Fave Five: Last-Minute Gifts for Coworkers

This time of year can get a little awkward at the office.  Will you give cards or gifts to none?  Some?  Everyone?  I have around 30 coworkers, and I wanted to find something that I could give to everyone. Here are my ideas.

Edibles and Drinkables: If you're giving Christmas cards anyway, you can tuck a small edible gift into the envelope for pennies more.  You could pick something seasonal like a candy cane, a individually-wrapped tea bag, or a piece of (wrapped) candy or chocolate.  If you're feeling a little more ambitious, you can make individual treat bags.

I'll think of the friend who sent me
this lovely animal- print stationary
set all year long.

Personalized Office Supplies: You can find pretty or cheeky note pads in Target or Michael's dollar sections.

Ornaments: As I mentioned in last year's $5 and under gift guide, I love the way ornaments serve as tangible reminders of people and times in my life.  You can easily find ornaments for one to three dollars.

Lottery Tickets: A $1 scratch ticket could be the gift that keeps on giving.  Many coworkers already play the lottery together, and if it pays off you could be giving the gift of early retirement... or maybe one could at least cover lunch.

Hand Sanitizer: This is what each and every of my coworkers received this year.  I punched a hole in my Christmas post card and attached a hand sanitizer with a little lanyard.  Ta da!  Inexpensive, easy, and fairly unisex. Total cost including card: $1.14 each.  Extra points for using up last year's Christmas cards, but I didn't work here last year, so it's new to everyone.

This what my coworkers received this year.
Merry Christmas, sanitize your hands!

Hey!  For once this list doesn't contain affiliate links!  Good for me.  Make sure to check out my other last-minute gift guides, and merry Christmas (if it's your thing)!

Fave Five: Gifts for Photographers

Photography can be an expensive hobby, but gifts for your photographer friends don't have to be.  These gifts like these can be had for $25 or less.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.  I have and love Amazon Prime.  Not only do I like the near-instant gratification of free two-day shipping, we haven't had cable television for over a year because we stream movies and TV shows from Prime.

Image Credit: Amazon
Camera cufflinks!

Jewelry: I like jewelry to express my hobbies and interests.  Ok, fine.  I just like jewelry, but I would be thrilled to have a camera necklace or earrings to express my love of shooting things.  For the man in your life- camera cufflinks!

Image Credit: Amazon
This is not a lens, it's a coffee mug.
And it's really cool.

Camera Lens Mug: One of my friends is getting this for Christmas.  Combining coffee and cameras is usually a bad idea, but it seems like a great idea with this mug.

Lens Cleaning Kit: It's just the thing for cleaning up after you accidentally pour coffee into you lens instead of your lens-shaped coffee cup.  (Joke.  Don't do that.)  A little kit that fits in a camera bag is infinitely handy.  We ended up trekking all over Paris looking for lens-cleaning wipes or a kit, and that took away time from eating pastries and drinking wine.  Give your friends the gift of time for pastries and wine.

Photography Books and Magazines: Have you figured out that I like books and magazines?  You should see how much I check out from the library.  Yes, I think they make great gifts.  There are books and magazines for every skill level of photographer to provide instruction and information.  Hooray for the written word!

Printing Gift Certificates: Most people use digital cameras now, and one disadvantage to that trend is that many photos never make it out of electronic limbo.  Shutterfly, Zazzle, and other sites offer gift certificates that allow your friend to order prints, custom stationary, and more embellished with their best shots.

Happy gifting!

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Gifts for Experienced Crafters

In case you missed it, I posted gift ideas for new crafters earlier today.  Experienced crafters can be easier or more difficult to shop for.  They know what they like, but they might already have it.  Luckily many crafters tend to me somewhat obsessive, so there is always another gift to give.  Click any of the links below for easy purchase suggestions.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.

Image Credit: Amazon
Someone buy me these crafty earrings.
Right now.

Crafty Jewelry: By and large, crafters like to talk about their crafts. Knitting or sewing-themed accessories tell the world your friend is a crafty, crafty woman.

Decadent Supplies: For the knitter or crocheter, sumptious yarns with fancy fibers like silk, alpaca, or even cashmere.  For beaders, precious or semi-precious beads.

Image Credit: Amazon
These rainbow-hued, double-pointed
needles are beautiful to see and use.

Upgraded Tools: Check your friend's craft tool box.  If she has some tools that are showing their age or if there are some that might be missing.  Last year my mother-in-law gave me beautiful, double-pointed needles that are as lovely as they are functional.  With the gift of tools, you know your friend will think of you as they are crafting throughout the year.

Books and Magazines: One of the many wonderful things about crafting is that there is always something else to learn.  Books can teach advanced techniques and offer inspiration, while magazines have the latest trends and topics.

Storage and Organization: Another trend I've noticed among crafters... their crafts can get a little out of control.  There are many options for boxes, totes, and more to keep crafts organized at home and on the move.  (Note: I wouldn't give this gift to someone I didn't know well.  You don't want anyone to think you're calling them cluttered.)

Craft on!

You can also check out my gift guides including quick crocheted gifts, quick handmade gifts, and gifts under $5.

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Gifts for Crafting Noobs

'Tis the season to be shopping... and the deadline is drawing near to have gifts in time for Christmas.  If you would like to give the gift of craftiness this year, here are five ways to help your friends and family acquire a new hobby.  Click any of the links below for easy purchase suggestions.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.

Image Credit: Amazon
A "class in a box" has the tools, materials,
and instructions needed to introduce
anyone to a new craft. 

Kits: Kits provide a self-contained craft experience.  Look for kits that come with the tools and supplies needed to complete the project, so the crafting noob won't be frustrated.  My friend Nancy (who also encouraged me to start crocheting) sent me an cross-stitch kit for Christmas last year.  The kit allowed me to try a new craft without the commitment of purchasing a large quantity of supplies and tools.  There are kits for beginning knitters, crocheters, beaders, embroiderers, and most any art or craft you can imagine.

Classes:  Many craft stores offer instructional classes.  Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics both have class lists on their website, or check your local, independent craft stores for their class offerings.

Image Credit: Amazon

Magazine Subscriptions:  Subscriptions are the gift that keep on giving.  New and experienced crafters can get inspiration and instruction delivered to their home on a monthly basis.  I subscribe to Crochet!, Crochet Today!, and Knit Simple.  Magazines were especially helpful when I was first learning to see the spectrum of possible projects.  Magazines typically have projects with varying levels of difficulty, so they continue to be useful as your friend's skills progress.

Quality Tools:  Good tools can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a frustrating one.  I've received a two sets of nice crochet hooks, one set of Bamboo Crochet Hooks and one set of Soft Touch Crochet Hooks, and they were a big improvement over my cheap aluminum hooks.  Quality tools don't have to be expensive, and they are more than worth it when they save your friend's sanity.

Image Credit: Amazon

Good tools make any craft more fun.

Craft Subscriptions: There are craft of the month clubs for every interest, and still others that send a variety of crafts to try.  There is yarn of the month, Simply Beads kit of the month, and the Creative Woman Club.  A little googling reveals many more.

The gift of craftiness can be an enduring legacy, long after the kit is made, class is taken, and magazine is read.  Give it it this year!


You can also check out my gift guides from last year including quick crocheted gifts, quick handmade gifts, and gifts under $5.

Check back later for five gift ideas for experienced crafters.

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Gift Ideas Under $5

It really is the thought that counts, and truly thoughtful gifts don't need to cost a lot of money.  We still have a few days to check those last few people off our lists.

Image Credit: Target
These are so cool.

• Lip Balm: Cold, dry winter air makes chapped lips.  Chapped lips are miserable.  Save your friends from misery by including a nice lip balm with their card or other gifts.  This year I'm giving Chapstickto many of the men on my list because men get chapped lips too, people.  I've given Softlips to my female coworkers many years.  
• Ornaments: Many of the ornaments on our Christmas tree were gifts from friends and family members.  Every time I receive an ornament as a gift I write the year and the person's name in an inconspicuous place, then I think of that person as I decorate the tree every year after.  Ornaments can be found to perfectly suit any taste, interest, and budget, and perfectly matching the present to the recipient is the key to any thoughtful gift.
• Goody Double Wear Hair Elastics: Those of us with long hair know it can be a hassle sometimes.  Goody Double Wear Hair Elastics are terrific because they do double duty as jewelry and hair accessory.  When you are enjoying your long locks, the elastic plays the role of necklace or bracelet.  When your mane is making you insane, you can wear them as headbands or ponytailers.  Target has a wide selection.  That is a lot of accessory power starting at just $4.99.
• Office Accessories: Michaels and Target both routinely have cool stationary in their dollar sections.  I find a few coordinating pieces and package them together.  Lovely note pads, stationary, and the like make the home and office a little brighter all year long.  Sometimes Target even has some manly note pads.  I stock up on note cards for myself and as gifts.
• Keychain Flashlight: I wouldn't have thought to give these, but I received on as a gift and I use it all the time.  You may have to do a little searching, but you can find fairly nice ones for under $5.  Look for models that are ultra compact and use LEDs for the optimum in size, weight, and brightness.

I like to package my small gifts like these with a card and a few pieces of festive candy in a small cellophane gift bag.  

*This post contains affiliate links.  This is not a sponsored post.  

Fave Five: Quick Handmade Gifts

Christmas is fast approaching, but there is still time for last-minute handmade gifts.  As I mentioned in my quick crocheted gifts post, I love giving gifts, and I love that handmade gifts let me show that I care while stretching my gifting dollars.

Here are five more ideas for quick, easy handmade gifts. These are perfect for friends, coworkers, or as stocking stuffers.

• Instant Russian Tea: I like giving consumable gifts.  If the recipient enjoys them, you can gift the same thing again and again, and they don't have to give the gift a permanent space in their lives.  That can be key for many of us who have too much stuff already.  Russian Tea is a hot beverage that I was introduced to by Stephen and his family.  It is a mysterious concoction of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juices, tea, and cloves.  An instant version of the brew is perfect for gifting.
  
  Instant Russian Tea Mix:
  1 1/3 c. Orange Flavored Tang
  1/3 c. instant tea with lemon
  1/2 c. sugar
  1 tsp ground cinnamon
  1/2 tsp ground cloves
  
  Mix all ingredients.  Store in a tightly sealed container.  To gift, portion the mix into mason jars.  To prepare, mix about 2 tablespoons of powder (or to taste) with 8 oz hot water.
  
  If Russian Tea isn't your thing, try instant chai tea mix.  Either mix could be tweaked to reduce the sugar content for friends and family with dietary restrictions.
  

• 

  Wood, glass, metal, and acrylic beads
  combine for a one-of-a-kind bracelet

  Memory Wire Bracelets: Memory wire bracelets make great gifts.  They fit virtually any wrist.  They do not have clasps, so they are perfect for people who might not be able to fasten a bracelet (such as seniors).  They can be made in any color or pattern to suit any taste.  I like making memory wire bracelets with mismatched beads.  I sort them by color then, when I have enough, I thread them onto a spool of memory wire.
  Memory wire bracelets are also nice because they don't require a lot of equipment to make.  If you have a pair of multi-use jewelry pliers, some beads, and a spool of memory wire you're set.
  
• Fishing Lure Earrings: I've had many compliments from friends and strangers on the fishing lure earrings I made during my Crafty New Year month in January.  They are perfect for outdoors-women or friends with a funky aesthetic.
  
•  Acorn Earrings: Acorn earrings are another Crafty New Year project that would make an excellent Christmas present.  Nature lovers on your list will appreciate the earthy feel.
  
• Embroidered Gifts: You can combine the ease of a store-bought gift with the sentiment of a hand crafted one by embellishing purchased items with embroidery.  I have embroidered canvas totes, towels, clothing, and more for myself and friends.  I particularly enjoy personalized gifts, so I often embroider the recipient's name.  I start by drawing my design in pencil on the item to be embroidered.  The pencil should come out once the item is washed.  Once I have a pattern I like, I stitch over the design.  This is another crafted gift that you can customize to the recipient.  Your design can be anything from subversive to traditional.  Embroidery is easy, low-stress, and requires a minimum of investment in supplies and equipment.  If you're new to embroidery, Sublime Stitching has excellent tutorials for a variety of techniques.

Embroidered kitchen towels are a store-bought
gift with a personal touch.

Tomorrow I'll share a few of my favorite inexpensive, store-bought gift ideas for the craft-impaired.

Happy crafting!

* This post contains affiliate links.

Fave Five: Quick Crocheted Gifts

Christmas is coming!  I know.  I know.  It's barely December, but I love Christmas.  I look for the perfect gifts for friends and family all year, and now I'm in the midst of crafting to complete my gift list.  I love handmade gifts.  I think of handmade gifts as a way of showing the recipient that they are worth more than money.  They are worth your time.  From a practical point of view, handmade gifts can allow you stretch your gift-giving dollars to even more loved ones.

Most of the items I've crocheted have been gifts for friends and family.  Many of those gifts have taken weeks or even months to complete, but sometimes I just don't have that long.  Sometimes I want a little something extra to add to a gift I've already made or purchased, and sometimes I unintentionally overlooked someone in my gift planning and I scramble so they don't feel unloved.  Here are five of my favorite lightning quick crochet projects.  Each project can be completed in an hour or less.  Sometimes quite a bit less.

I made a matching dish cloth and potholder set by making
three nubby scrubbies dishcloths and then crocheting two
together to make the pot holder,

• Dishcloths or Pot Holders:  Dishcloths and pot holders are great for a number of reasons.  They are quick; they are practical, and, if the recipient likes them, you can gift them year after year.  I like the Nubby Scrubbies and the Snowflake Dishcloth patterns.  Both patterns are free on Ravelry.
• Crocheted Neckaces:  I made Beaded, Crocheted Necklaces for the friends who went on our trip to the Dominican Republic this fall.  They could be customized with any charm or memento that represents your connection with the gift's recipient.  
• Crochet-Embelished Hoop Earrings: I first noticed crochet-embelished hoop earrings with the Lotus Earring pattern in the July/August issue of Crochet Today! magazine.  (If you crochet and don't already subscribe to Crochet Today!, you can subscribe for just $5 on Amazon through December 3.)  You can also find a number of free patterns for crocheted hoop earrings available from Ravelry.  These earrings can be funky, elegant, chunky, or delicate, depending on who you have in mind as the recipient.  

Hoop earrings small and large can be embellished with crochet.
Instructions are easily modified to fit any size earring.

• Amigurumi Ornaments: Who wouldn't love Teeny Tiny Lobsters to decorate their Christmas Tree or just their desk?  If lobsters aren't your thing, you can try Teeny Tiny Turtles or Bunnies.  You could use these to decorate gift wrapping.
• Collar or Scarf:  If you have someone in your life who, like me, aspires to try the Peter Pan Collar trend, the Georgette Collar is the perfect gift.  For men, one hour and one skein of super bulky yarn can yield a perfect gift that can be enjoyed all winter.

You can find more free crochet projects by visiting Ravelry.com and searching for free patterns.

I'll be working on these and other crocheted gifts as I spend time in airports and airplanes in the coming weeks.  What is your favorite quick gift idea?  I have more coming soon.