I don’t know about you, but Christmas parties are currently running through my mind.
It might be due to the fact that when I hopped on facebook Saturday morning, the first five items that popped up on my newsfeed were pictures of five different couples that had gotten all fancy the previous night to attend their company Christmas party. I am not even exaggerating. It was a very pretty sight!
A few nights ago I got together with some girlfriends and we were discussing all things Christmas parties when I told them that one year I attended seven, I repeat, seven, Christmas parties. That’s what happens when you work on staff for a student ministry.
That year the White Elephant gift exchange was in full swing and by party seven, I was plum out of ideas. And I’ll admit, a little exhausted from the White Elephant. Why is he white anyway? Rabbit trails. I have become one with them.
And now this post is becoming more like the zoo. Rabitts and elephants. Gota love ‘em.
Anywho, I was in a bind for that last party and feeling kind of snarky, so I decided to create my own white elephant gift in the form of a homemade ornament.
You bet I did.
Later that night, this ornament ended up on my friend’s tree.
I know. It was a treasure. Truly a keepsake.
You wouldn’t be shocked to know that that was the last White Elephant gift exchange I participated in. I retired after that. (At any moment the elephant could resurface in my life, but for now I’m content without it.)
All of that got me thinking about some gifts you all could give that aren’t as high dollar. Who doesn’t love a good, affordable gift idea?
These are off the top of my head, but just go with me.
Need a gift? Look no further.
1. Nail polish. I don’t know about you, but I am a polish freak. I typically have a color on my nails at all times. Just ask my co-workers. You can even get some great nail polish brands and colors for under $10. OPI and Essie are my personal favorites. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a nail polish color with a name like “The Spy Who Loved Me” or “Chick Flick Cherry”? So fun.
2. Scarves. Let’s just say I may own a few or fifty. But y’all, you can find scarves for CHEAP. I love places like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s and Target for scarves. They come in plenty and they’re adorable.
3. I was about to say a potted plant, but I’m not so sure that’s very fun or cool, so I’m just going to leave it at that because who knows, one of your love languages might be the potted plant. And if so, you are my hero.
4. A Relaxation Basket: This might include foot scrub, bubble bath, maybe some fuzzy socks. Whatever makes you feel relaxed.
5. A coffee or tea mug. You know where I’m going with this. Add a bag of tea or coffee and voilia, you have a gift!
6. A journal and a good pen. Clearly there’s a difference between a good pen and a bad pen. Go for the good!
7. Big earrings. Yes. I love my pearl studs, but every now and then to throw a big earring set in the mix makes me feel extra girly all over again. You can find big, cheap earrings anywhere these days! And I do mean anywhere. I think I saw some at HEB, our grocery store, the other day.
8. A board game. My current favorite is a game called Quelf. However, if you lean more towards the shy side, this is not the game for you unless you’re in a group you can be 100% yourself around. But it’s so fun and you will laugh your head off at all the ridiculous things they make you do!
9. An iTunes gift card attached with a hand written note. You can buy pretty much any album on iTunes for $10, so you really can’t go wrong with this. And who doesn’t love a new CD? Did you also know that you can purchase an album on iTunes and have it sent to your friend? It’s magical and easy.
10. Of course, for those of you with a crafty side, anything homemade is so special. Much like my homemade ornament. But seriously, even a homemade loaf of banana bread, a homemade picture frame, a homemade wreath, etc. This is where Pinterest becomes your best friend. I like to think I’m crafty by simply pinning creating ideas. It’s pitiful!
If that’s not the bear minimum list I’m not sure what is. How about y’all spice it up a bit and add some of your ideas! I’d love to hear your creative gift giving ideas.
And by all means, if you feel led, please share a hilarious White Elephant gift you’ve received. This might just bless us more than we know.
Lastly, and only because it’s so fresh on my mind, I went to my first Christmas party of the season last night. It was with the team of people I get to serve with on a weekly basis at my church, Bayou City Fellowhip. They have become like family to me and getting to lead worship with them this past year has been one of the sweetest gifts! That’s the best kind of party, isn’t it? Stellar people, hot fajitas and no mention of the White Elephant. Grin.
I know this may not mean much to you, but we snapped this picture before we all scattered last night and it makes me so happy to look at. Some of the most genuine, sincere, humble people to serve with. I know some of you ladies feel the same way about teams you serve on. You get it. Thank you, Lord!
Hi Lindsee!
A potted plant IS my love language…one of them!
Also, I gotta explore this whole gifting-an-album-thru-iTunes-magic! Wow!
Candles are another go-to gift for me each season.
Merry Christmas!
If the potted plant is a poinsettia, I’m in. A beautiful poinsettia is definitely my love language. Don’t know if you can get a nice one for $10 anymore, though! 🙂
Actually, each year on Black Friday, Home Depot has beautiful poinsettias for 99 cents. There’s one on the desk of every person I work with. Keep it in mind for next year. It’s a huge score – and makes for a very festive and colorful office.
Merry Christmas!
Nail polish – My sister turned me onto an Essie color called Wicked. Very dark with a redish tinge. I have two coats on now, but I may try just one coat next time around so that you can see the red a bit better.
White Elephant – Last year we ended up with a huge pack of batteries at a White Elephant gift exchange and felt like we hit the White Elephant Jackpot. Anyone with small children knows that batteries at Christmastime is a huge score.
Cheap gifts – I have three words on this one – books, books, books.
Books! Yes! Great idea.
My favorite inexpensive give to give had been a small notebook or spiral bound notecards. I’d write a few verses on the first few pages that God led me to & let the rest blank. Kind of an encpuragement booklet. I love the nail polish & even lip gloss is a great idea. I’m a crafty person so I tend to do lots of ornaments & handmade scarves. I have to add a word of warning on a potted plant. Make sure your recipient likes them. Mine always get re gifted. With my two cats. They’re not plants, they’re snacks! LOL (and pointsettas are poisionous to kitties) I always pay attention to the details. A friend loves ladybugs, so I may get a ladybug mug or even a keychain. Inexpensive but personal.
Hey Lindsee! Flat out of creative ideas at the moment….but just had to jump on here and give a cheer! So happy to see your picture on the home page of the blog under contributors! When one of our siestas mentioned it last week, I was so happy she did. I hadn’t even realized you were not already there! And it is a great shot of you! I’ll try to be back later with some ideas! Love you sweet siesta! (Wow, sorry about the excessive use of exclamation points. Guess I’m excited!)
Oh girl! We love us some exclamation marks! 🙂
I love making gifts for people. My best friend and I have been friends for 32 years. She is Irish; therefore, she loves dark green and cream colors. So for Christmas, I am making her an afghan that is green and cream and it has 32 rows around it to signify the number of years we have been friends. The pattern is a granny square so it is easy to keep up with the number of rounds you do.
Socks!!! Who doesn’t love a pair of colorful, crazy patterned socks? Or, big fluffy warm comfy socks?
Oh yes, great idea! Trying to fill up a little bag with goodies for an acquaintance. Have a little candle, a B&BW Christmas pump soap and a Lifeway Devotional CD. Got room for 1-2 more things! Might have to pick up some cute/fluffy socks!
This year I am giving homemade soap. And yes I mean homemade. Now if working with lye is not your thing then try melt and pour soap. There are some cool things you can do with it. Still not your cup of tea get some fun soap from the store. Check out Bath and Body. They are having a sale on their soaps and candles. Ok after you have the soap put it with a bath poof or something like that. I sure you get the point.
Love the ornament. I have a white elephant to go to next week and I have not earthly idea what we are going to take.
Love homeade soap as a gift to receive and give. This year I found a vendor at the local farmer’s market and bought several bars to give away. I love that they are colored pretty and some even have flecks and specks of color. I may try to make some myself sometime.
I always like a new lip gloss too. Something in a natural that can go over about any lip color or by itself.
And I would never turn down a nice tin of cheddar, caramel and cinnamon popcorn!
I also love those big gaudy rings that are out now. They are fun and cheap!!!
A gift certificate for a simple manicure isn’t too expensive. I do my own nails too but one in a while I just need some good professional cuticle care…:)
A nice minty foot scrub and a pair of new slippers, please
Have a Merry Christmas, Siestas!
Lindsee,
I tend to give homemade cookies and candy for gifts but if I’m pressed for time(always..hahaha)a Tervis tumbler is my go to gift!I love love love them to give and receive them…haha!
Tessa
I’m a fan of food gifts—Last year, my mom and I made sorghum cookies and attached the bags of cookies to little jars of Sorghum with directions and a little bit about sorghum and why it’s actually healthy for you! This year, I’m considering home-made peanut butter cups and a little mason jar of home-made peanut butter…. those kinds of gifts are great for aunts and in-laws you aren’t necessarily incredibly close to in order to successfully buy personalized gifts—but you can still add some love by making it all home-made! And who doesn’t love yummy snacks at the holidays! I’m so excited to start working on Christmas gifts like these! 😀 Anyone have ideas for teenage girls? I’m at a loss for my two nieces… I have considered the i-Tunes route… any other ideas? Neither are terribly “girly”—so the nail polish is out. 😉
You can certainly never go wrong with a gift card for any teenage girl. Especially one to their favorite store!
We *still* have that ornament! We haven’t decorated our tree yet this year, but you never know, it just may be put on again 😉
Jaclyn! I am dying. I was secretly hoping one of you would see this post! Y’all were great sports.
My favorite gift to give this year is the movie “The Nativity Story”. Whenever I give a small gift I try to use a pretty
Wait. Lemme finish……. I try to use a pretty ornament instead if a ordinary bow on the package. Cracker Barrel has some pretty ones on sale already. Thanks and bye.
When you say “White Elephant” I associate a big, hairy, stuffed Orang-Utan I took home at the end of the night… nobody else wanted it. It looked almost too life-like perhaps.
But for semi-home made gifts, this year I filled some snowman mugs with truffles and wrapped them in clear foil, tied with a ribbon. Truffles are never wrong! 🙂
(btw I think it’s called White Elephant because white elephants are rare – and some of the items in those gift exchanges are so ugly, or… quirky/unique, shall we say, that they’re – well, one of a kind! 🙂
Lindsee,
You are a hoot and I miss your sweet self! It’s been a long time since we last chatted! Loved your gift ideas! So great to see that you’re doing well these days at LPM! I enjoy reading what the Lord has been showing you, and am thankful that I subscribed! Lots of phi lamb love and Merry Christmas!
Hi Ashley! So fun to hear from you! Thanks for popping in and saying hello. Much love to you, Sister!
Around here, we love Starbucks and Chik fil a gift cards! And most ladies get excited over holiday scented body lotions and lipglosses. And if you know someone loves books, gift cards for Half Price Books are fun. The receiver can get twice as much compared to a card for a regular bookstore.
Love nail polish! If you want to help a worthy cause, look at Colors For Hope…proceeds go to childhood cancer research. You can only order on-line.
My favorite gift is a nice smelling candle, soft music CD, and a bar of chocolate. The gift of relaxation 🙂
Sharon, that is so cool! Definitely going to check that website out. Those are the kinds of things I love hearing about. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve made several paper purses and added chocolate gold covered coins inside of them. Another gift idea: Make small containers of spice mixes for your favorite cuisine such as Mexican, Indian or Italian dishes. Include a recipe. Add a tag with the ingredients, a sentiment and ribbon. Or create a personal coupon book to help meet the needs of your special person such as; babysit for 1/2 day, make dinner, wash the car etc…
I just heard the story recently of why it is called a White Elephant.
Here it is from Wikipedia (I looked it up so I would get it right)
A white elephant is an idiom for a valuable but burdensome possession of which its owner cannot dispose and whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) is out of proportion to its usefulness or worth. The term derives from the story that the kings of Siam (now Thailand) were accustomed to make a present of one of these animals to courtiers who had rendered themselves obnoxious, in order to ruin the recipient by the cost of its maintenance. In modern usage, it is an object, scheme, business venture, facility, etc., considered to be without use or value.
I do like potted plants as presents. I have orchid plants that my Mom gave to me to celebrate the birth of each of my boys. They are still going, and blooming occasionally after 4 and 2 years respectively!
TEACHER and BFF GIFTS: I would love to make up a mini-facial gift for any of your children’s teachers or your BFF. Packets would include a microdermabrasion packet, night renewing serum and lip serum. Pamper those teachers and friends.
Lindsee great idea. Totally in love with you girl! My fave gift is microwaveable popcorn, movie theater candy, cute plastic glass and a great Dvd all stuffed inside a popcorn box/bowl you can get from the dollar store. About the white elephant gift… at our work the gift nobody wants but somebody always has to get (you must put it back into circulation at next years party) is “the leg”. It is a cancan girl’s leg that is supposed to be a hook/hanger for the wall. It comes with a certificate of authenticity after someone accidently broke it the year it was at their house. It is fun explaining to newbies the story behind the leg. It has been at our school Christmas party for almost two decades. Wouldn’t be the staff Christmas party without it. Love to you, Lynda
My fave thing to give is a frame with words describing your loved one. I like to use adjectives that begin with each letter of their name. Use Wordle.com it makes it fun and easy. Then just choose a nice frame. Its a great personal gift.
Melissa – What a fun idea!! I think the actual site is wordle.net – I had to search a bit to find it. I am going to make some of these.
Blessings,
Adrienne
Oops. Sorry.
Thanks Adrienne.
One of the funniest White Elephant gifts that circulated around in my Singles group for several years was a huge plastic mushroom wallhanging from the 1970’s! It showed up at Christmas parties, birthday parties, and even at a bridal shower! That brings back memories. 🙂
My oldest daughter has been buying inexpensive drinking glasses and glass mugs to pesonlize for her friends. using stickers and tape, she makes a design and monogram and then glass etching spray. This doesn’t cost much but the results look straight out if a pottery barn catalog!
Merry Christmas!
Nice shower gel or a bath foam! Usually can’t go wrong with these ones plus everybody takes a shower so it will be used! Merry Christmas and God Bless!
One year I found a stuffed beaver toy at a second hand store. I purchased it for my husband as a gag gift because he told me that when he was a Boy Scout he was in the beaver patrol – eager beavers, etc. I had my kids give it to their dad (they were aged 4-7) at the time. On Christmas Day our pastor called all the kids forward to talk about the best gift of Christmas, Jesus. He began by asking the kids if they gave their parents any gifts. Other kids raised their hands and started saying gifts like shaving kits, socks, golf balls, etc. My kids shouted out “A stuffed beaver.” The usually talkative pastor was at a loss for words. Finally he mumbled, “I’m sure he enjoyed your gift.” My husband and I chuckled for the rest of the service.
Regarding inexpensive gifts, Knitted washcloths wrapped around soap. I had the teenagers in our group make homemade bath salts (you can find a recipe online). There are great bake mix kits that you can give packaged in a mason jar. My son loves to garden and I found a kitchen window herb garden for his apartment. Praying you have an awesome Christmas.
At a Sunday School party one year, someone brought a box of Tuna Helper. The recipient absolutely HATED the stuff and was very vocal about it. That box of Tuna Helper made an appearance at Christmas parties for the next several years!
If you are short on cash, give the gift of your time. Free babysitting to a new Mom (or not-so-new), or free time to help someone with computer questions, yard work, etc.
Worst white elephant gift: losing lottery ticket:(
Thanks for all the great ideas and I am buying Quelf after your recommendation. It sounds like fun!
When I was in college the first time (I’m back in now) and had a lot of friends who were Mom’s my gift to them was always a coupon book of free babysitting for date nights. They were always a big hit!!! Since I’m single, I still love to offer this to my friends with children (now just whenever they need me) I love playing with the kids and the parents can enjoy a night out.
I absolutely love giving people a white chocolate, peanut, pretzel stick bark that I make! It is super easy!
Pick up a back of Almond Bark from Wal-mart (16oz- it’s always on their holiday baking display), Follow the directions on the package to melt it, stir in 2 cups of peanuts and 2 cups of pretzel sticks. Then spread it on wax paper and let it dry. Once it has hardened, break it up, and put it in containers, or in saran wrap with a bow!
I think my favorite think about this gift is that depending on how much I am making, 15 minutes – a couple hours of melting and stirring and I have a great gift for Sunday School teachers, girl friends, and those random people that end up on my gift list every year! 🙂
Fun, fun! Thanks for the ideas! I’m going to check out Quelf ~
My husband, (10 yr old) daughter and I were at a white elephant exchange. My husband pointed out at my daughter’s turn, “Get that one, the BIG oval one with a handle!” She did, unwrapped it, and it was a padded Christmas toilet seat! And do you know, not one of the adults after her tried to “relieve” her of the gift!?!? It’s a great story and we still break it out each year as we decorate the whole bathroom… but that’s another story:)
I wanted to say as I looked at the picture of all of you together, you can sense the love of God for each other there. it is a blessing to ha ve a church family, people to serve in ministry. I LOVE the gift ideas as well!!
Last year I saw a show on the Food Network showing how easy it is to make your own vanilla, so I tried it. and WhaLaaa it worked. So I gave my sister, sisters in laws, and coworkers, all a small bottle of vanilla, complete w/ a lable that said Made with love in Jill’s kitchen. They all loved it and some have even told me they hide it and only use it for special baking projects.
One year I made sugar scrubs (lemon, brown sugar vanilla) and put them in mason jars….. Easy, cheap, homemade thoughtful, and personal.
The most creative white elephant gift that I couldn’t get rid of was an old lawnmower engine! Who gives that away?? Cracked us all up and it ended up in the trash when I got home. But kudos for originality!
I like to give a planner for the new year to some of my girlfriends. The smaller size that will fit in a purse or tote bag.
Also CANDLES! Who does not love a good smelling candle?
You all are so much fun!
Thanks, Lindsee. Polish is a great idea and be sure to include a good base and top coat.
I don’t know about you all, but I love those candles that make a crackling sound. Wood wick candles I believe. There is a scent called “fireside.” It is wonderful. Cozy up next to one of those with some coffee, a blanket, and a good book and you’ve got yourself an affordable fireplace!
I love all the little gifts too…….gifts cards to Starbucks or big bangle bracelts! Fun stuff….but I think the most interesting white elephant gift I ever ended up with was a toilet plunger!! Yep, a plunger! LOL….just hope it was new/not used! But it did get a lot of laughs……
You and me both, Melanie! I was told mine was new. Let’s just hope it was! Ew.
Oh Lindsee! Your plunger would have been a great accessory for the Santa Claus toilet lid cover I got as a white elephant gift in a small group. After we moved to another state, our small group Bible study had a white elephant gift exchange, and I knew just the gift…yep! The Santa toilet lid cover! We kept it circulating for years at Christmastime one person gifting and another receiving! Great fun. We retired it last year. Sniff. 🙁
(Even a good joke gets old after a while.)
Regarding the plunger: I saw one as a part of a wedding display. It had been spray painted gold and was turned upside down with a spray of flowers and ivy planted in the rubber bowl and the stick placed into an arrangement of flowers on the table. It was a gorgeous arrangement! It left you saying,” I know that’s a plunger! Nah, no one would do that…oh yes, they did!” 😀
Shoot girl! I was hoping you were going to list WHITE ELEPHANT ideas! I’m out of ideas as well!
Peggy, if I come up with any I’ll certainly let you know. I know where to find you! However, I did receive a plunger one year. That’s an idea! Laughing.
Us poor college students love anything gift cards! Walmart, gas station, or the trusty visa! Any amount can be a blessing, and help us meet our everyday needs! These are sometimes my favorite gifts! 🙂
If you are looking for a dazzling pen, I know where you can get one… a hand-turned pen that will knock your socks off. My son, Jack, is going on another 2 month mission trip this summer and he raises his funds by selling his gorgeous pens that he makes. He has all prices. You can find him on fb at Pens by Jack.
All these ideas in this blog are fabulous! thanks so much!!
I love the popcorn tins and put a $5 movie with that and you have a evening of fun!
One neat gift I saw at a Christmas party this year was an assortment of cards – not the boxed variety – but individually purchased wedding, baby girl, baby boy, male birthday, female birthday, kid birthday and sympathy. They were purchased at the local dollar store where they probably cost less than $1 each so there was a nice assortment tied in a pretty ribbon. I thought that was a very practical gift that anyone would be glad to receive.
Christmas socks! Target has great ones. Most people won’t buy these for themselves, but they love to wear them.
Last year I bought several pairs at Macy’s after Christmas for 75% off — and I’m giving them this year. Also, last week I saw Christmas t-shirts at Macy’s for 75% off ($12.00) and I bought several and gave to the first friends I saw — just an extra treat.
I love getting kitchen tools. You can find all sorts for a good price. We got an issue of Chefs catalog a few weeks ago and I have several items circled. Gift cards for good restaurants are also great. Who doesn’t like to go out for a nice meal every once and awhile? Our little boy will be 3 in February. We’ve been thinking of some coloring books and crayons and bubbles for him. We found some from Crayola that only mark on the paper that comes with it instead of making a mark on the walls, doors, or other items. Definitely would suggest these for this age group.
Okay, Lindsee, you are adorable and I think we would be best friends. I really must know, where did you get that top you’re wearing in the picture??
And if I knew you in real life, I would totally make you an ornament with my face on it. 🙂
I know this is not really for everyone, but I really think a box of Keurig K-cups in a cool flavor (Dunkin Donuts has peppermint mocha) would be awesome for a coffee lover. It’s something new, and a treat!
You could put an insulated coffee mug in there too, and it would be MY LOVE LANGUAGE!!
I’m blessed to be in a neighborhood where several (maybe 5 or 6) neighbrors drop by a plate of cookieis or other goodies for each other each Christmas. Now, I LOVE cookies (eating and making) but have had precious little time to do the latter the last few years. So I’ve given the following gifts:
Birthday Cake for Jesus Kit. Mixing Bowl, Box of cake mix, can of frosting, wooden spoon, dish towel. Arrange the elements (and add other stuff or not, spend a lot on elements, or not), tie with a big bow – tuck a single birthday candle into the bow and let reciepient know that singing Happy Birthday Jesus is a tradition your family/kids/roommates have enjoyed and you’d love to share with them this year. Note: I know these neighbors and knew they wouldn’t be freaked out… well, maybe a couple were, but some have made this a regular part of their holidays now.
Snow Man Kit. I bought mine online and it was the best $10 or so I’ve spent per family in our neighborhood. You can prob find them online. Live in Texas? 🙂 Online again: buy some “make your own snow” it’s fake ‘just add water’ stuff that can keep for quite awhile. Put it in a snowflake mug or finger towel with snow motif.
Last year I gave a puzzle keepers with a small puzzle for each family, but I had found out they’re all as hooked on puzzles as I am – if I didn’t know that I prob wouldn’t have gone there. I honestly have to avoid puzzles or hours will go by and children we be left unfed. It’s dangerous.
Lindsee – the ornament is hilarious. We pull names among sibs for Chrismas gifts and one ‘required item’ is an UGLY ornament and a CD of any kind. Fun to see what garbage we’ve picked for eachother each year. Your ornament is FAR to beautiful to qualify for our exchange.
LOVE you all!!
The White Elephant gift I received this year is called the foot thing. It’s basically this odd looking thing to put your foot on in the shower so you can shave easier. Except that my shower is teeny and if I tried to balance on one leg to put the other foot on that thing I will probably die 🙂 Lol I love white elephant!