Posted by Christmas needn’t be a time of overspending. Putting time and thought into gifts can be much more effective than spending a fortune on stuff that may well end up in landfill or at a charity shop. Try these practical budget gifts.
Scarves and Hats
Knitting is fun to do and if you keep colours neutral (or at least to the recipient’s taste) scarves and hats can be a great gift. Both are easily lost items so most people will use them. Use charity shop wool to keep it eco-friendly and save money.
Home Made Toiletries
Oats, honey, oil and herbs can be turned into gorgeous bath products with the addition of a little aromatherapy oil.
Melt and pour soap offers a no-fuss minimal packaging way to make soap as gifts – add your own oils and top with herbs, spices and peel. Re-use ready-meal packaging and a little straw, or wrap with fabric scraps to make the gifts look pretty.
Food Hampers
Forget expensive hampers filled with things you never use. Make your own version at the supermarket, filled with oils and vinegars, baking supplies, spice selections, cocktail accompaniments or whatever else you know the recipient likes.
Package in an old vegetable box covered in brown paper or recycled gift wrap, and filled with straw (from a pet shop rather than a crafting shop to save money).
Even £5 can go a long way. Add cookie cutters to a baking kit (flour, sugar, vanilla essence, dried fruit, cake decorations, chocolate), or add a bottle of wine with mulling spices if you have a bit more cash.
Grow the Love
A gardening kit can be cheap too. Package a selection of seeds in a recycled straw-filled box – or just put them in an envelope to provide year-round flowers and fruit for less than the price of a posh bunch of flowers or fruit basket.
groweatgift 