Meaningful gift guide: how much to spend and what to get?

Inspiration, Lifestyle, 34 Comments
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Hello there! We are approaching the holiday season, and I feel like it’s time to talk about gifts. This year I try to be more intentional and care about what I buy. As I see many people shopping for gifts, and I would like to encourage you and remind myself to get meaningful gifts. We live in a society where the value of the gift and the quality is measured by a price tag and it doesn’t make me feel good.
So, what is meaningful gift?
For me, it’s, first of all, the one that was bought or made with good intentions for a specific person. It can be a card, it can be a ring – anything you want. But what I am trying to say here is that meaningful gift requires the investment that is more valuable than money – it requires time. For as long as I can remember my husband and I try to give each other and the people we care about meaningful gifts.
Pricewise: how much should you spend?
When I was thinking about this, I found out that there were so many articles that tell you the average amount of money you have to spend on a gift. It’s a good thing to know, but it should not be applied every time we think of the present. Sometimes a handwritten card or a candle from a local vendor can be more meaningful than, let’s say an expensive piece of clothing or jewelry.
What is the easiest way to find a meaningful gift?
Think about each and every person you are getting it for. What does he/she like? What are the hobbies? What are the likings? Most of the times it’s easier than you think. Especially if you buy or make a meaningful gift for your significant other. All you have to do is pay close attention to everything the person talks about. I promise it’s easier than you think.
What are the examples of DIY meaningful gifts?
We live in times when there are so many ideas out there. All you have to do is ask Google/Pinterest, look at Etsy, and I am sure you are going to be surprised. It can be anything you want: from a Christmas card or video to a cake, photo album, a poem, knitted goods, etc. If you are not good at making presents yourself, you can always find local shops and would get it done for you. Not only you will make that person happy, you will support small business.
Other amazing gift ideas for:

1. Travel bug –  Scratch Map
We have one of those scratch maps and we never get tired of it! It’s so amazing to mark the places that you have already visited and plan your next adventure!
2. For the people on the Go – KeepCup Cork Brew Travel Coffee Mug.
It doesn’t just look beautiful, it’s made from durable toughened soda lime glass with a splash-proof lid that you can easily take to your local coffee shops.
3. For those who can’t live without a cup of tea – Glass Tea Infuser Travel Mug with Cork
I am a coffee addict but I believe that every tea lover deserves to have a cute tea mug that can easily be carried around.
4. For the Beer Lover – Home Brew Journal
My husband likes beer as much as I love coffee. And, ever since he started talking about home brewing, I was thinking about giving him a little push for the start. If you know somebody who makes his own brew or thinks about it – this is the perfect gift to get!
5. For the people who enjoy cozy nights at home – Homesick candles
This is seriously the coziest candle I have ever seen. You can pick any state you like, but I am linking the one with Lone Star State that smells like all things Texas: dark leather, fresh pine, and thick lemon slices. 
6. For the skincare/beauty addicts – Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Cleansing System Being skincare addict myself, I have been using this brush for over 3 years and I am not sure if I will ever give it up. It is such a great way to make sure your skin is clean and ready for the next step!
7. For a coffee addict in your life: humorous “I don’t give a sip” coffee mug.
I think it’s a really good way to make somebody smile every morning when he/she enjoys morning coffee. 
8. For the couples – book by Ashley Rodrigues “Date night in: More Than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship“
I would never recommend you something that I am wasn’t excited about. We have been using this book for over a year – it is such a great way to try new things together! Not only the recipes are amazing and easy to make, but the book was also dedicated to the author’s husband. 
   
   And, the last, but not least: give the gift of experience. A small trip, photo shoot, baking class, wine tasting.

Happy Holidays!
XX,
Gena.

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34 Comments

    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! They usually restock them, and there are some good ones availible at Barnes&Noble. And, speaking of Clarisonic – it’s such a game changer.

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  13. You should only spend as much as you can afford. There’s no point getting into debt or pushing yourself if you can’t afford it. A meaningful gift is something which shows you have put thought in x

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  15. I love this post so much. You are so right that it doesn’t matter what is on the price tag, as long as it is meaningful and thoughtful. I do my best to always buy gifts that I know will mean a lot to the people I am giving them to. This is a great list and I especially love the homesick candles.

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  19. It’s easy to shop for people you know well (and women, ha!) Most people love gifts that are handmade (well at least the people in my life) It shows they took the time and effort to making the gift… made with love.
    I did most of my Xmas shopping a couple weeks ago and for the gifts I’m making… well… I’m still working on them ; )

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