With the warm weather often come many reasons to celebrate: Just Married! New Baby! And with every event, you’ll want to express your happiness with a gift. But what if you’re trying to save for something special, or yearning to embark on a new project before autumn? Summer can become an expensive time of year for many people. Luckily, thoughtful and much-loved gifts do not have to come at a high cost. The key is to offer something that has residual effects (think: blooming plants or a magazine subscription) or is highly useful (the well-curated care package).
These Three Ideas Pack a Big Punch for Under $25.
Magazine Subscription
For the endlessly curious, a monthly delivery chock full of current news, great tips, and gorgeous photos will be much appreciated. Parenting, home décor, and style mags are all great for a new mom, moving family or new college student. How else can you keep giving throughout the year for under $25?
Care Package
One of the best ways to save money and give thoughtfully is to create a quirky ensemble of items you know your friend will love. First, take inventory of the person’s current life, such as their career, hobbies and plans, and then collect affordable items that speak to their needs. A few examples: For the recent grad who is moving for a new job, fill a box with a local guide book on her new town, favorite candies from her former city, and a small gift certificate to a market she’ll soon be living near. Or for the newly married couple who is moving in together, create a package of affordable home essentials they’ll need for everyday, such as salt and pepper grinders, light bulbs, handsoap and candles.
Perfect Plants
Sure, living things require care on the receivers end, but they also offer comfort and beauty. It is most important to match the type of plant to the person’s lifestyle: For the urban dweller, consider a potted orchid, a small pot of air-filtering Ivy or a hearty Philodendron. For the avid cook, consider an assortment of potted rosemary, sage and basil. Or lastly, for the country dweller, bring a rustic bounty of lavender to plant in his front yard.
