I really enjoy giving thoughtful gifts but I have a limited budget and a large family. I want to make sure that I get people things they couldn't or wouldn't get themselves and I also try to be fair and to make sure everyone gets a comparable gift. I also tend to include at least one craft that I make myself. What follows are my 8 favorite gift ideas. I have hyperlinked almost all of the ideas so you can go straight to their site.
1. Hello Kitty coffee cozy: available on Etsy for $12 +shipping. She will give you a price break if you buy in multiples. I included the cozy in a fabric satchel with a Starbuck's gift card. If you can knit-you can buy the pattern one time for $5. She also has My Melody, Keroppi, and a cute pig.
2. Mustache Necklace: available on Etsy for $11 + shipping. Don't be fooled, these are still huge this season. She supplies quick service and you can buy multiples and she will likely give you a price break. Her ship also offers Zombie Hello Kitty and some really sweet vintage tattoo necklaces.
3. Bounce House: Don't be fooled. You can afford it (They start around $150) and depend on the size of your house, you may be able to use it year round. The inflate and deflate in 30 seconds and the kids can wear themselves out semi-safely. Toys r Us has them on clearance right now.
4. Art by Amanda Banker: This is my favorite local artist because her skill and playfulness are abundant. Her work is mostly animals dressed and posed in very human situations. You might be surprised at how much an original costs-you may be able to afford one. If not, she offers prints on many of her incredible paintings for under $30. Around the Holidays Hobby Lobby does 1/2 off on their nice poster frames so for around $50 you can give the gift of whimsy, good art.
5. VariaTea: This is an electric tea kettle that will warm your water to the ideal temperature for the type of tea you want to enjoy. Sold online or locally at NM Tea Company on Mountain and 11th, this is the perfect gift for a coffee or tea lover. Make sure you check out their selection of fine teas when you are there.
6. Candy Sushi Kit: These will run about $10 +tax but they are the coolest things I have seen for a long time. Lily found a tutorial on Youtube that shows how you use the kit and I had to get it. These will be for all of the 12 and under nieces and nephews. Here is the youtube tutorial: http://youtu.be/eiJbgYwlxWc
7. Homemade sugar cubes: So this is my big idea for Lily's 15 teachers and therapists. Each year I struggle to find a gift for each of them that is nice enough to convey my gratitude but won't break the bank. I made these cinnamon flavored heart sugar cubes. I plan to make more shapes and colors but this was my first batch. I found these jars for a steal at Hobby Lobby during their glass sale. It takes a little practice but worth the effort.
8. Il Vicino Olive Oil: I don't have a link for this but the best kept ABQ secret is that you can buy that amazing, spicy red chile olive oil that sits on every table at Il Vicino for $20 + tax. If you want to jazz it up a little more you can throw it in a new colander with a jar of nice spaghetti sauce and a pack of gourmet past.
1. Hello Kitty coffee cozy: available on Etsy for $12 +shipping. She will give you a price break if you buy in multiples. I included the cozy in a fabric satchel with a Starbuck's gift card. If you can knit-you can buy the pattern one time for $5. She also has My Melody, Keroppi, and a cute pig.
2. Mustache Necklace: available on Etsy for $11 + shipping. Don't be fooled, these are still huge this season. She supplies quick service and you can buy multiples and she will likely give you a price break. Her ship also offers Zombie Hello Kitty and some really sweet vintage tattoo necklaces.
3. Bounce House: Don't be fooled. You can afford it (They start around $150) and depend on the size of your house, you may be able to use it year round. The inflate and deflate in 30 seconds and the kids can wear themselves out semi-safely. Toys r Us has them on clearance right now.
4. Art by Amanda Banker: This is my favorite local artist because her skill and playfulness are abundant. Her work is mostly animals dressed and posed in very human situations. You might be surprised at how much an original costs-you may be able to afford one. If not, she offers prints on many of her incredible paintings for under $30. Around the Holidays Hobby Lobby does 1/2 off on their nice poster frames so for around $50 you can give the gift of whimsy, good art.
5. VariaTea: This is an electric tea kettle that will warm your water to the ideal temperature for the type of tea you want to enjoy. Sold online or locally at NM Tea Company on Mountain and 11th, this is the perfect gift for a coffee or tea lover. Make sure you check out their selection of fine teas when you are there.
6. Candy Sushi Kit: These will run about $10 +tax but they are the coolest things I have seen for a long time. Lily found a tutorial on Youtube that shows how you use the kit and I had to get it. These will be for all of the 12 and under nieces and nephews. Here is the youtube tutorial: http://youtu.be/eiJbgYwlxWc
8. Il Vicino Olive Oil: I don't have a link for this but the best kept ABQ secret is that you can buy that amazing, spicy red chile olive oil that sits on every table at Il Vicino for $20 + tax. If you want to jazz it up a little more you can throw it in a new colander with a jar of nice spaghetti sauce and a pack of gourmet past.
First of all: A BOUNCY HOUSE?!?! I would die of bliss! That is way better than jumping on the bed. Maybe. ;) The sugar cubes sound divine! And heart shaped?? Swoon! Last: spicy red chile olive oil. My mouth just watered. Wait. These all are supposed to be gifts? I want them all for ME. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the risks. I take a "one for you, one for me" approach to most of my gift buying!
ReplyDelete