I know I’m tardy to the party! But, if you’re a last-minute shopper, like me, and you’re looking for gift ideas that won’t break the bank, I got you! Now, before we jump into this post, I want to take a moment to give a friendly reminder to practice self-care by walking in awareness of your financial well-being this Christmas season. Remember to stay within YOUR means during this gift-giving season. My wish is that no one would go into debt this season, and feel the effects of it long after. We all know if that happens our mental, emotional, and physical well-being will be affected as well, due to stress. I share this because I love you, I care, and I want you to be well, my friend! And, plus, ain’t nobody got time for debt and stress! Okay, now, without further ado here is my list of low-waste and experience gifts that won’t break the bank.
Simple Low-Waste Gifts
Safety razor and Blades
A Menstrual cup
The Diva Cup Model 0 The Diva Cup Model 1 The Diva Cup Model 2 The Happy Cup
Reusable Sandwich and snack bags
Experience Gifts
Pottery Making
I know there is a ton of great deals on Groupon for this, but before heading there check your local recreation center. I was able to find a class once a week for eight weeks for $40. That’s $5 a class!
Tiny Terrarium and Zen Garden-Making
This is my kinda party! Dirt, digging, succulents, and creativity. If you know someone that enjoys plants like me, I can assure you they will love this as a gift! I found an actual class on Groupon but was unable to find one in my area, so check there, maybe you’ll get lucky. But, if you don’t Amazon has several kits you can choose from.
Canvas Painting
My daughter did this with her girl scouts group a few years back and loved it! The painting is hanging in my kitchen to this day. Every time I look at it I smile because I’m reminded of her smile. She had a blast that day! Groupon has awesome deals on canvas painting. For kids, search “Teen and Kid’s Canvas Painting’, and for adults search “Cocktails and Canvas Painting” (of course you can just have water or juice if you don’t drink). I found a deal for $20!
Spa Day
Manicure? Pedicure? A haircut? A massage (shameless plug…but if you’re in Las Vegas I’m a pretty awesome massage therapist and so are my prices…just saying). A facial? You choose! Everyone needs being pampered and taken care of. You can’t go wrong with whatever you pick to give as a gift here. And, yup, Groupon has great deals!
Dress-up Clothes
My son loves playing pretend and having dress-up clothes to go along with his imagination. Thrift stores are a great place to check first! Kids outgrow things rather quickly and these types of articles of clothing get donated as well.
Oh, and if you know an actor or content creator a gift card to Goodwill or a local thrift store comes in handy for buying props or adult dress-up clothes.
Music Lessons
I found an awesome deal on Groupon of $12 for a whole year of online guitar lessons. I was stoked! I decided to keep that one for myself (shhh). I was also able to find 30-minute time slot lessons at my local recreation center for piano and guitar. kids and adults are able to utilize these lessons. It cost $60 for six weeks. That’s $10 a lesson! Check around your local recreation center and community to see what’s being offered.
Indoor Jump Passes
Any indoor trampoline place is a blast for kids and adults. Adults probably have more fun than the kids. Imagine planning a night out for you and a couple friends to go jump, your going to laugh your butt off ( even if it’s at each other) and have a ton of fun. Check Groupon!
Live Stage Production
Rather it is a play, a concert, a spoken word performance, a musical, or a dance performance, live stage productions are awesome to experience. Check your local performing arts center, cafes (for spoken word), lounges, and library if it has a preforming center. Also, check Groupon. There is something out there for every budget!
MasterClass
There are so many Masterclasses to choose from. Cooking, directing, film, photography, acting, writing, sports, games, fashion, design, business and more! This is an excellent experience gift. Check out Masterclass.com. I’m currently taking a film course online and I love it!
Rosetta Stones
Learning a new language is something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’ve heard lots of good things about Rosetta Stones, but the price just wasn’t in my budget. I found out a few months ago my local library offers it free to kids on their online database. All that was needed was a library card. You can create a family account and share the login and password and give the gift of learning a new language to the whole family. If you aren’t able to do this at your local library, check Groupon. I was able to find a subscription for 40% off. Also, I love the program. It’s working great!
YMCA Gift Card
With a YMCA gift card you can obtain personal training, a massages session (at certain locations), swim lessons, day camp or after school care, summer camp, and so much more! The best part is you do not need to be a member of the YMCA in order to use the gift card. However, if you’d like to become a member or obtain a membership for someone, a family membership is $71 per month and $40 for a single membership. If $71 or $40 a month is out of your budget, go into one and ask about financial aid. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY. Once you have a membership you have access to all classes, childcare, community event and more. Can you tell I love the YMCA!?
Skating
Ice or roller skating is always a good time!
Rock Climbing
I went indoor rock climbing in France for the first time in the summer of 2018, and I was hooked. It was an eye-opening experience because I learned I was afraid of heights. I had no idea. But, once I got to the top of my climb and looked down I was like, ‘Oh. My. Goodness.” I enjoyed the climbing, but the desire to overcome that fear was strong. I was able to find an indoor rock climbing place right in my city that offers a monthly membership. This would be an awesome experience to gift someone or maybe even yourself. This will cost around $40 bucks for two for a one-time visit.
Museum Tickets
I love going to museums! It’s one of my favorite pastimes. Nerd, right? I know. But, they’re so cool! It’s learning, reading, history, and visual art all rolled into one. I know I’m not alone! This could make a great date night and/or cool outing. It’s about $50 for two. It could be cheaper if you find a deal on Groupon.
Dance Lessons
Go have some fun with movement! You can choose from tango, salsa, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, African movement, whatever floats your boat. This is great for kids and adults. Check your local recreation center. I think that’s a great place to start without spending a lot of money. Classes are $24 for six weeks at my local recreation center.
Bowling
Bowling nights are always super fun! I love going as a girl’s night out or as a family outing. Grab some appetizers and/or a couple pints of beer and let loose. There is always a night that has deals such as half off Tuesdays or something like that. Go on a day that works best for your budget. If I’m treating, I go with a group of four total and it cost about $60.
Hiking
Plan a special day out hiking! This one is free…well kind of. You still gotta fill up the gas tank and pack some snacks or a lunch. But, spending time in nature, and enjoying the beautiful scenery along with some great conversation is totally worth it. You could even plan a nature scavenger hunt as something to do while there. Don’t forget the camera!
Handmade Gifts
Handmade gifts are the best! Anytime I look at a gift I know was made especially for me, I smile. It makes me feel loved and special. Here are some ideas:
Jewelry
Candles
Sugar Scrub
Soap
A painting
Lip Balm
Gifts of Giving
Volunteer your time for those in need:
Women’s shelters
Animal Shelters
Hospice Care
Family homeless shelters
S H A L I E A H 