It is officially the most wonderful time of the year! I have broken out the Justin Bieber Christmas album and have cracked down on my holiday shopping list in advance. I am usually way more last minute with my gift ideas, but this year I wanted to be smart with money by looking ahead of time for gifts and taking advantage of Black Friday sales.
My Top Gift Picks (on a budget):
Polaroids and/or Disposable Cameras
Polaroid cameras have become very popular in the past few years and they are an amazing gift and a great way to capture memories. If you are going the cheaper or more affordable route, disposable cameras are my favorite gift to give and receive! Capturing memories without seeing them immediately makes it so fun and exciting when you finally develop the film, plus it gives it a nice vintage look to your pictures.
Candles
Such a standard, yet always appreciated, Christmas gift. I live for the Bath & Body Works Black Friday sales! With all of my friends off to college in new states, a top gift I’m giving this year are the homesick candles from my home state! They are not only aesthetically pleasing, they give a sense of comfort and a little piece of home for the out-of-staters.
My favorite places to purchase: https://homesickcandles.com, Bath & Body Works, TJ Maxx
2018 Planner
If the person you are shopping for lives and breathes through their planner and to-do lists, this is the gift for them. Planners can be a pain to pick out yourself since there are so many options and cute patterns. With the new year approaching, everyone’s calendars are nearing their ends, so surprise them with something they enjoy using every day.
My favorite places to purchase: https://www.bando.com, TJ Maxx
Skin Care
From bath bombs to face masks, Lush has an endless variety of skin care products that are great for your skin and smell so good. My favorite face mask is the mask of magnanimity and my favorite gift to give are the pre-wrapped Lush gift boxes because they are ready to give and each box comes with a variety of their best products.
Guided Journals
Writing is a therapeutic way to express and learn more about yourself. Journaling is important and healthy for your soul, but it can seem a little boring at times. Guided journals are a great way to provoke your thoughts and encourage you to explore your own mind and the world around you.
My top recommendations:
Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration by Meera Lee Patel
Scratch Off: 50 Ways Happy by Quadrille
Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase
I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal by The Mindfulness Project
How to Be Happy (Or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Workbook by Lee Crutchely
52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy by Moorea Seal