It's getting closer to the holidays, so now's the time to start looking into the gifts you want to give to others. As a budget-conscious senior living at Broadmoor Court, it can be hard to think about spending a lot on large items, so you need to make each dollar count when you're purchasing or making Christmas gifts.
How can you make the most out of the season and give gifts your loved ones will appreciate while sticking to your budget of $10 or less per person? Here are five helpful gift ideas to get you started on your shopping adventure.
It's nice to give your loved ones something they can use. Small kitchen items and gadgets fit the bill.
For example, you could purchase a tall ceramic coffee mug for a loved one who drinks coffee all the time or get a set of stainless steel straws for a grandchild focused on saving the turtles and reducing plastic waste.
Dash makes mini kitchen tools, like waffle makers, that you may be able to get for $10 or less when they're on sale, or you could purchase their popular mini waffle cookbook for someone who likes to make breakfast.
You can usually find good deals on clothing, especially when it's seasonal. Consider gifting a scarf, beanie or light gloves to keep someone you love in Colorado warm this year.
Since clothing items tend to be inexpensive and go on sale regularly, shop the clearance racks and you may find one or two items that your friend or family member will love.
Trinkets are anything small that someone might like to decorate their home or carry on them. Think about memory key chains and keepsakes your loved ones may like. For example, you can search for trinkets on Etsy and may find handmade items or unusual trinkets you won't see elsewhere.
On Etsy, you can find items such as assorted trinket trays, inexpensive jewelry, beads and jewelry-making accessories, jars and many other items that may be what you're looking for.
Another option you have is to save money by starting to pass on items you own that you know your loved ones would like to own someday.
For example, you may have a large collection of costume jewelry that you know your older grandchildren would love, so you could spend your money on ring boxes and beautiful wrapping paper and use the heirlooms as a gift instead.
From clothing to furniture to collectibles, there are all kinds of things you can pass on to people, especially if you're done using them yourself. Second-hand items can be a great source for gifting, especially when you're on a tight budget and may want to spend a little more of your cash on a larger gift for one or two people.
Keep in mind that if you're trying to give seven gifts and only have $70 to spend, you may be able to do more with the $70 by making handmade gifts for the people you care about the most.
If you're great at crafting or assembling items, buy the materials you need to make gifts for the people you care about.
For example, you can buy a package of clear plastic ornaments and use Mod Podge to add wrapping paper around the outside for a customized finish. You could also use glitters and glues inside the ornament to make a creative and decorative item for your family member's Christmas tree.
If you're good at knitting, buying yarn might be cheaper than buying a scarf or sweater off the rack, depending on the materials you use and what you're making.
Head over to your local craft store to take a look at the different materials available, or shop on an online marketplace like Amazon to find materials for crafting. Here are 50 ideas you can consider to make gifts under $10.
It's a good idea to write down ideas for gifting and start looking for those gifts early in the season. Shopping clearance racks, looking online while setting filters to $10 or less and looking for coupon codes can all help you buy more for less.
Using heirlooms and crafting for the holidays is also a good idea, since both give a bigger bang for your buck.
Remember, no matter what you give, the focus this season is on being together. Your family will appreciate anything you do, even if it's as simple as a greeting card expressing your love for them.
