Well well well people. It is less than 2 weeks from Christmas Day and our lists are still long and time is running out. Right? Not to throw it in your face, but I have just completed the last of the gifts and even have them wrapped.
Here are two of my secrets:
- Shop all year long.
- Make food for everyone. For those of you who are impatient: Recipes Here
I am one of those shoppers that always have my eye open for gifts for people. Typically what happens is I see something that I know would be a perfect fit for someone and I buy it. Right then. Right there. What happens then, is I end up giving it to them early or as a “surprise” gift because I can’t wait! Ugh! It’s an endless cycle. Either way somehow I end up with a large bin full of gifts that I have stashed away throughout the year. From sale events, art shows, vacations and yes, re-gifts. Come on! We all do it and you should not be ashamed. Here’s why:
- You don’t use doilies, have a record player, wear a size xs or need another pair of fuzzy socks.
- Someone does.
Why keep something if it will never get used or appreciated by you? If it makes you feel better, you can always donate the items to charity. That way you know they will be given to someone else who needs them and will genuinely appreciate them. (maybe not the record, but who knows)
I saw a funny card yesterday at this adorable and fun shop in NE Minneapolis called “I Like You”, https://i-like-you-minneapolis.myshopify.com/ it is a shop that has handmade art by local artists and A LOT of MN gear. The card said, “I found the perfect holiday card that would look good in your trash.” I laughed out loud and bought them for next year. Ha!
That reminds me, if you like MN gear and want to support and show off where you are from (It is the trend now) I joined a local MN blogger group recently https://www.facebook.com/groups/twincitiescollective/ and there is a gentleman that also recently joined who is from Nisswa, MN who makes MN stuff, check him out. His site is called MN Nice Enough https://mnniceenough.com
Anyhoo back to my second secret, make food for everyone. I have made food gifts in the past for my family and typically I bring some sort of baked good to the events. One year I made whipped butters and one year I made tamales for everyone. Here are some other fun, cheap, quick ideas for you that can be given to everyone on your list.
*Sachet = fancy word for a tied cheesecloth bag. Find Recipes Here.
Indian Inspired Sachet* for rice
Peppermint Brownie Mix
Chocolate Vanilla Sugar
You can get as crafty as you want with the jars and the sachet bags.
Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!