It’s that wonderful season again, where we get an excuse to spend money on other people.
The really great part of it all is that you don’t just have to buy in to materialism with your Christmas gifts. These days, there are several simple ways to do good with your gifts. And let’s not forget budgeting for all of those Christmas gifts.
So, here are a few of my ideas followed by some great gift lists:
BUY LOCAL
This is one of the easiest ways to support awesome local artisans by buying their products for gifts. Take a walk down your Main Street or downtown, and I bet you’ll find some cute shops carrying local goodies. This is also a great way to find totally unique gifts! See my past recommendations for those living in Raleigh.
USE AMAZON SMILE
I’m sure we all have items that have been requested from family members that are on Amazon, and I’m sure a lot of us are Amazon Prime members and love that quick shipping. So, go to smile.amazon.com every time before you do any kind of buying and pick a nonprofit to give a percentage of your spending to. It’s that easy to give back!
GET CREATIVE
Make the extra effort to be creative with your gift giving to bless your giftee and make it more fun for you. Maybe that means searching Etsy for something memorable or making homemade gifts (like cake mix, jam or preserved lemons). There are tons of ideas to personalize your gifts (and save some money, too)
COOL GIFT GUIDES
- I always love looking through Real Simple’s gift guides
- Here are 29 online stores that benefit nonprofits
- For the food/cooking lovers in your life
- Serious Eats has a ton of food gift guides
- For a gift that keeps on giving: a monthly subscription
Happy Gifting!