel cozy in any space. More neutrals perfect for winter and beyond include olive green and gray.
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6. Decorative Lamp
A decorative desk lamp or an end table light can add style and personality to any room. Think about where your loved one spends their time like a reading nook or an office. Then, shop for a small lamp that complements the space and is unique enough for a holiday gift. Browse furniture shops and home goods stores for something affordable and out of the ordinary. More places to discover fun lighting include craft stores and gift shops.
Look for a lamp in a unique shape of a turtle or a lighthouse. You can also find desk lights and table lights to look like trees or seashells. Little ones will like décor in the shape of a dinosaur or a gummy bear. Or create custom decorative nightlights personalized with a child’s name.
Give Something Special This Season
There are many reasons to love the holidays but giving is what makes the season truly magical. With the help of the gift ideas on this list, you’re sure to find something special for everyone. Affordable, quality presents will help you surprise all your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat or something from your loved one’s bucket list, your inspiration is all you need to make someone smile and feel appreciated.