There are gift ideas for any budget to show your appreciation — whether it’s for a boss, teacher or neighbor; and luckily, gifts don’t have to break the bank as long as they come from the heart! Here are five ideas that are affordable and unique:
1. Little luxuries
Looking for a small gift that packs big personality? Nothing expresses individuality better than a little luxurious indulgence. A pair of cashmere knit gloves or a bar of designer soap wrapped in a neat and tidy package may only run about $10 to $20, but it will make a thoughtful gift for the person who takes pleasure in enjoying the little things in life.
2. The gift of time
The biggest need for most teachers, employers, and neighbors? Time. A great way to show someone how much you care is to give the gift that keeps on giving. A gift card for gourmet prepared meals allow that person on your list the freedom to spend more time with loved ones while enjoying a delicious home cooked meal. Also, a maid service gift certificate is the perfect time-saving gift for that special host/hostess.
3. Memories
Just about everyone appreciates a gift that commemorates success or good times, which is why a memory book can make such a great gift. The beauty of this gift is that it is affordable yet still has a homemade quality. You can put as much or as little effort into the book as you’d like, from simply placing pictures in sleeves for a photo album to cutting and crafting a one-of-a-kind scrapbook. Compile pictures of the classroom and students in a photo album for a special teacher, collect pictures and documents of co-workers and awards from around the office for a hard-working boss, and gather images of friendly neighbors and blooming gardens for a favorite neighbor.
4. The gift of inclusion
Gift memberships and subscriptions are another great way to give a uniquely personal gift. Noticed your boss quoting a lot of movies lately? Sign him up for a gift subscription to Netflix; at only $9 per month, this is an affordable way to give him something he’ll enjoy the entire month … or year! Is your kid’s teacher a fashionista at heart? Order her a gift subscription to her favorite style magazine. A great way to package these great memberships is to create a gift basket (i.e. popcorn and candy nestled around the Netflix gift certificate or nail polish and chocolate lining a basket for a magazine subscription).
5. Handwritten “thank you” notes
It’s been said that sometimes no gift is better than sending the wrong gift; but there’s always something nice you can give! If your budget just doesn’t have any wiggle room this year, try sending a handwritten “thank you” note to show your appreciation. With the prevalence of e-mail and online communication, it is heart-warming and nostalgic to give a personalized, hand-written note.
5 Gift Ideas for Any Budget
By Kristy Alpert
There are gift ideas for any budget to show your appreciation — whether it’s for a boss, teacher or neighbor; and luckily, gifts don’t have to break the bank as long as they come from the heart! Here are five ideas that are affordable and unique:
1. Little luxuries
Looking for a small gift that packs big personality? Nothing expresses individuality better than a little luxurious indulgence. A pair of cashmere knit gloves or a bar of designer soap wrapped in a neat and tidy package may only run about $10 to $20, but it will make a thoughtful gift for the person who takes pleasure in enjoying the little things in life.
2. The gift of time
The biggest need for most teachers, employers, and neighbors? Time. A great way to show someone how much you care is to give the gift that keeps on giving. A gift card for gourmet prepared meals allow that person on your list the freedom to spend more time with loved ones while enjoying a delicious home cooked meal. Also, a maid service gift certificate is the perfect time-saving gift for that special host/hostess.
3. Memories
Just about everyone appreciates a gift that commemorates success or good times, which is why a memory book can make such a great gift. The beauty of this gift is that it is affordable yet still has a homemade quality. You can put as much or as little effort into the book as you’d like, from simply placing pictures in sleeves for a photo album to cutting and crafting a one-of-a-kind scrapbook. Compile pictures of the classroom and students in a photo album for a special teacher, collect pictures and documents of co-workers and awards from around the office for a hard-working boss, and gather images of friendly neighbors and blooming gardens for a favorite neighbor.
4. The gift of inclusion
Gift memberships and subscriptions are another great way to give a uniquely personal gift. Noticed your boss quoting a lot of movies lately? Sign him up for a gift subscription to Netflix; at only $9 per month, this is an affordable way to give him something he’ll enjoy the entire month … or year! Is your kid’s teacher a fashionista at heart? Order her a gift subscription to her favorite style magazine. A great way to package these great memberships is to create a gift basket (i.e. popcorn and candy nestled around the Netflix gift certificate or nail polish and chocolate lining a basket for a magazine subscription).
5. Handwritten “thank you” notes
It’s been said that sometimes no gift is better than sending the wrong gift; but there’s always something nice you can give! If your budget just doesn’t have any wiggle room this year, try sending a handwritten “thank you” note to show your appreciation. With the prevalence of e-mail and online communication, it is heart-warming and nostalgic to give a personalized, hand-written note.