If you’re like me, you love to give gifts that don’t automatically go in the pile to be re-gifted plus you probably have lots of people you want to bless with gifts including teachers, friends, coworkers, etc. I love giving gifts, especially when they are also useful, inexpensive, and made with lots of love.
The following gifts are some of my personal favorites that I’ve gifted or received and know they were used! Most of these have links on how you can make them yourself. I’ve even included some allergy-friendly useful and inexpensive gift ideas as it can feel overwhelming if you or your friends or family members have allergies. Not crafty or lack the time or energy? No worries, most of these can also be purchased locally. They’re the same useful gifts meaning it’s ok if you do not make them yourself. Support local businesses when possible! Here’s a guide to some local businesses.
Want delicious home-baked goods? Make Homemade Vanilla. I do occasionally offer classes on how to make this. Allergy-friendly version: make sure the alcohol is gluten-free. HINT: This can be gifted ready to use or with a note as it takes 3 or more months to taste its best.
Ahhh the smell of Christmas without all of the artificial chemicals. I love making my own Simmer Pot also called Stovetop Potpourri.
Bath bombs or bath salts are great pampering gifts to give!
Who doesn’t want hot chocolate during our cold winters? These Hot chocolate bombs are great tasting, and I’m including the “easy, no-stress version.” Need allergy-friendly? These are vegan!
Prefer to make delicious treats? Here are some of my favorites!
Puppy chow is always a hit with friends, family, and even bake sales! Here’s the allergy-friendly version.
These peanut butter balls are a family fave and use mostly whole-food ingredients. Another yummy recipe.
Chocolate bark is fairly simple yet delicious. Allergy-friendly Peppermint Chocolate Bark or Cacao Bark Recipe.
Maybe start a new tradition of filing a Giving Plate with cookies or baked goods and give to neighbors or friends with a note for them to continue the tradition! Our favorite & allergy-friendly holiday cookies are these Soft Gingerbread Chews.
Another delicious and beautiful gift is jars filled with cookie/brownie/hot cocoa mix to be used whenever the recipient wants.
Here are more useful inexpensive gift ideas!
10+ Thoughtful DIY Christmas Gifts
120 DIY Christmas Gifts for Everyone On Your List 2023 (thepioneerwoman.com)
27+ Best Homemade Gift Ideas: Mason Jar Gifts, Food, Self Care & More ~ Homestead and Chill
The 55 Best Gifts Under $25 of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter (nytimes.com)
The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 | SELF
54 Useful Gifts That Prove Practical Doesn’t Have to be Boring in 2024 | SELF
I realize there are many more ideas out there. What would you add?
