There’s no way to sugarcoat it: 2020 has been difficult and frustrating. For many, it’s also been lonely, as many of the events we’d looked forward to were cancelled. Birthdays came and went. Family and friend traditions had to be forgone or reimagined. And while we all know the pandemic is temporary, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your loved ones when you can’t spend as much quality time face-to-face. This holiday season, we are all craving connection — and that’s why these thoughtful, personalized and handmade items make the perfect gift.
Personalized Name Necklace
Maybe your friend gave birth to their first child, but you’ve yet to meet the little nugget in person due to health precautions. Or, your pal got engaged, and you want to celebrate their special date and place. You can engrave whatever you’d like on this simple and classic gold-plated necklace.
Etsy.com, $72
Personalized Recipe Book
Your grandmother’s killer apple pie. Your aunt’s flaky, perfect, bread rolls. Your dad’s marinade. All families have recipes that the whole gang enjoys, but do you have them all in one place? Now you can, with this personalized recipe book that can hold all the cooking secrets of your fam.
Etsy.com; $38
READ MORE: The 30 Best Gifts Under $100 This Holiday Season
Wooden Stars Cutting Board
IEven if you can’t hug your family and friends this year, you can remind them of all of the ways they’ve made your world brighter and better with this special, handcrafted cutting board.
Etsy.com, $68
Peace, Love, and Wine Mommy and Me Set
Your sister was a rockstar. She not only went through pregnancy, but she endured labor during the middle of a pandemic. These days, she’s wrangling a newborn and often doing it with a smile. Give her this funny set that says what she really needs: Wine. And more of it, please!
Etsy.com, $40
Wedding Keepsake Box
Couples faced an impossible decision this year to cancel or reschedule their weddings. After months of planning — and a lifetime of dreaming — it was a sad choice to make. If a family member or a beloved friend didn’t get to have the celebration they had hoped for, consider giving them this personalized keepsake box. It can keep sweet reminders of their smaller ceremony, and help them find a silver lining in the madness.
Amazon.com, $99
Custom Dogfather Beer Glass
If you were among the many who adopted a puppy this year, you probably realized how difficult it is to care for an infant dog. Cheers to your partner in crime — aka, your spouse — who was right there with you, cleaning up accidents, struggling with little sleep and falling in love with your tiny monster.
Etsy.com, $17
READ MORE: The Most Popular Gifts For The 2020 Holiday Season
Personalized Christmas Stocking
This year, it’s essential to decorate for the holidays. Even if it’s not usually your style, adding cheer, color and excitement to the same four walls you’ve been surrounded by for months will help to brighten your spirits and boost your mood. Consider gifting personalized stockings like these for everyone in the family.
Etsy.com, $16
Custom Address Stamp
One of your best friends bought a house this year – yay! But they couldn’t have a housewarming party because of COVID-19. Celebrate this monumental purchase and life milestone with a custom stamp. They will appreciate the gesture and put it to good use for many years to come.
Etsy.com; $20
Baby Felt Taco Headband
Taco Tuesday anyone? Your co-worker’s baby likely isn’t big enough for Mexican fare quite yet, but you can make them smile with this handmade, sweet gesture. It’s definitely an Instagram-worthy gift!
Etsy.com, $18
READ MORE: Cheap And Easy Holiday Hacks: Wrapping Gifts For Less
Pottery Mug
Over the last several months, we have learned to find value in the everyday moments of life. Like waking up to a fresh cup of coffee and watching sunbeams through our windows. To whoever has made this year full of joy, consider gifting them this beautiful, one-of-a-kind mug. Each day when they wake up to face another day, they will think of your kind gesture.
Etsy.com; $35
MORE ON HOLIDAY SPENDING FROM HERMONEY:
- Create an effective holiday budget — start early, be cutthroat.
- Incorporate these six painless ways to save money on gifts.
- Clear your head and master your holiday spending with these mind-over-money tips from behavioral economist Dan Ariely.
JOIN US: How are you handling the pressures of holiday spending? Join us in the private HerMoney Facebook group and share your money saving tips — and pick up a few new ones!