Holiday Gift Ideas That Won't Make You Go Broke.

Heyy there it's been a minute. I've missed this space incredibly, and am so ready to get back on track with a consistent schedule. (Every Sunday of December baby!) I want to wish a huge amount of gratitude to those of you who continue to take time out of your busy days to read these posts of mine, and have patience with me, when I get off schedule. You are so appreciated. <3

This post is a little unique from my usual content, but in the spirit of it being the first of December, I thought it was highly appropriate. Have you ever been talking about Christmas, the month of December or even mentioned the word "holidays" and the person you're speaking to immediately looks stressed, or sighs, "UGH don't even remind me!" Or, maybe that person is you. I personally adore this time of year, and wouldn't shed one tear if it was adjusted to be a 3 month celebration. (I can sense some of your blood levels rising- don't come for me!) However, I completely empathize where so many individuals' stress and anxiety comes from surrounding this season: the money. It can feel overwhelming simply thinking about the amount of people you feel you "should be buying gifts for", I mean, the list gets long QUICK. And, if you're someone who simply can't afford spending 100's and 100's of dollars on gifts, the stress and anxiety can quadruple. Makes sense why so many people can't stand the holidays, let's be real. But that's why I'm here. To remind you that you should not be going into debt trying to show someone how much you love them. During the holidays, or any time of year for that matter. That's not what this season is about, although capitalism likes to think otherwise. Talk for another day lol.

Drum-roll please: Here's my list of gift ideas to try this holiday season that cost no money. That's right, you can give a gift to someone without spending a penny my girl. It's possible. I got you.

/ / /

My List of $0 Gifts:

/ / /

- CARDS girl. Cards. ~ Now, before you bash this and come at me for putting the most "no brainer", "kindergarten arts and crafts" gift on this list, hear me out. Think about the last time you received a thoughtful card from someone. How did it make you feel? You saved that card, didn't you? I bet you did. Everyone wants to feel loved, noticed and appreciated. A card reminds them exactly that. So pour your heart out- it's a simple task for you, that may make their entire week.

-"A Note card Package" ~ This is really just an "elevated version" of a regular card, if you're feelin extra thoughtful :). I've seen these all over my Pinterest feed and they're seriously so so thoughtful. Basically, you create varied notes for whomever you want to send notes/letters to, and on each of the envelopes you place your cards in, write "open when...." and fill in the blank. For example: "open when sad", "open when angry", "open after a breakup", "open on your first day of college", the list is completely up to you! These feel so personable, and again, are something that someone's going to remember.

- Print pictures + make a collage or frame them ~ This one's pretty self explanatory; who doesn't love reminiscing with old photos?

- Make a playlist just for them! ~ Don't lie, there's something so special about listening to a song that someone sent you with the message, "this made me think of you".

- Give them a piece of clothing of yours that they always steal :) ~ This is coming from someone who's the master of stealing my friends hoodies + sweatpants. And I mean master. We've all been there. Or you know, maybe not, I may be the only one who would be on cloud 9 to receive this gift. Hoping someone else radiates this same appreciation for their bestie's comfy clothes. ;-)

/ / /

Alright beauties, I hope these gift ideas helped relieve some of your holiday stress and "gift guilt" off your chest. (Yes, this is a thing!) Remember- you should not be going into debt in attempt to show someone how much you love and appreciate them this holiday season. Because let's be real- if someone truly values you, they aren't measuring how much YOU mean to them, or how much you love them based off a pretty present with a big red bow on top. Those material things are just added sprinkles; this does not define your friendship or relationship on any level.

Sending allll the good energy your way- talk to you next Sunday ~

Xx

-j