{"id":47648,"date":"2022-12-01T10:06:05","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T15:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/?p=47648"},"modified":"2022-12-01T10:06:06","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T15:06:06","slug":"inexpensive-gift-ideas-for-the-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2022\/12\/01\/inexpensive-gift-ideas-for-the-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Inexpensive gift ideas for the holiday season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gift-giving for all your loved ones can be a lot of fun and super satisfying, but it\u2019s usually tough on the wallet. This year, don\u2019t break the bank for the holidays. This gift guide is specially curated to help you find or make gifts that are affordable and personal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift thrift<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not secondhand, it\u2019s vintage<\/em>. I love finding unique, previously-loved pieces for my friends, especially since it\u2019s eco-friendly. And I often find that they're really grateful that I took the time to find something beautiful and antique. Here are a few trusted shops in Toronto where you can start your present hunt. Don't forget to wash before gifting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First & Last Coffee Shop, 346 Dupont St<\/strong>
Don\u2019t be fooled by the name. This shop has so many wonderful home and kitchen knick-knacks. Super budget-friendly and brilliantly curated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bungalow, 273 Augusta Ave<\/strong>
Located in Kensington Market, this shop has home goods and clothing. There are even new items you can browse if you have room to splurge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
You could always give a gift to yourself\u2014if you've been nice this year. Photo: Michael M.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Courage My Love, 14 Kensington Ave<\/strong>
Another Kensington spot, because we love supporting local businesses! This highly-rated shop has vintage apparel, home goods and curated jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Market, 347 Queen St W<\/strong>
This list would be incomplete without mentioning this iconic store. A great place to shop for cool vintage tees and casualwear. And if I recall correctly, they have a great selection of sunglasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Changing Nest, 572 Annette St<\/strong>
You\u2019ll find vintage and new home decor here. Plus, you could always go for a walk in High Park before or after your trip. Make a day out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make art, not debt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Creating something beautiful is always in fashion. I know my little sister loves it whenever I create something for her even if I think it\u2019s silly and amateur. It\u2019s truly the thought that counts, a clich\u00e9, yes, but still the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross stitch project<\/strong>
With a little time, focus and $10, you can craft up a super precious cross-stitch project<\/a> that can be gifted as a piece of wall art. You can free-hand it or find one with a design guide, artist\u2019s choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cross<\/a>
Simply the cutest! Photo: American Patchwork & Quilting Editors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Knit a coaster<\/strong>
If you ever wanted to take up knitting, this is your sign. Pick up those needles. This beginner project could be completed in an hour, according to one website.<\/a> But, don\u2019t wait until the last minute \u2013 there will be no 11:59 p.m. submission deadline to motivate you to the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIY personalized mug<\/strong>
I once did this craft for my closest friends and it was a total hit. The designs lasted a super long time \u2013 I\u2019m talking years of washes. All you really need is the right mug, Sharpie markers and an oven. Here\u2019s a how-to guide to get you started.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood slice ornament<\/strong>
When I was a kid, I did this craft at camp and I have been obsessed ever since. You can easily buy the supplies in an art store or on Etsy<\/a>, where you can support small businesses. The wood slices can be decorated with paint or marker<\/a>, just make sure you seal your design with Mod Podge or the like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
I love the rustic look of these ornaments. It's very Canadiana, without the Hudson Bay prices. Photo: SweetLittleSpruce\/Etsy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Baked with love<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The way to so many people\u2019s hearts is through their stomachs. Here are a few sweet recipes that make great gifts. They\u2019re low on effort, and ingredients, preserve well and can be gifted in a pretty bag with a bow. Martha Stewart is shaking. PS: Hit up Bulk Barn on their student discount day for extra savings.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three-ingredient sugar cookies<\/strong>
No chilling time. Recipe linked.<\/a> You\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gorgeous, gorgeous brownies<\/strong>
This recipe calls for 5 ingredients<\/a> and it\u2019s super easy to whip up. WARNING: Do not overbake. It may look a little raw if you do a toothpick test at the end of baking time but\u2014trust me, I have experience\u2014do not stick her back in the oven. She\u2019s delicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingerbread blondies<\/strong>
In 30 minutes, you can have a super decadent holiday treat.<\/a> This recipe has a few more ingredients than the others on this list but it\u2019s totally worth it for the Christmas flavours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gingerbread
Look at the cross-section goodness. The recipe is linked above. Photo: Arman Liew<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Christmas bark
<\/strong>I love, love, love this dessert. It\u2019s so easy, customizable and a perfect host\u2019s gift. The base is mostly chocolate, the rest is up to you!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leave a comment below to share your affordable gift ideas with other readers! Happy Holidays! - Bri<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\n
\nGift-giving for all your loved ones can be a lot of fun and super satisfying, but it\u2019s usually tough on the wallet. This year, don\u2019t break the bank for the holidays. This gift guide is specially curated to help you…\n<\/div>
Continue reading “Inexpensive gift ideas for the holiday season”<\/span>…<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>
Continue reading “Inexpensive gift ideas for the holiday season”<\/span>…<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":47665,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47648"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47648"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47683,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47648\/revisions\/47683"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47665"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}