6 Original Gift Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

I love gift-giving (within my financial limits, of course!). Last year I shared some of my favorite small business gifting companies for clients. This year, I’m at it again–with a different batch of gift-giving ideas, but from a different perspective.

Rather than a large, blanket purchase from one retailer, find the “just right” gift for the people on your shopping list. Here are a few options that might be outside the norm for you, but worth giving a try.

Give an Experience

If you’re tired of the “stuff,” or just no knowing what to give someone you don’t know very well, try giving the gift of an experience.

• If you’re in the Phoenix area, Scottsdale has The Art of Ice Cream Experience through March 9. Now I haven’t been to this (yet!) but who doesn’t love individually-themed, interactive rooms of ice cream? Sounds like some good, wholesome fun to me! (And if you’re not in the Phoenix area, consider gifting a museum membership. It’s something that can be used again and again!)
• Does your client (or family) love the outdoors? An annual pass for the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands might be a good option. It’s affordable, and available across the country.

Give Treats

Not everyone is dying for a Starbucks gift card (sad but true), so give a treat that isn’t caffeine-filled. Here are a few options:

• Fairytale Brownies, local to Phoenix but shipping nationwide, has amazing brownies, cookies and bars available for orders both small and large. And when you fall in love with these treats, you can even order your next batch branded with your logo!
• For something a little more waistline-friendly, Edible Arrangements can’t be beat. And don’t worry–they have chocolate too! You can give your health-conscious clients a bouquet of fresh fruit for any occasion.

Give Some Goods

If you opt for something tangible, consider shopping small businesses. There are makers and artists out there who could use a little support from other businesses to get their names out.

• Reina & Co., with Katie Williamsen, publishes a yearly Heart Centered Holiday Gift Guide, which is full of gifts from small businesses–from mugs and T-shirts to beautiful artwork and more.
• Of course, artists and makers around the globe often use Etsy as their launching ground for handmade businesses. Here’s a tip though: When shopping Etsy, be sure to make note of who you’re buying from. There are many similar products on Etsy and you want to be sure to shout out the individual artist who made what you purchased!

The key here is to move away from the big gift boxes to more curated, thoughtful gifts. It might take a little more time to find just the right present, but the care you put into it will pay off in gratitude.