I have a few people to buy for this year and once again thinking how to do this frugally and sustainability (I get a bit sick when I see mountains of plastic crap in the shops). Any ideas?
Some things I have done in the past:
- Little plant cuttings in jars (got some on the go again this year)
- Op shops and second hand gifts - look for unusual things from the op shop. This works well for some but not unless they are a bit quirky themselves
- Buying a bunch of treats/snacks and doing my own hampers up.
- Baked goods - I always make a big batch of spice cookies and a couple of slices. I am crappy at packing them nicely tho, but I can cook.
I am not great at crafts but I will try anything!
Not necessarily frugal advice, but if somebody is a bit of an expert or even hobbyist in something and you are not, don’t buy them something in that area unless it’s something specific they have told you they like or that they want.
Eg, if they like chocolate, don’t just go buy Cadbury. No offence to Cadbury and Cadbury lovers, it’s just an example that some people might love Cadbury and eat nothing else, and others might hate it. You might go out and spend $X on a fancy brand, when that’s one that they hate, and actually prefer a cheaper one.
Sure it’s the thought that counts. But there’s levels of thought, and shallow thought can be borderline offensive.
Eg, I’d way prefer some of the fantastic, unique and personal ideas here than get an expensive gift of a bottle of X, that I’ve probably already tried, and have settled on what I like.
Good point. I have a friend that always buys me candles (which I like) but they live in a much bigger place then I do so they always pick really strong scents that blow my head off in a little apartment!
Cadbury is mediocre at best these days.