So.. I’m a terrible human being. I know this. I neglected this blog, but now I’m back with a vengeance. My life has taken a entirely new path, but that is a topic for another blog post.

Anyways, if any of you are like me, Christmas is the time for you to be creative in the gifts you gives. So I’m going to give you 5 easy gifts ideas to help you on your quest for the ultimate Christmas gift.

1. Just Can It!

Mason jars have been really popular lately, however they can be a savior if you are miserable at gift wrapping like I am. For example, I placed a variety of small gifts in mason jars and tied a ribbon around the top with a label for gifts. Its a cute way of displaying the small treasures within the glass jars and they look absolutely adorable.

2. Be Crafty!

Do you have a cooky hidden talent? Are you secretly a bomb-ass knitter or scrapbooker? Think of little things that you can create and make them for family. A few years ago, Helena made me a memory box covered with pictures of us and our friends. It was such a sentimental gift and I still have it and use it to this day.

3. Dollar Item Gift Basket

You know the little bargain items that they sell in stores, trinkets such as loofas, hammers, and door hangers? Those items are a great themed gift basket waiting to happen. The trick to putting these all together is knowing the person’s interests and coming up with a common, cohesive theme. For example, a spa themed gift basket for mom can consist of loofas, bath salts, body wash, nail polish, and various other self-pampering products. A handyman themed gift basket for dad can consist of a hammer, various tools and bits, and a little portable radio. With a little creativity, one of these can be put together for as little as $7.

4. No-Brainer Baking

Perhaps one of my favorites, and maybe you have seen them before, layering ingredients for baked treats in a mason jar with a homemade label and baking instructions can be cost effective when making them in bulk and a delight for families. By creatively layering for example the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies, you can make an amazing looking gift that will take you straight back to your second grade science class on rock formations. For this project, I recommend the quart-sized jars.

5. Essentials are Essential

If you are fresh out of luck for an idea to gift, give the things you know they’ll need. If they are a student, buy them some quality pens, highlighters, and notebooks. If they commute a lot to and from places, get them a handy travel bag. If you want to be cheeky, perhaps if they are always late, get them a wrist watch.

Anyway, those are all the ideas I have for this year. Good luck and Happy Christmas!