Top Gifts that are Reasonable and Fun for 2020; No Fuss, No Muss, Just Warm Christmas Spirit

 

Top Gifts that are Reasonable and Fun for 2020; No Fuss, No Muss, Just Warm

Christmas Spirit

 

 

We are only at the first of the month, no need to panic, but many of us have a lot of Santa work to do.  Covid 19 notwithstanding, we still have friends to mail things to, coworkers, others we just want to remember.  Here are some top ideas.

 

1. Hand sanitizer; many come in fancy little bottles done up for the holidays.  Nordstrom Rack had some cute ones, but Dollar Tree also has neat ones’ for your purse or pocket.  Put them in a cup with some candy, or a tiny stocking.  They are a thoughtful, healthful gift and a good stocking stuffer.  I used to get one from my coworkers fairly often, usually gingerbread scented from Walgreens.  I really appreciated it.
2. A box of Christmas cards for those too busy and stressed to by their own.  This happened to me one year, and my dear friend Kathy Borowski, now in Heaven, brought me a lovely box of cards as my gift.  She knew I wanted to send cards to everyone at work especially, but with my mom sick, repeated ice storms, and tons of work to take home, she knew I couldn’t get out.
3. Christmas ornaments, vintage, homemade, quirky, Hallmark, or elaborate, make nice gifts for those who celebrate.  There are also small menorahs and Hanukkah gelt [chocolate coins in gold foil], Hanukkah gnomes, trolls, and dreidls.  For Kwanzaa, there are angels and Kwanzaa gift giver figures, and also art shaped like gourds for the harvest.  Marilyn Scott-Watters, The Toy Maker, has great printable ideas, free to print and make, easy to do, for all these Holidays at the toymaker.com.
4. The obvious; Face Masks!  Get a packet of disposable ones as stocking stuffers, or fancier versions you can get anywhere in Hobby Lobby, or department stores.  I picked up a cutie with kitten Santas yesterday at Home Goods.
5. Hand warmers; you can get them at drug stores or grocery store, two to a pack, or around $10.00 for a pack of maybe 8.  I saw them at Bass Pro Shops, too.  Add a pair of dollar store gloves, or texting gloves from your favorite department store.
6. If you have artists and crafters on your list, pick up some skeins of gloss, yarn, extra paint, brushes, sketch books, you get it.  If you know your loved one is working on a particular project, ask what s/he needs to finish and contribute.  Ditto gardeners; you can always find rakes, baskets, gloves, garden clogs, hats, and even seeds and cuttings online at places like Logee’s.
7. Ear Buds; for those plugged in , you can never have enough.  They even sell them at the dollar section at Target.
8. Collectibles; see who on your list is a collector.  Museum shops have tiny rocks and minerals, or kits for them.  Hobby Lobby has supplies for stamp and coin collectors, as well as model builders.  There are great places for buying dolls on Etsy and eBay, as well as Ruby Lane.com.  Check out local toy stores, and stores like Farm and Fleet for their toy sections.  Lots of collectors love Star Wars and Hot Wheels, not to mention Playmobil and Lego, and there’s a lot out there for them.
9. Hats and scarves; you can never have too many.  There are great Burberry inspired designs that are reasonable, as well as cashmere, wool, blends, printed, silk, and velvet.  Import stores have gorgeous examples from India and Pakistan.  If you knit and crochet, now’s your chance to make someone you love feel warm and fuzzy!
10. Books; yes, we still read them and love them.  Ditto, magazine subscriptions.  Library sales are still around, you can buy online, of course.  Check local thrift stores, antiquarian book sellers, antique shops, gift stores, and brick and mortar book stores for favorite authors on friends’ lists.  Tie a pretty ribbon around a stack of favorite books, and watch them smile.  

 

Remember that it is the thought that counts; people love to be remembered.  If you can’t mail gifts, try sending an elaborate popup card like those Hallmark offers, or a card that sings.  You can also send candy, good gifts, and fruit baskets from local sellers, or larger companies like Hickory Farms, Fiji, and Harry and David.  Be safe, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Peace and Health to all of us in 2021.  I have to quote it, “God Bless us Everyone!”