From office gift exchanges to something to bring when going to a holiday party at a friend’s home, there is a necessary place for thoughtful [but not too personal] gifts that don’t break your budget. I mean, you can’t always know someone well enough to get the *perfect* gift, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give a nice solid present. I’ve listed them by things you can make at home and things you can buy.
Make Yourself by Reusing Things at Home
- Homemade treats: Bake a batch of cookies, fudge, Lemon Bars, Banana Bread, or make a jar of homemade jam, and present it in a nice jar or tin.
- Succulents or potted plants: Propagate a small plant or succulent and put in a decorative pot or terrarium, or split and pot a plant from your garden. For a pot, use a small plastic one and wrap it with a ribbon (like the ones that come wrapped around PJ sets).
- Homemade spice blends: Create your own spice blends, such as everything but the bagel or BBQ rub, and present them in small jars.
- Spiced nuts: For someone with no nut allergy, a homemade spiced nut blend in a washed out jam jar. You can add a fabric circle around the lid with a rubber band and a personalised label for florish.
- Lavender sachets: Sew your own Handmade Lavender Sachets, which is great as a natural insect repellent in closets or off-season clothing storage.
Buy with Love & Thoughtfulness
- Tea or coffee kit: If your hostess is a tea or coffee lover, consider putting together a set of teas or coffee blends, or even a hot cocoa mix, along with a mug or teacup. Charity shops are brilliant for finding mugs/cups or check a local shop if there’s room in your budget to buy a handmade pottery mug check out Charlie Mahon Ceramics Pottery (here in Cork). It is a lasting reminder of thoughtfulness. One of my favourite places for tea is Sostrene Grene, but for local businesses in Cork go with Loose Leaf Tea and Coffee or Three Spoons.
- A scented candle: Choose a candle in a scent that you think the hostess will enjoy. It doesn’t have to be big, fancy, or expensive. A couple Irish companies I love for candles are Cuimhne and Field Day. But for a lower cost choice, the Pomegranate candle from Aldi is lovely and under €5.
- Cheese board: Buy a small wood or slate board, pair with a jar of chutney and crackers (go gluten-free to be safe if you’re not sure). If you have room in your budget, check out Slated Ireland for a handmade cheeseboard.
Remember, the most important thing is to show your appreciation and gratitude to your hostess for inviting you into their home or your colleague for being a solid teammate. A thoughtful gesture, no matter how small, can go a long way in making them feel appreciated.