Yikes! The Holidays are Coming

Yikes!

The Holidays Are Coming

Have no fear!  All you need is a plan to save and a trusty list of $5 – $10 gifts.  Gifts for the hostess, the co-worker, the neighbor, the pastor, the friend, the sister, the child, the person who helps you with your snow (it’s coming), and anyone you appreciate.  Here are some tips for gifts that don’t clutter, interfere with decor, or overwhelm.

Let’s begin with edible gifts.  If you know the person well, then you know their dietary restrictions and you can modify them accordingly.  To get you started:

* Nuts – think honey-roasted and smoke-flavors

* Fill pint jars with store-bought or homemade granola

(Get a big bag from Costco to make it simple)

* Bob’s Red Mill cornbread (they even have gluten-free) mix and

  pretty square glass dish

* Bob’s Red Mill pancake mix (gift with a wide spatula)

* Gourmet dark chocolate chips (Trader Joe’s)

* Hot cocoa mix (most people have enough mugs)

* Dried fruit

* Rao’s pasta sauce 

* Three cans of Progresso high-protein soups (Mediterranean-style

lentil, Southwest-style Black Bean, and Italian-style Bean & Pasta are especially delicious)

* Fresh or dried herbs 

* Martinelli’s sparkling cider or grape juice 

* Three individual smoothie or juice bottles

* Kind or granola bars in a pretty basket 

* A loaf of sourdough or pumpkin bread

* A small jar of jam or preserves 

Avoid throw pillows and seasonal blankets; everyone has their own style and you might miss the mark.  While slippers are traditional gifts, unless you know the person well, stick to one-size-fits-all gifts like socks, headscarves and hats.  These could also be tricky, as some people don’t wear wool or bright colors. Also steer clear of gifts that need upkeep like plants. Lotions and candles get tricky, but a mild-scented natural hand soap might be nice.

Creative gifts are an option, especially for children, like a set of markers and art paper, or a craft kit.  Make sure they are age appropriate and do not require adult help.  Older “kids” may like detailed coloring books, journals, and their own fine markers.  

Think lightweight if you need to mail a gift.  Good options might include garden gloves, garden flags, neutral potholders and flour sack towels, packing  pouches for travelers, totes and reusable shopping bags, a scarf and watercolor pencils.  Teens might like a new hairbrush or headband.

If you start early and pick up a few things each week, you’ll have the holidays well in hand, without that last-minute panic.  Relax and enjoy the season and the satisfaction of gift-giving.

Health Tip

The cool nights of Fall are perfect for sleeping.  In fact, temperatures in the low to mid 60s are ideal; cooler temperatures trigger melatonin production and promote deep, uninterrupted sleep.  

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/cant-sleep-adjust-the-temperature