Little Big Gifts

I'm sure that by now, everyone has seen their fair share of Christmas gift lists, I know I have. In fact, I wasn't even planning on putting a list together for that very reason. I like the idea of gift-giving around Christmas but I also think that the commercialization and expectations of gifting during this time of year can get a bit stressful.

Gift-giving, especially over Christmas should come from the heart. It's a time of year to spread love and cheer to those closest to us, and as a Christian who celebrates Christmas, it is symbolic of the love God has for us, who sent Christ into the world as a gift to us.

Below is a collection of small ideas that are thoughtful yet not excessive, simple, useful, little things that one might not necessarily splurge on for themselves but are lovely gestures to receive as a gift.

P.S., I know Christmas is in only a few days, but don't forget there are twelve days of Christmas, so technically you have till January 5th to give your final Christmas gift!

For the friend who likes to stay busy: Puzzles are a great way to wind down and also keep your mind busy. I love the sense of accomplishment you get after finding each piece. Bonus, this one looks great on any coffee or kitchen table.

For the friend that's always cold: This is probably everyone in Wisconsin. There's no better way to show your love than to keep your friends warm. I love that these are also handmade, look beautiful, and will last.

For your friend who loves carbs: for the most luxurious butter spreading experience. Need I say more?

For the plant mom/dad friend: I haven't grown paperwhites in ages, and never indoors, so I can't truly speak to this personally (yet) but I've been wanting them so badly this year because I love the way they look and they're also supposed to be foolproof.

For the friend who wishes they had a fireplace: This is the time of year Derek and I always say how badly we want a fireplace, so we end up lighting a ton of candles instead. Bonus is these ones have those really great wooden wicks which feel extra cozy.

For the foodie friend: Smoked Maldon salt just adds a little je ne sais quoi when sprinkled across a soup or stew, or even mac and cheese. This definitely isn't a necessity, which makes it the perfect little gift for those in your life who like to cook or enjoy being maybe a little extra.

For the elegant friend: Keep your winter hair and skin hydrated while smelling like pure class. This is a personal favorite of mine.

For the festive friend: For the friend who can never have too much decoration. And FYI, the entire online shop for East End Press is adorable.

For the baker friend: For the friend in your life who makes you cookies, get them the gift of good vanilla. Even if they already have some in the cupboard, they'll be thankful for more as quality vanilla is still an investment.

For the friend who's always cleaning up messes: Before you write off giving a stain remover as a gift, hear me out. Getting spaghetti sauce out of your shirt will never feel so elegant or smell so good, trust me. And yes, this stuff works.

For the hydrated friend: I've been using Kishu charcoal to purify my water for a few years now and I'm convinced there's no better way. The water tastes amazing, and this is a super eco-friendly and easy way to do it. These sticks last for a while and when you're done, you can feed the charcoal to your plants.

For the friend who owns a diffuser: Whenever I buy diffuser oil, I feel like I'm really splurging because let's be real, it's not a necessity...but it smells so nice! Spoil your friend, get them oils.