University of Ottawa’s Guide to…. Creative Gift Ideas
The time of year has come again where we must find the perfect gift for our secret Santa, a family member’s stocking, or a gift exchange with a friend, boyfriend, mother, father, or sibling. While gift exchanges during the Holiday season can be fun and rewarding, there are plenty of ways to be creative! While a lot of people exchange gifts on Christmas, others celebrate different holidays and a lot of families and friends are forced to give out their gifts later during the Holidays. If you are rushed to find the perfect gift, we have out together a list of creative, thoughtful gifts for you ! Whatever you give to loved ones and family members, it will always be appreciated and while giving the usual chocolate bars, wine, socks, underwear, and sweaters are nice, changing it up a bit and getting imaginative can be fun!
If you are looking to stay under a budget, perhaps making the gift for your loved one would interest you. There are plenty of DIY (do-it-yourself) gifts, but here are some of my favourites (or check out the UO APP to low budget gifts):
1. Homemade hot cocoa mix: There are tons of easy and quick hot chocolate mix recipes online. Put the mix in a mason jar, top it with marshmallows and crushed candy canes, and you have the perfect gift for a chilly December night!
2. Make your own scarf: If you have an old XL t-shirt lying around, you can easily cut it up and make a scarf. This present is also fitting for the cold winter days.
3. Coasters from corks: If you would like to give a gift for the home, making coasters from wine bottle corks is an excellent idea. Gather some wine corks (or corks from other drinks), and assemble them in a honeycomb shape using string and glue.
Stocking stuffers are always fun presents to give; however, pens, highlighters, socks, and USB keys can get a bit tiring. Here are some fun present ideas to stuff your stockings with:
1. Collapsible shot glass: Be prepared for any kind of drink with a collapsible shot glass. This shot glass can hold up to 2oz. of any liquid and folds down for easy transport. It even comes with a carrying case!
2. Bacon lover?: If the recipient of your gift loves bacon, there are tons of crazy bacon themed gifts available for purchase. You can get anything from bacon scented air freshener, to bacon salt, to bacon bandages.
3. From the Crackberry to the Stressberry: Ever wanted to throw your phone against the wall? Now you can with a blackberry shaped stress ball. If your loved one is addicted to his or her blackberry, maybe this present will provide some technological relief to them.
While DIY gifts and imaginative stocking stuffers are always fun, the creativity does not stop there.
1. iPhone Glove: If you have a family member, sibling or friend addicted to their iPhone, this glove (that enables skin like responsiveness) will allow them to tap away while wearing a glove and keeping warm. Plus, it’s only $20!
2. Kid Friendly Laptop: If you have a younger sibling or family member, and you have a bit of money saved up, there are numerous kid friendly laptops on the market today. These laptops are virtually indestructible and easy to use.
3. Pandora Bracelet: For that someone special, a Pandora bracelet is a beautiful and affordable sterling silver bracelet that can be adorned with several personalized charms.
Get imaginative and creative with your gifts for this Holiday season. Most of the aforementioned gifts are very reasonably priced, and can spice up the Holiday season!
Photo Credits:
http://www.sirenabernal.com/th…
http://jewelleryplus.com/jewel…