The holiday season is upon us, and if you enjoy giving gifts to your loved ones, you may feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re tightening your budget, you’re not sure what to get someone, or you know a minimalist who doesn’t want anything cluttering their space, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a roundup of islandscene.com gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Crafts
diy holiday gift bags and boxes
Have you ever found the perfect gift only to realize you still have to wrap it? Well, you won’t have to take a last-minute trip to the store for a gift box or bag. With items you likely have around the house (paper, glue, scissors, and a toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tube), you can make a lovely gift bag or box. We also have articles dedicated to making adorable gift card holders and holiday jars and gift tags!
floral lei alternatives
In Hawaii, we love beautiful flowers and the tradition of giving lei. But what if a friend or family member is allergic to flowers or would prefer not to receive them? You could make a yarn or ribbon lei or create something even more personalized! Here are some non-floral lei ideas that are easy to make and thoughtful!
With just a few ingredients you may have around the house, you can make moisturizing lip balm that smells great. Even though we include gelatin, please be sure to tell your keiki it’s OK to use on their lips, but not edible. And don’t worry, even though we made bright colors like green and blue, the lip balm goes on clear.
Gift this luxurious lavender bath salt for the ultimate at-home spa experience. This bath salt is inexpensive, easy to make, and a great last-minute gift idea.
Inspiration
smart shopping: gifts for the minimalist
If you’re friends with minimalists, you know it can be hard to find them presents they’ll like, use, and won’t clutter their home or soul. Alice Inoue, founder of Happiness U and expert life guide, said that it’s helpful to pay attention when your minimalist friends talk about what they need and then do your best to fill that need. Here are some ideas.
smart shopping: holiday gifting and saving
It’s easy to get carried away and go over budget during the holidays, especially when you’re shopping for presents. But there’s a secret weapon for saving money: the anonymous holiday gift exchange. Anonymous gift exchanges go by different names, like Secret Santa or Gift Swap, but the concept is the same: in a group of people, you’re responsible for getting a gift for just one person. Check out our ideas to help you be creative, have fun, and save money. Plus, check out our tips for a stress-free gift exchange!
waste-free gifting
Minimizing our carbon footprint during this festive time of year can seem impossible. However, with our guide to waste-free giving, you can use recycled materials to wrap gifts and practice the art of furoshiki, or Japanese cloth wrapping.
Noms
festive fruit cups
Parents, these festive fruit cups are the perfect gift for classmates, soccer teammates, or cousins. Bonus: They’re nonperishable, not candy, and you and your kids can show off your artistic skills.
holiday popcorn
Forget those prepackaged popcorn variety tins that are stale half the time! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been naughty or nice because these popcorn recipes are all about sweet and salty. Take your pick!
lemon tofu pie
I loved it when my auntie would gift us a whole, homemade custard pie during the holidays. It was so generous and delicious. If you don’t consider yourself a baker, you’re in luck. Try our recipe for a unique, easy, and delicious lemon tofu pie! Your friends and family will thank you!
diy pumpkin spice dog treats
It doesn’t have to be pumpkin spice season to enjoy its deliciousness. And why should humans have all the fun? Here’s an easy recipe adapted from Simply Darrling your pup will love. P.S. Our cats nabbed a few treats while they were cooling, so maybe it’s a good for felines, too!
teddy bear sleighs
These adorable teddy bear sleighs are the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys sweets or cute things. Beware, these creations are almost too cute to give away, much less eat! Proceed with caution.
Happy holidays!
