This time of year you may find yourself needing several little somethings to give to people.
Do you do Secret Santa with friends or family? Are there a few people at the office you want to remember? Maybe there's a swap planned for a holiday party, or you just need to have a few generic things to wrap and have on hand for that surprise gift you had not expected to need.... But you don't want to break the bank. What can you get that's really nice for $10 -$15 or less? Here are a plethora of ideas:Not all of us like earbuds - especially if we are listening at home. Or if they are a Gamer - this will be really welcome - and so affordable! The AmoVee headphone stand, only $11.80 on AMAZON.
Give this lovely little two-piece chocolate set that they will never have seen before!
The red present is Dark Chocolate filled with Hazelnut Mocha Crunch and the sparkly pine tree is Milk Chocolate filled with Chocolate Caramel + Sea Salt, for $8 at Maggie Louise Confections. Better yet, order a set of 10 of these little box of two to give to the whole office, to stuff in each stocking, or bring when you meet for coffee with your friends through the season, for $65 (drops the price to $6.50 each). Free Shipping on $20 orders and if you give them your email, you get $10 off your first order.
The New York Times are famous for their crossword puzzles, and there's a book of them that just has a really appealing cover and title. Not sure how that works if you live in AZ or FL or CA but it's what's inside that counts (Google another NYT crossword book)! $7.98 on Amazon.
How about Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend tea -- their most popular tea, combines flowery Pekoes from Ceylon and Assam in a blend developed in 1902 for King Edward VII." The one that Megan Markle gave, along with her homemade banana bread, when she visited a farm in Australia. Keep in mind, this is loose leaf, not tea bags. This beautiful blue tin can be found at Williams Sonoma for only $15! There are other similar tins with Royal themed titles offered that may be bags if that's your preference.
The Rothko Essential Travel Portfolio: Heavy duty canvas construction, nylon interior, zippered water proof inner pocket. Big enough to hold a 7" tablet or phone, this 8.5"X 5.5" main compartment; small and large zippered outer, hidden map/document holders -- then a pen pouch, credit card and ID holders, For extra security, there's both an adjustable quick release shoulder and front strap. A lot for only $12 on AMAZON.
An Essie nail polish $6-8 in silver sparkle, red or a nearly clear pink called Allure or Ballet slipper. Can find at CVS.
They also have great reds and sparkly colors for the holidays.
Now a package of nice holiday napkins - cocktail or dinner size, or hand towels for the guest bath --are always welcome! $4-6 You can find these at any discount store, party supply, even Marshalls, TJ Max and Home Goods.
Who about bubble bath tablets (or "bomb" balls)? Get unscented if you're concerned they may be sensitive - or often citrus or eucalyptus scents can be tolerated, like this Eucalyptus-Spearmint from Bath and Body Shop for $14.
Hands down the best pine scent of all the ones out there is Thymes Frasier Fir: And these are their classy box of three votives. It is $18 for three, and you can break them up, wrap each in olive green tissue and tie with a red or blue ribbon to give out solo. The scent, like a freshly cut tree, will make them swoon. Great for men or women!
What about a paperback book - maybe an all round people pleaser like this easy to read but satisfying mystery by Sue Grafton: A is for Alibi, the first in her alphabet series. It's great fun, with a quirky female detective, set in the 70’s. $9 paperback from your local bookstore.
Write up a favorite recipe- especially if it was your moms, grandmas, etc... or there is the story behind it, which you can tell them in a card with the recipe card! If you want to go further, provide the ingredients.
CD's - yes, I know many now stream music, but a lot of people still have the ability to listen to CD's - especially in their cars. If you think your person will like it, burn them one of your own playlists or get them any of the ones that almost everyone would like recommended on this blog. A few good holiday ones: Chris Botti, Kenny G or Michael Buble.
A fountain pen from Staples or Office Max, or your local stationery store. They come in pink, turquoise, black, blue and green inks. They are one use, but are fun and really nice. You can find a 7-pack of colors for $13 HERE.
Thank you notes are great - for men look for subtle, tasteful blank cards in charcoal or navy colored with simple font like this box of 8 from Papyrus for $15.
GIFT CARDS: I like to get a gift instead of a gift card but you know... not one person would turn one down. At the grocery or drug stores there are three packs of $10 gift cards for places like: Starbucks, iTunes, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts -- which you can break up to give to 3 different people - and single cards for the big chain movie theaters for $15.
Lastly, there's always Godiva 4 pc candy box from Barnes and noble- gold box, pretty bow, a lot of fancy bang for the $8 ish price. Who wouldn't feel a little bit special getting these?
Beginning and ending with Chocolate... Tis the season!
While the postman, your handy man, the sitter, your manicurist or hair dresser may appreciate a little extra cash to help with their own gifts, there are so many others where a small gift like the above would make them feel extra-special.
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