Trying to fulfill your gift list on a tight budget?
Looking for something unique?
Hoping to avoid purchasing unneeded stuff for someone who already has enough?
Try thinking outside the normal gift-giving boundaries with these suggestions
Repurpose
Yes, you can simply go to a thrift shop and buy cheap used gifts, but a little creative thinking can result in something better. Look through thrift stores with new eyes and figure out a way to repurpose interesting items in clever new ways. A few examples:
- Create a dress-up box. Many kids enjoy wearing costumes. Visit a thrift store or two and collect a selection of funky items, from prom gowns to scrubs to hockey jerseys. Don’t forget fancy shoes, purses, hats and other accessories. For added fun, decorate the box.
- My niece has a favorite pair of mittens made from repurposed sweaters sewn onto a fleece lining. Used clothing can also be turned into bags, blankets and other things.
- Many artists create art with “found” objects. Maybe you can create a sculpture, collage, or other decorative items from thrift store or attic treasures.
Give homemade
If you are an artistic or craftsy person, this is an obvious choice, but the rest of us can consider the homemade category too. Homemade gifts include all sorts of things that don’t involve sewing machines, hot glue, or wood varnish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Create your own gift basket. Instead of ordering a pre-made basket, assemble your own selection of small items you know the recipient will like. While you’re at it, consider fun alternatives to an actual basket to hold them—anything from plastic totes to metal mixing bowls to an old soup tureen from the thrift store.
- Give food. Love to bake or make jam? Why not consider giving some of your culinary specialties as a gift. Don’t forget to include the recipes.
- Make a themed collection. Know someone who loves to entertain? What about giving a selection of decorative napkins? Or create a themed party-in-a-box with all the supplies to celebrate St. Patrick’s day or host a pinochle party. Alternatively, assemble a collection of useful small items that they can use for their favorite hobby.
- Make a funky lamp. If you’re good with tools, you might consider finding some object that would make an interesting lamp base. Drill a few holes, add some hardware and voila—a one-of-a-kind gift.
Consider consumables
Consumable gifts are great for people with limited space or those who already have everything they need. Yes, gift baskets often fall into this category, as do gift cards to restaurants. There is nothing wrong with those ideas, but if you want to be a bit more creative, read on…
- If you are looking for a unique food-related gift basket, try this helpful site.
- Think experiences. What about a gift certificate to a local playhouse, music venue, or museum. Or look for something they’ve always wanted to do, such as a hot air balloon ride, pottery class, or sporting event.
- Non-edible consumables. Consumables include more than just food. What else might a recipient go through frequently? Things like batteries, paper goods, charcoal, or those little green propane tanks for camping. You could combine ideas and make a themed consumable basket. For example, a grill basket: bamboo skewers, charcoal, wood chips, fun plates or napkins, etc.
- Offer a service. How about giving a certificate promising you will do something you know the recipient needs. Deliver and stack a load of firewood, give a massage, wash the windows, put away the Christmas decorations… The possibilities are endless, but for best results, offer something you can deliver within the next few weeks. (And make a point of scheduling it the day it is opened.)
Escape from the gift-basket boundaries and have fun creating the unique alternative only you can make! Happy gift-giving.
