So, I could write a Black Friday gift guide and fill it with lots of interesting little items that can be bought, wrapped up and gifted instantly, but I’m just not that kind of gifter. You see, buying someone the latest candle, belt, gadget or purse just leaves me feeling empty. Instead, I’m doing The Creative Gift Givers Guide to Black Friday and beyond.
Let me back up…stay with me. My husband’s side of the family gathers together the day after Christmas and we exchange gifts, all 15 of us. All of us. No drawing names. No buying gifts for just the kids. We all buy each other gifts and it is a gift giving and unwrapping extravaganza. Fun but costly.
About eight years ago my little family found ourselves in the precarious situation where we had to live on just my income. My husband was laid off and then decided to go back to school.
As Christmas approached I was stressed out about all of the gifts we were going to have to buy for his side of the family. Plus, they are the type of people (not unlike ourselves now) that really want for nothing. So how do you delight someone that has everything?
I’m sure they would have understood if we didn’t participate, but I’m not one to just throw in the towel. Instead, I relied on my creativity and I’ve found that some extra thought and effort can make an inexpensive gift become a treasure.
Let me show you how I give meaningful gifts for less. First stop…Black Friday. This post contains affiliate links please see my disclosure policy.
I’m going to start off letting you in on my big secret…find a good embroidery shop. Seriously. Not just to monogram…but for a lot of things. You’ll see.
This is on my list. I’ll be adding this to my online cart for someone. At $17.47 on Black Friday I can add a monogram to this and take it to the next level and still stay under my $30.00 cap. I know I would be thrilled with a vest already monogrammed for me.
I also really love giving an “experience” gift. Like this gift I’m putting together this year. A few bath bombs from Lush (so addicted to these), an audio book, and a bottle of bubbly. Visit your local thrift store to find a basket on the cheap.
Cost-Under $10 (Substitute some other special drink if needed)
The first year I had to be “creative” I decided to buy matching robes for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. We always descend on their gorgeous lake house for a summer family vacation that is out of this world. I had the robes embroidered with “Smith Lodge and Casino” (because we always play cards) and in the middle of the logo I had them embroider a bear. I picked the robes up for $20 and the embroidery was $10. Score!
I’m really loving the idea of a robe embroidered with the person’s most recent accomplishment. Examples: Dean’s List Superstar (circular) monogram (in the middle); Varsity Cheerleader (circular) monogram (middle); Entrepreneur on Fire (circular) monogram (middle). You get the idea. What better way to start the day than to look in the mirror every morning faced with your most recent awesome accomplishment?
Now switching over to the men. Let’s move away from the shaver, belt, cologne, or tie gift shall we? Those are fine if the person really needs one of those things, but creativity is a little waning.
Use the same concept, if you like, and transfer the accomplishment onto a sweatshirt or pair of pajamas. I know Mr. Handsome takes a lot of pride in his yard work. A sweatshirt with a fake award embroidered on it would be fun and let him know how much we appreciate his hard work “Weed, Feed, and Mow Triathlon Champion” (circular) Trophy or Lawn Mower (middle).
Have you heard of the Waterlogue app for i phone or i pad? Karianne of Thistlewood Farms recently showcased this app and I couldn’t wait to try it out.
Use a photo of something he really likes; a photo from a special trip or a photo of his car even. Use the waterlogue app to make it look like a watercolor. Frame it and you have a great gift! Cost is only printing (I would recommend a photo printing service) and a pre-matted frame.
It may be a little late in the year for this one, but Pin it for next year. Did you know most authors have a web site? Did you know you can either (a) get in contact with them, or (b) click on their signing procedures for books they have published? One of my favorite authors, Jon Gordon, has a web site and contact information. Many times, if you purchase an author’s book and mail it to them (their publisher) with a self-addressed stamped envelope they will sign it and mail it back to you? How awesome is that? You could give a great man in your life a signed book from his favorite author.
I knew someone once who was doing that with all the living Presidents as they published books. What a cool collection that would be.
Can you believe the creative gifts that can be given with just a little thought? Have you given a gift that was super creative? I would love to know about it and so would everyone else. Please share!
On another note, don’t forget after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday. Make sure you support your local businesses.
I know I have a girlfriends day out planned on Saturday to hit up all the vintage markets in my little town. For many of the vintage market vendors, this is there main source of income.
Besides, how cool are vintage gifts? I’ve been collecting items all year and will finish it off on Saturday. My friend CoCo from The Crowned Goat has such a booth and I’ll be stopping by to see what I can buy.
Have a fantastic day!
Nancy
You’re so sweet to include my booth, Nancy, thank you so much. I love all of your suggestions, my sisters will be crazy for the monogram ideas. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hugs, CoCo
I really like your idea of monogramming simple things. I’m going to use that idea!