So we find ourselves in November again, with the holiday season fast approaching. In this post, I’m sharing several thoughtful, budget-friendly gift ideas from a minimalist’s perspective. Here is a Life on a Dime’s Christmas Gift Guide for 2022
It’s that time of year again; gift-giving season. Otherwise known as a minimalist’s worst nightmare! What can I gift people that won’t go against my personal philosophy, fits a smaller budget, and won’t wind up in the recipient’s next yard sale?
I want to buy gifts that tell the recipient I put thought into their gift, and get them as a person. For example, as someone with a myriad of idiopathic skin issues, I’m not the person to gift just any makeup or bath and body products. They’ll be donated in a hot minute. I also keep a blog on minimalism and living a more sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle. Keep in mind that a nice gift item isn’t a nice gift for everyone.
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NO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS WORTH CONSIDERING
Here are some subscription options actually worth considering for those on your gift list.
Audiobooks and podcasts are more popular than ever. If you know someone who would love to listen to their favorite books or podcasts on the go, this would be a great gift. And, as an added bonus, there is no gift wrap necessary!
It’s so easy to give and allows the recipient to personalize their listening experience. Just gift them access to a vast array of choices to enjoy.
Kindle Unlimited truly offers subscribers the best of both worlds; you get unlimited access both to audio and ebooks. Memberships are available in 6, 12, or 24-month plans. Book lovers can rejoice with over one million ebooks to choose from! As a bookworm who has felt thwarted by local library ebook selections recently, this is one gift subscription I would love to receive. Hint, hint.
CALIFORNIA WINE CLUB
Have any wine lovers on your list? They’ll love a gift subscription to try new wines on the regular. The California wine club has a selection of small-batch wines from artisan wineries. Wine Club gifts come in a variety of price ranges. You can even choose how many shipments to send, between one and twelve.
Buy The California Wine Club’s Signature Series as a giftBEAN BOX
The coffee fanatics on your list will love you if you send them this subscription. Bean Box offers custom-curated coffee selections in eco-friendly packaging.
GLOBEIN
This company has been featured on a Life on a Dime before. They offer curated collections from artisans around the globe. They work to provide sustainable relationships with their artisan partners and high-quality products for customers. You can build a new, unique box every month. Keep some for yourself, and throw in a few gifts. With a thirty-day trial period, it’s never been easier to shop artisan goods from around the world.
GlobeIn Handmade Marketplace. Shop Artisans Goods and Lift Communities.MAKE A DONATION IN THEIR NAME TO A FAVORITE CAUSE
This is a great idea for the person who doesn’t want or need anything. By donating to a cause they are passionate about you not only help them in their pursuit of service to that organization or cause but also show them you’ve noticed said passion.
LOCAL FOOD PANTRY/HOMELESS SHELTER
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation is up just over 9% this year, and people certainly feel it at the grocery store. We’ve seen record numbers at our weekly food pantry at church this year. It’s likely only going to get harder for lower-income families already struggling to put food on the table.
Our church is actively seeking grants, new community partners, and community-wide help to keep supporting our neighbors who show up every week. We also seek to do so in more substantial ways. Outside donations to other such causes are greatly appreciated, and likely down right now.
This organization is amazing, and one I’ve gifted family members in the past. This tax-deductible gift results in the purchase of a farm animal or animal(s) given to a family in order to provide a sustainable livelihood. There are lots of different options to fit your budget.
A flock of chicks can cost as little as $20 or as little as $10 a month to provide ongoing support. You can buy a whole cow, goat, or pig, or just chip in for a share of the cost. And this is an organization with a great track record.
ONE-TIME GIFT TO LOCAL SCHOOLS
In lieu of giving the individual a gift, let them know you’ve “adopted” a child from the local school district’s angel tree in their honor. Or, spread some Christmas cheer by purchasing poinsettias or other items when you know the proceeds go to support local causes. My church is currently doing just this.
GIVE THE GIFT OF AN EXPERIENCE
SPECIFICALLY A SPA EXPERIENCE
What Christmas gift guide would be complete without the gift of pampering your loved ones? This category has options for every budget. Gift ideas range from mani/pedis, massages, and facials, to a whole spa day. The possibilities are endless.
For a more sustainable at-home spa experience, you can find wonderful essential oil bundles from Young Living geared to support different functions or goals. I love my Feelings kit oils and use them often. The Good Day Protocol helps me get myself together in the mornings. And I used my loyalty points to get that set FREE!
The Wish You Well collection is a great one to gift this time of year; it contains oils to help support respiratory and immune functions. And it comes in its own little bag!
It’s easier and more affordable than ever to get started; simply make your first purchase on a 50 PV subscription order and you’re on your way with the 24% discount and loyalty rewards! You can start your oily experience with me by clicking this enrollment link.
DINNER OUT WITH BABYSITTING INCLUDED
Know any parents who could use a break? Buy a gift certificate to a local eatery and throw in babysitting for the evening.
FOR SOMETHING MORE PERSONAL, POSSIBLY HANDMADE
If you’d like to go the handmade route, I have a list of twenty-five Christmas gift ideas! If you’re going for thoughtful, budget conscious, but not necessarily handmade, I’ve also got you covered. You can also find twenty-five more thoughtfully thrifty Christmas gift ideas on the blog.
I’ve also previously posted a list of inexpensive stocking stuffers for the whole family. Rest assured, a Life on a Dime has you covered when it comes to Christmas gift guides on a budget. And they come with a minimalist, environmentally friendlier twist!
Well, that just about wraps it up for the 2022 edition of a Life on a Dime’s Christmas Gift Guide. I hope you’ve gotten your Christmas budget in order ahead of time. If not, you may want to check out these helpful tips if you haven’t budgeted for Christmas.
Be sure to follow as a Frugal Friend of the blog so you never miss a new post, and get your free meal plan every week on Meal Plan Monday. Be on the lookout for some new recipes to be posted in the coming weeks as well.
Until next time, stay frugal and healthy my friend.. and in budget on your holiday shopping list.
We love the idea of gifting an experience!
I’m generally not a subscription fan. I’ve had a cake one for me (I was on a diet so wasn’t eating them, and they weren’t what the OH would eat), an afternoon tea (don’t drink tea, and the scones weren’t great), and a beauty box (nope, not for me). But a kindle subscription would be great.
I know, right?! All the books and none of the clutter or feeling like you need to disinfect library books! Everybody is sick right now around here.