1

Comment

I have been asked to join a friend for some holiday cheer this week. He and his wife live out of town and have invited us over every December for the past few years, and this year I’m not letting any excuse stop us from visiting. Typically I bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, but this year I’m dead broke and stocking up on $40 bottles of wine for family and friends’ parties might just break the bank. So I’ve been trying out different ways to give a frugal thank-you without looking too cheap.

The One Dollar Game Night Gift

My favorite idea is one that I often opt for when I give a “family” gift. Find your neighborhood dollar store, select a popcorn bowl and fill it with movie theater candy and some family games such as Uno, playing cards, or a board game. If it’s for a regular gift, I often add a video store gift certificate, but in either case, the filled bowl as a nice way for someone to unwind from the stress of the holidays.

Very Charming Wine Charms

How about beautiful wine charms? If you come across some on sale, you may want to grab them and store away for a future hostess gift. They can even be used the night of the party to help guests differentiate their glasses.

Calm with High Quality Candles

Candles are another favorite, but I often worry that they are overdone as gifts. If you’re going to give candles this year, the trick is to find high quality, beautiful specimens. Check the dollar store for aromatherapy or beeswax candles, they’re simple and elegant, and really, what host or hostess won’t enjoy a beautiful lavender candle for relaxing after the party is over?

No Place Like Home, Gifts From The Past

Since the friend I’ll be visiting is originally from my home town, I’m thinking about bringing over a jar of something local, such as the homemade sauce from the town’s favorite locally-owned Italian restaurant. We also have a historic winery at which he and I used to spend quite a bit of time, so I’m entertaining the thought of a bottle of our favorite cheap wine. It may not be what we would choose to drink as adults, but the bottle will have good memories attached to it, something I believe he will appreciate.

Herb Garden

I also like the idea of giving something kitchen-oriented for his wife who enjoys cooking. Perhaps a pepper grinder or a bottle of gourmet peppercorns? I am also going to keep my eyes open for a little herb garden they can grow in their kitchen during the winter months and transfer outdoors in the spring.

And of course, a picture frame, a pretty jar filled with holiday candy, or a small house plant are always nice. The goal, at least for me, is that the gift be from the heart. Affordability without cheapness is also essential, so finding that balance is key. It can be done — just might take a little leg work! The extra effort will be worth it; I can show my appreciation for my friends’ invitation without the stress that comes along with overspending within an already tight budget.

Now I just have to brave the bitterly cold Ohio wind to get out and actually start shopping!