So, it’s that time of year to buy presents if you haven’t already done so. Is it just us that are feeling like life is EXPENSIVE! It feels like as soon as money comes in, it just goes straight out. Besides the cost factor of buying presents, for me personally, some of my best presents have been the ones that have had the most thought involved and haven’t cost very much.
Presents that are made or given with love, care and attention and with ME in mind really are the best ones. Ok, I better be clear just in case my husband reads this post. I’m not saying a trip to the Maldives wouldn’t be HUGELY appreciated 😉 but sometimes, presents really are about the thought and not the value of the item. With that in mind, here are some ideas for presents to give each other that cost practically nothing.
1. A MASSAGE
I’m not talking about paying someone else to give you a massage. I’m talking about doing it yourselves. Set the room up as if you were going for a professional massage. Light candles, play music, use massage oil. You can even make your own oil and spend very little if you don’t already have one at home. (Here is a recipe for making your own one from coconut oil from The Radiant Life Blog.) Give it the time it’s needed. Who wouldn’t want this as a present?
2. A VOUCHER BOOKLET
Give each other vouchers to be redeemed whenever you want. Vouchers can be for things that are not material but nonetheless very appreciated. Things like a foot massage, dinner made for the week. In fact, most of these free ideas can be put in a voucher booklet like I have done. Have a look at my free printable Voucher Booklet for you to download and you’re sorted!
3. A DAY OFF
How does the sound of a whole day off sound to you? No kids, no husband/wife/partner. Just you! To do whatever you want. This gift costs nothing other than a bit of energy from whoever is giving it and is probably the most appreciated and needed gift from the one who is receiving it.
4. A LOVE LETTER
I don’t know about you but often the best part of a present from my husband is the card that comes with it. There is something about giving a present to someone that gives you the opportunity to write down how you feel about them. The things we sometimes forget to say. At the end of the day, feeling loved and appreciated by the people we love is probably one of the best gifts we can receive and give. So write freely. Don’t worry about whether it is well written or not. If it comes from your heart, it will be perfectly written.
5. A SEXUAL FAVOUR
Ok, so you can totally tell that my husband helped me come up with this idea ;). Just remember that foreplay doesn’t necessarily start just prior to the deed. It can start a few days in advance with surprise post-it notes, whats app messages, stolen kisses…you get the idea.
6. A PICNIC IN THE GARDEN
I know I would be very happy to come home to a surprise picnic set up in the garden (nudge, nudge, wink, wink to my husband reading this). If you don’t have a garden, you can set something up in your lounge. Once again, light some candles, play some music, get some snacks that you can feed to each other and enjoy a picnic without having to go anywhere or even pay a baby sitter.
7. A MIX CD/PLAYLIST
Make a CD or playlist of all your loved one’s favourite songs. You can make a playlist for dance songs, love songs, whatever they like. There is nothing better than having all your favourite songs right there for you to listen to whenever you want and to know that someone put all that energy into making it for you makes it extra special.
8. A MOVIE NIGHT
Along the same lines, put together a slide show of all your favourite pictures, moments, videos that you’ve shared together over the years. It’ll be even better if you add music to it and once again, set the mood for the movie night. Make some popcorn, light candles and enjoy the movie that is your life!
9. BREAKFAST IN BED
Remember those days of lazing in bed, with a cup of tea/coffee and reading your book? If you have kids, these days are probably a long forgotten memory somewhere. Lazy days in bed are something to be relished so if you can give this gift, give it. I am pretty sure it will be received very well!
10. HOMEMADE BISCUITS
There are some goodies my husband loves and I just know go down well with him. Shortbread biscuits are one of them and cheesecake is another. Make something that they love. If you’re not much of a baker, then maybe it’s their favourite meal. Remember that the gift is also in the details of the presentation and the build up. If you’re making biscuits, wrap them with tissue paper or put them in a pretty box, use some ribbon or string and attach a love note. If you’re making dinner, print out a menu, wear nothing but an apron ,light candles, make it special.
Do you have any other ideas to add? Please share if you do! 🙂
This is great!! The voucher idea for friends and family too is a fantastic gift…
So glad you like it Jess! 🙂