The holidays are a fun time, but it can certainly be a bit of a challenge to figure out what to buy people. It’s easy to end up giving people cash as a last minute gift. While most people are very happy to get money, it can feel a bit impersonal. Sentimental gifts might seem harder to think of, but the key is really just to personalize them. Check out some simple ways to tug at your family’s heart strings this holiday season!
- Bottle of Memories
A friend or family member that you’ve been close with for years would probably love a bottle of memories. This is basically a small collection of little knickknacks to remind you of all the places you’ve been together. It’s so simple to put together, but just the fact that you kept those memories will mean a lot to whoever you gift it to.
- A Happy Jar
This works best if you’ve been working on it all year, but it’s also fun to do on a whim. If you do it throughout the year, then you can simply make a note of times when you’re feeling loving or kind towards that person and drop it in the jar. If you’re doing it specifically for a gift, you can just think about the things that make that person special. Fold up the notes, and drop them in, with no particular order. Then the recipient can pick out notes on days they’re feeling down, and get an instant pick-me-up!
- Painted Mugs
Creating a painted mug take a bit of time and artistry, but they can be very satisfying for the coffee or tea drinker(s) in your life. The idea is simple: all you need is a plain ceramic mug, which you draw on with either ceramic paint or marker, and bake in the over for a bit. Baking sets the design, but it’s still best not to run it through the dishwasher. Because it comes directly from you, there will only ever be one, and they’re very easy to personalize.
- Hope Chest
Hope chests were traditionally used for marriage necessities, but now they’re more like fancy keepsake boxes. Instead of holding onto one to pass onto a daughter on her wedding day, take the opportunity to make one now, and fill it with the things you think will be needed for the coming years. This works especially well for someone who is facing a major life change like moving out on their own, having a child, or getting married. Fill the chest with whatever you deem appropriate, but linens, blankets, dishes, cookware, and heirlooms are the traditional choices.
- Almost Full Photo Book
Photos are a great present, and with smartphones everywhere, they’re even easier to get. Choose some good pictures for them, and start the photo book off. Make sure to leave plenty of room for the recipient to add their own photos, but this is a great way to add a nice touch. To add a little extra touch, label the photos and leave a few sweet notes. They’ll make their day when they flip through and find them later.
- Book of Family Stories
This sweet gift can take some time, but it’s well worth the effort. Reach out to family members, and ask them to share a family related story or two. You can then combine them into a book, and either bind it yourself or find someone to do it for you. Many office supply stores will do a simple binding job, and some libraries are also able to do book bindings.
- Handmade Clothes
If you’re very handy, this might mean something as elaborate as a shirt, but most of us need to go a bit simpler. People really love to get things like crocheted hats, gloves, and scarves, and they’re very simple to make. Plus, they can be a real money saver, since yarn and hooks are usually much less than a finished product. Besides, nothing really says “I care about you,” more than a handmade item, right?
No matter how much time you have left to get things ready for the holidays, these options are sure to tug at a few heartstrings. When you put together things like this, it really is the thought that counts.
