I recently posted about the true meaning of gift giving, which you can read here. So in that mindset, today I’d like to share some thoughtful gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. For someone who’s looking for change in life: I’ve been hearing nothing, but positive praises about how the book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, is about more than just tidying up you home; it’s really about transforming your life in ways you never imagined. Everyone I speak with whose read this book said they feel a weight has been lifted off their shoulders, they started projects they’ve been meaning to start, made plans they’ve been meaning to make, and so on. One person even started writing a book they never felt they had time to write. I don’t know about you, but I want to feel some of this transformational magic in my life, and I’m sure many of the people on your list do too. Check it out!

2. For someone who needs some positivity: Find your favorite inspirational quote that the person you’re gifting would love. Type it out using a pretty font, print it at home or in a library. Then find a nice frame at Marshalls or TJ Max, or wherever you can buy pretty frames, and place the quote inside. The person you’re gifting will be able to put this quote in their home office, bathroom, or wherever they’d like to see it to bring positive vibes their way everyday. A more affordable option would be to just write the quote out yourself on the cover of a homemade card. Either way, they can put it out to enjoy.

I have some of my favorite quotes gathered here. Also, if you want to use unique, pretty fonts, Restored 316 has some nice suggestions. The prices differ depending on the font, but once you purchase the right to use the font (about $13-$20 for nice ones) you can use it for future DIY’s.

3. For someone you’ve been meaning to spend more time with: Making a tea-for-two gift box is a nice way to let someone know you want to spend some time with them. You can start your gift box with a good quality organic tea, perhaps a nice tea strainer, some organic dark chocolate, and a nice hand written card. My favorite tea right now is Inner Strength Tea from the Brooklyn Herborium.

 

4. For someone who loves anything you cook or bake: Write your favorite recipe on a handwritten card or a festive printed notecard like this one by Brittany Fuson. Then you can even plan a date to bake together!

5. For someone who’s always in the kitchen and loves it: Get them some fun, affordable kitchen tools like this spatula from Tovolo. I absolutely love their creative spatulas! Their monster ones would put a smile on my face every time I use them.

I hope this post has inspired you to create some wonderful gifts to give to your loved ones this year. I would love to hear some of your ideas!