I'm really into gift giving, and sometimes I can get a little carried away with trying to find the perfect gift (or two or three) for the people on my list. And that's how I end up digging myself in a hole with credit card debt. I am currently a college student with a part time job, so funds are a little tight. I'm in a position where I can charge things to my card and pay them off later, but I want to keep that amount manageable.
I tend to go a little crazy when it comes time to buying presents and DIY supplies around the holidays. Perhaps I felt that a simple gift, handmade or bought, is not a good gift. A good gift should be thoughtful, useful, creative, aesthetically pleasing, meaningful, clever, etc. Or so I would think when I wanted to buy gifts for friends and family. I've since learned to give more simply, and only to give to people who mean a lot to me. Elaborate is not always better. If the person really means a lot to you, they will appreciate anything you would want to give to them.
Recently on Fall for DIY's blog, Francesca wrote something that perfectly put into words how I felt about giving and making gifts:
"One of the biggest mistakes I make around Christmas is making more work for myself. I love making gifts for my friends and family but get so lost in the idea that what I'm making has to be incredibly elaborate and complicated to be received well." (credit)
She's absolutely right! I really do love to make and give presents, but I end up just making more work for myself, too. So with that, I want to tell you that the answer for me has been MINI GIFTS!!! Below are some DIY's that I feel make great mini gifts or stocking stuffers. I feel they're simple enough to make but are still meaningful enough to make great presents. On to the DIY's!
DIY candles make great gifts! Check out these simple scented candles on Fall for DIY's blog.
Potted succulents and moss terrariums are really popular, but I know people who accidentally kill even these hardy plants. For your friend with the black thumb, or who just wants a bit of low maintenance greenery in their space, make them a Marimo moss ball aquarium. This specific one was available at Nordstrom by Moss + Twig, but is no longer available. Luckily they're really easy to make and personalize (I made some with quarts crystals and clear marbles). Check out here and here for more instructions and inspiration.
I think these mini Polaroid magnets are so cute! And they're perfectly customizable. Check out here, here, and here for some awesome inspiration.
Rose water has a lot of benefits for the skin, and it makes a lovely face mist. Check out here, here and here for inspiration to make your own!
I hope these ideas help you out on your gift giving adventure! I know this post will probably come too late to help anyone this Christmas, but I'll be sure to be more diligent about making content that I care about in the near future.
Happy holidays everyone!
