Classy Christmas Under $40

Give the Gift of Sentiment

It’s not just what the receiver gets in their hands, but also what they get in their heart. Something like a family heirloom can be a gift that lasts for generations – even if you’ve picked it up at the $2-store.

When hunting for a sentimental gift, look for a gift that can be given with a story. Look for:

• strange and interesting gifts that come with a story
• exotic gifts, eg. Australian emu eggs, African tribal craft
• completely off-the-wall novelty items (like the Turd Twister?!)
• truly sentimental gifts (eg. a family photo, your diary, a beloved toy)

Humourous gifts are best received by friends and family members who aren’t expecting much in the way of presents. Match the exotic gifts to the dreamers and travellers. Save the sentimental gifts for people you share a special bond with – ie. family photos for parents or close relatives, beloved toys to younger siblings who want nothing more than your stuff!

Make it more awesome by:

• writing a personal poem or letter
• including a private joke in the Christmas card
• adding foodstuff fillers

Good Food

Food is a gift fit for any occasion. Even if you’re no Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, you can still create an eatable fit for the giving. Remember, whether baking cookies or dipping strawberries, the secret is in the presentation.

Look for:

• transparent fabric for making gift bundles
• small gift boxes or baskets ($1-5 ea.)
• pretty ribbon for tying bundles or decoration ($1-6/roll)
• boxes with transparent covers ($1-8 ea.)
• little figurines for decoration
• ‘special needs’ ingredients

Be mindful of the person who will be receiving your gift. Keep the figurines out of the gifts to young children who may choke on them. Keep in mind any dietary or lifestyle restrictions, such as diabetes, liver problems, allergies, religious restrictions and recovering addictions. It is ideal that any ingredient or foodstuff you include be considerate of all special needs.

Make it sweeter by:

• adding a photo to bring back happy memories
• including a handmade Christmas card ($0-5)
• writing creative instructions for how to best eat your gift
• backing a Christmas fortune into every cookie

Indie Fashion

With DIY fashion still as strong as ever, you can still get away with making your own DIY and “high-end mimics” gifts for friends, cousins and little ones.

Look for:

• plain clothing ($10-20)
• old clothing that can be recreated ($10-20)
• lace sew-on patches from craft shops ($1-5)
• fabric paint, if you wish to paint your own design
• cardboard for making stencils ($0-5)
• cord, buttons, zippers – anything you can get creative with!

Keep an eye on what’s currently in fashion – you may be able to mimic a $50 outfit for just $30 and a couple hours of work.

Make it funkier by:

• assembling an outfit
• complementing with accessories or cosmetics
• writing a personal letter to say what about the receiver inspired your design

Give Your Time

A Christmas gift doesn’t necessarily need to sit under the tree. The simple gift of quality time can be the best gift of all.

• go see a movie with your young brother/sister ($20), and buy him/her a souvenir ($10-15)
• take your girlfriend and a Polaroid camera on a picnic ($15-20 for film)
• take your favourite auntie to dinner ($10-20/head)

Use Your Imagination

During the Christmas season, it really is the thought that counts, so don’t be afraid to put some real thought into the gift you give. Material gifts only last for so long, and expensive technology will become obsolete in five years.

Even though both memories and photos fade with time, the gift of love can last forever.