Big fun can come in small packages.
Don’t believe the hype: You don’t have to spend a ton of money purchasing large, expensive presents for loved ones during the holiday season in order to feel good about yourself. Rather, mini gifts can be just as rewarding.
Small-scale presents are ideal for co-workers, mail carriers, hair stylists, casual acquaintances and distant relatives. What’s more, small gifts can often be bought in bulk resulting in a lower overall price. In addition, if you are crafting small gifts to give, the miniature size can play in your favor.
Have fun shopping for or making small presents to give this holiday season. After all, it’s the thought that counts, not how much cash you cough up. When giving a mini gift, consider the recipient’s likes and dislikes and choose accordingly. Some popular ideas for small, inexpensive presents include:
Sweet Treats: Edible holiday goodies are always received with glee by recipients. Think candy cane bouquets, truffles, or gingerbread cookies. You could spice up your gift by pairing two minis, such as an elaborately decorated sugar cookie with a gourmet box of flavored cocoa. Another option is to purchase small bottles of wine or fill mini jars with homemade jam, salsa or gourmet sauces and dressings. If you are going the treat route, be sure to consider any food allergies your gift recipient may have. The last thing you want to gift a friend or family member with this holiday season is a trip to the hospital.
Toiletries: Rather than pay a fortune purchasing large containers of toiletries for your gift recipient, consider bundling small sample or trial size bottles of unique products, including fragrances, lotions and gels. You could also fill small jars with bath salts or potpourri.
Hobby Items: If your gift recipient is passionate about a particular hobby, use that to help find the perfect mini gift. For example, you could give your gardener friend several packages of unique seeds tied up with a pretty ribbon. Likewise, if your co-worker loves to sew, consider giving her a rainbow of threads. Or, give your bookworm buddy a few elegant bookmarks. When you run out of ideas, go with the practical solution: batteries. With handheld electronic devices as prolific as they are, there is not a soul around who wouldn’t appreciate a set of spare batteries.