With all the gifting that comes with the holiday season, your bank account could always appreciate some out-of-the-box creativity that doesn’t involve more shopping. Ahead are some thoughtful ways to show someone you care that won’t require spending any cash at all.
1. Prepare a veggie basket
If your well-stocked garden is your pride and joy, wrap up the literal fruits of your labor with a hand-selected basket of fresh goodies—from veggies to fruits or jams—for your foodie recipients to cook with on their own time (peas, potatoes, swiss chard, carrots, and asparagus are top picks for winter vegetable gardens, FWIW) .
2. Craft a winter accessory
Your mom was always the best on this one, but we have to give it to her: nothing beats a hand-knitted or crocheted winter accessory. Gauge what your giftee’s favorite colors are and then put in the time on a pair of soft woolen socks or a scarf. The only real expense here is the wool, but you can always shop budget options that will save you money on the real thing.
3. Get creative
Exercise your right brain and create some thoughtful art or flex your crafting muscles. Your friend probably doesn’t want a cheesy art project with her initials on it, but she might appreciate a pillow cross stitched with a quippy quote from her favorite movie, hand-painted mason jars to round out her hipster kitchen set, or a pair of hand-made earrings. Hint: browse Etsy for inspiration!
4. Create a photo album
Give Instagram a run for its money with a good old-fashioned photo album. If you hold onto things like ticket stubs and mementos from times together, include them scrapbook-style.
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