Thursday, November 29, 2018

Fun and Functional Gifts

We talked about doing some different types of wrapping or containers for gifts - now let's talk about some fun and functional gifts that are a bit different.
I don't like doing what everyone else is doing.  I want to give that one gift that keeps on giving and the one that they will be talking about or thinking of us when they see/use it.
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I love getting anything home crafted.  It could be a scarf, hat, lap throw, pretty kitchen towel, canned goods, bath salts, hand scrub - ANYTHING that someone takes the time to make is special.

Think about putting together baskets/bags of things everyone uses or needs.
Items can be cleaning products - homemade or store bought.  Goodies to snack on.  Adult themed baskets.  Poker night baskets.  Game night baskets.  Snuggle & read baskets.

Cleaning pack - I would enjoy (some may not).  New home owner, newly married, college student..
 
Movie night snacks
 
                             Adult night entertainment - poker party, adult game night, etc.

Think about getting inexpensive books (2nd hand, dollar stores) and an inexpensive throw.  Good for a reader.
Books, candle, and hot chocolate mix.
A nice mug, a packet of hot chocolate mix and some fuzzy socks (all stuck in the cup)
Get a pretty thrift tea cup and a box or two of fancy tea bags & a small bottle of honey
Card games and some snacks
Board game/puzzle for the family
Kleenex, chicken soup mix, cough drops, cold meds
A basket filled with different jar mixes (homemade)

Do you have someone who spends a lot of time baking or in the kitchen.  Go cooking/baking themed.

Baking items - cookie/cupcake decorating.  How about an ice cream sundae topping basket?

Fun for the baker.
Vintage accessories
There is just no end to fun and different ideas.  Think about the receiver, and what they enjoy doing and HAVE FUN and  BE CREATIVE.

Know a prepper?  Maybe some jar mixes of different goodies.  Heirloom garden seeds to put back for the future.  A box of shells for hunting.  Jerky seasonings.  Tarps, plastic rainwear, anything camo.  Insulated socks.  Hand warmers.  Life straws, etc.
CALENDARS - would be great for the busy Mom, college students,  co-workers, etc.  I know many people keep track of things with their 'devices' - but it nice to be able to just glance at the wall and see what it happening.  I like the idea of adding all family birthdays to the calendar and giving to family members.  No more forgotten birthdays!

College student who doesn't make it home often - rolls of quarters for laundry.  Maybe even a basket of laundry supplies.

Oh golly, there are just unlimited ideas that are fun, functional, and many that can be quite frugal!  Watch for mark downs, use coupons with sales, check dollar stores, and have a ball putting together some memorable gifts.

GET CREATIVE
HAPPY GIFTING!!!!!!

20 comments:

  1. What good Ideas. I always let Hubs make a Homer bucket for new marrieds. This is a bucket with a tool skirt and hand tools. We do not wrap it. It is centered on the groom. It is always loved and appreciated.

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    1. Oh what a neat idea. That is one that I never thought of. I will sure keep that in mind for the next newly married couple!
      Thanks.

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  2. I have done the movie basket several times. It is always a great gift. Thanks for some new ideas.

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  3. We have a local restaurant that makes yummy cheese biscuits. They will sell them frozen and uncooked, so you can make them at home. We are planning to gift a few dozen of those this year. I know I would LOVE this as a gift!

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  4. We are doing family photo calendars for both grandmas for Christmas this year. Places like Target and Shutterfly have specials where the calendar is free and you just pay for shipping so it's a great bargain as well!

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    1. I love that and so will Grandma! They can look at the sweet faces they love all year.
      Great idea.

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  5. Tool box filled with tools. I did this one year for a new college student on his own. He still has the toolbox and still using the tools over eight years later.

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    1. Love it! We did that one year when sister in law became single. Figured she needed a few tools to keep around.
      Thanks for the idea.

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  6. For the people doing tool boxes, think outside the box here too - get the "free" tools from Harbor Freight all during the year, and include what you "bought" (packs of nails, screws, etc.) to get those free tools. And don't forget that women and girls love their own sets of tools. A used pink bowling ball bag is wonderful to put the tools in also. Just make sure that any sharp tools have sheaths.

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    1. Ooooh that is a great frugal tip. Love it. Thank you for such a great idea.

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  7. My MIL gave me a big home starter basket that was a kitchen trash can. Filled with all kinds of stuff. LOVED it! I changed up the idea a little for a niece. I did a basket with all that stuff in the utensil drawer. Corn cob pokes, measuring spoons and cups, grater, steamer basket, garlic press, etc. She was thrilled because she said she almost immediately needed a peeler. I put it all in a silverware tray.

    Another gift I loved so much was from my coworkers when I went away to college. It was great for them cuz it was cheap to contribute as poor teens! They filled a small plastic tackle box with desk supplies. And a roll of quarters for laundry! I used every single thing in that box and it was so organized. I still have it. It's covered with sorority and fraternity name tags from rush week.

    Great posts, Cheryl! They help clear my cobwebs and start the creative process.

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    1. I love these ideas. Such good ones. I got a basket of all kinds of goodies for the kitchen when I had a wedding shower many moons ago. I still have many of those things!

      Great idea for a college student too. So many things we just don't normally think of that would be greatly appreciated.
      Thanks.

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  8. Lots of good ideas! Reminders of things we don't always think of. Enjoyed reading some of the other commenters ideas also. Nancy

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    1. I always love the comments. Everyone has great ideas.
      Thanks

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  9. These are all such great ideas, Cheryl. I would love to receive a number of them. I like buying things for people that I know they will use. These definitely fit that bill.

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    1. I like getting them things they will use too. No since wasting money. I like getting things like this as well.
      ENJOY

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  10. Thank you so much for these ideas! I would love gifts like this. For my kids teacher gifts i go this route and get them pretty school supplies that they can use during the year.

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    1. You are welcome. I love these kind of gifts as well.
      I bet the teachers love them! Very thoughtful. heck if you stock up when school sales are going on - they wouldn't cost much at all.
      Good idea.

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