Recently, a Fox News pundit said that adults did not give gifts. In her opinion, the best way to still afford Christmas this year is to focus only on kids ages 3 to 18, since adults do not need gifts. Although this idea is hard to believe, we’ve all been told it at some point. Since I became an aunt, I’ve unconsciously gone crazy over Christmas for my niece.
My family and I have invested more in getting my niece Christmas gifts than in doing anything meaningful for ourselves, because we are the adults. However, my time as a solo female traveler instilled in me a need not only to give gifts but also to receive them, even gifting myself when I am in a country alone without friends or family.
As the holiday season approaches and many wish to forego this Christmas because of the economy, I wanted to highlight the lessons I’ve learn about gifting on a budget from my adventure around the world. Hence, this post will discuss the importance of gifting yourself during the holidays and also giving gifts to other adults. Lastly, it will offer 6 gift ideas for yourself or the adults in your life, without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in.
The Importance of Giving to Yourself
There seems to be a cutoff point for when a person should stop wanting or enjoying themselves. When we see adults doing what they love, like traveling, spending $5 on a small cup of coffee at Starbucks, or treating themselves to something many view as frivolous, we tend to label them as irresponsible. Adults are supposed to save, pay bills, and save even more. Society continuously teaches us to save for a rainy day. We do not learn to enjoy ourselves or how to bring joy to ourselves. Hence, many adults struggle to spend on themselves.
I, too, fell under the social pressure always to save and not spend, especially not spend on myself, because I had so many bills to pay. However, when I studied abroad in France and Belgium, I truly learned to care for myself, including lifting myself during my solo holidays by giving to myself.
When I lived abroad and the holidays were near, I learned to gift myself things I wished others would get me. Since I did not have family or friends to spend the holidays with, I became more conscious of my needs. I was not going to miss out on holiday experiences because I was in another country. Instead, being alone in another country truly taught me how to treat myself. I had plenty of time to treat myself without feeling guilty. I took myself out and bought myself whatever I wanted. Although I had bills, I made sure to include enjoying myself on my list of expenses.
This act of self-kindness not only boosted my holiday joy but also left an everlasting lesson about how much self-care and self-kindness matter. Learning to bring joy to myself allowed me to be more attuned with my needs and strengthen my self-agency, where I learned to be responsible for my wants and needs. Which is vital when traveling solo, because you are all you’ve got. Being away from family, friends, and your everyday cheerleaders can be challenging, especially during the holidays. However, this act of self-kindness need not be limited to the holidays. I have adopted this in my everyday life, whether I am solo travelling abroad or I am back home in DC or Rhode Island. Plus, the best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot to find amazing gifts for less than $25.
Gifting on a Budget
In a previous post on budgeting, I discussed how I lived in Shanghai on the smallest budget. I also had a conservice budget when I did my master’s in Belgium. During those two trips, I had to be aware of how I spent my money. However, I learned that even through a tight budget, I can still do something small for myself, and you can too, even in this maddening economy. Here are 6 gift ideas you can get to treat yourself during this holiday season!
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6 Gift Ideas Under $25
- Advent Calender
One of my favorite holiday gifts is the Christmas Advent Calendar. This gift keeps on giving. This delightful calendar holds a special place in my heart, as it truly embodies the spirit of anticipation and joy during the festive season. Unlike typical gifts that are opened all at once, the Advent Calendar offers a special surprise every day leading up to Christmas. Each compartment holds a small treat or thoughtful message, turning the countdown to December 25th into a daily celebration.
The excitement of opening a new door each morning brings a sense of wonder and nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood traditions. The Advent Calendar also encourages creativity, as many come in various themes, from classic designs to personalized versions that reflect your interests. Whether it is filled with chocolates, small toys, heartwarming notes, or bath frizzes, each day serves as a reminder to pause and appreciate the little moments in life. It’s a beautiful way to bond with yourself, as we share the joy of discovering what’s behind each door. The best part is that you can find great Advent calendars for less than $25.
One good option for female travelers is the W7 Beauty Blast Beauty & Cosmetic Surprises. This Advent Calendar has individually wrapped beauty surprises for 24 days. Some gifts are mini must-haves, and some are full-sized products; you will have to find out. Another option for makeup lovers is the UCANBE Makeup Advent Calendar. For creative souls like me, the ROMROC DIY Jewelry Making Kit is a great choice. It allows you to add a new charm bracelet with Christmas themes. Tea lovers will love the new Twinnings Tea Advent Calendar, which includes 48 tea bags. You have the luxury of indulging in a variety of tea flavors to brighten your day. Another option for tea lovers is the Tiesta Tea Advent Calendar, featuring loose-leaf herbal teas with fruit infusions. Regardless of your preferences, Advent calendars present the perfect opportunity to enjoy each day of the holiday season.
- Snowglobes
Another holiday must-have gift you can add to your gift collection is a snow globe. Snow globes are timeless treasures that capture the magic of the holiday season and make thoughtful gifts. These enchanting glass globes often depict charming winter scenes, complete with delicate figurines, glistening snowflakes, and colorful decorations. The moment you shake a snow globe, the snowfall begins, transporting you to a whimsical winter wonderland.
These collectibles come in various themes, from classic Christmas depictions like Santa Claus in the VCUTEKA Christmas Snow Globe, to the Castle snow globe by Ibluelover. Snow globes can also feature personalized designs that reflect cherished memories or family traditions, such as the Wettarn 1PCS DIY Craft. A well-chosen snow globe can evoke nostalgia and joy, making it a meaningful gift for yourself during the holiday season.
Snow globes are beautiful decorative pieces that enhance the ambiance of any room during the holiday season and beyond. I have snow globes from various travel destinations I’ve been to, including Paris, Barcelona, Charlotte, San Francisco, and Chicago. For those who do not have their collections yet, you can find great snow globe options under $25 on Amazon. The Taman Christmas Snow Globe is a good holiday gift. It includes 8 Christmas songs to brighten up your space and put you in the Christmas joy. Another great option is the EDDORUNNING Christmas Globe with a Timer. It lights up and swirls for 6 hours with Christmas classics playing in the background. It turns on and off without hassle and is a great tool to time yourself. Hence, a fantastic gift for yourself, bringing a lasting reminder of the joy and wonder that the holidays bring.
- Candles
Who does not love candles? One of the best self-gift ideas is a candle. Candles have a special way of transforming a space and elevating our mood. The warm, flickering light creates a cozy atmosphere that instantly makes any room feel more inviting. Who doesn’t love the soothing glow of a candle, especially after a long day? Not only do they serve as beautiful décor, but they also offer numerous benefits for self-care. Imagine coming home to your favorite scent wafting through the air—a rich vanilla, a refreshing citrus, or a calming lavender. As a solo female traveler living abroad, lighting a candle every night created a serene environment, perfect for relaxation or meditation. For the holidays, you can choose candles with holiday-themed scents such as cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and pine. Hence, candles are the perfect addition to your self-gift basket.
One good option to purchase is the 36oz Fall Winter Scented Candle Set by C Cacalom Store. It includes soy wax candles with apple, cinnamon wreath, and pumpkin scents. The scent can last for 50+ hours, giving your home a lasting feeling of the season. For a Christmas feel, you can purchase the 4-Pack/28oz Christmas Soy Gift Set by the same company, which includes scents such as Rose, Vanilla, Apple & Eucalyptus. Another Christmas gift to gift yourself is the Christmas-scented candles by FF Frargflowing Store. Its scents include those of hot cocoa, vanilla cookies, fir, and cinnamon. Imagine coming home from your class or job to the smell of rich cocoa, which brings you a sense of coziness and relaxation during this holiday season.
There are many more candle options you can gift yourself. For DIY lovers like me, you may want a candlemaking set to make your own candles. Although some candle-making kits are expensive, there are great options that are under $25. One good option to purchase is the YUEONEWIN Candle Making Kit for Adults. The kit includes a melting pot, essential oil, beeswax, candle jar, and dye to make a candle of your liking. For those who prefer soy wax, you can purchase the Complete Candle Making Kit by Yzoo. With this making kit, you have everything you need to make your apartment a happy home during the holidays and beyond. Hence, gift yourself a lovely candle set, for candles are a simple yet delightful way to bring a little light and warmth into your life during the holiday season.
- Throw Blanket
One of my childhood’s most cherished companions was undoubtedly a throw blanket. Every one of us has that special blanket that provided solace during our early years, wrapping us in warmth and security. Flash forward to my time living abroad, where the holidays tend to amplify feelings of nostalgia and solitude. My awareness of being away from home intensified my desire for comfort. As I navigated those festive days solo, my primary focus shifted to creating an environment that would offer me a sense of peace and warmth.
Returning to my cozy apartment after a long day, the act of settling onto my beloved sofa became a ritual of solace. I would often pick up a delicious takeout dinner and rush back, eager to slip under the soft embrace of my throw blanket. The texture was reminiscent of those innocent childhood nights, bringing back fond memories and a sense of belonging. As I curled up and turned on a classic Christmas movie, the blanket enveloped me like a warm hug, reinforcing the idea that even as adults, we still seek the comforting embrace of something that once felt so secure—much like a child and their treasured blanket. Hence, a throw blanket can be a great gift to gift yourself during the holiday season without breaking the bank.
One good option for a throw blanket you can purchase for less than $25 is the Bedsure GentleSoft White Throw Blanket. This cute fleece throw blanket is inviting you to warmth and coziness. It is made of premium microfiber, making it ultra soft and light for your comfort and coziness. Another good option by the Bedsure brand is the Fluffy Fuzzy Faux Fur Throw Blanket. The double-sided blanket provides year-round comfort, adjusting to your need for warmth. The Aganear Fleece Throw Blanket is another great option for solo female travelers looking for comfort, whether in their apartment abroad or on the road.
- Pajamas
When it comes to solo female travelers, self-care is essential, and what better way to indulge than by treating yourself to a cozy pair of pajamas? Pajamas may seem like an afterthought gift, but they used to be a significant gift item when I was a child. One of many families’ holiday traditions is wearing matching holiday pajamas. Every year, you will see family holiday cards of families in matching pajamas and celebrating together. However, when you are a solo female traveler during the holidays, you sometimes forego those traditions because you do not have your family to share them with. However, speaking from experience, being alone and away from home does not mean you cannot modify this tradition and enjoy it solo. Hence, add a pair of Christmas pajamas to your self-gift basket.
Pajamas offer a sense of comfort and familiarity, making them an ideal self-giving gift. First and foremost, pajamas enhance relaxation. After a day of exploring, slipping into soft, breathable fabric allows for an immediate transition into relaxation mode. This soothing routine helps unwind and ensure a restful night’s sleep, crucial for a busy traveler. Pajamas come in a wide range of styles and materials, allowing you to express your personality. Whether you prefer whimsical prints or elegant loungewear, choosing a pair that resonates with you can boost your mood and confidence during your solo holiday abroad.
One great pajama set to give yourself is the 5Pcs Women’s Silk Satin Set by WJing Xi Jia Store. This set includes both short and long pants, an eye mask, and scrunchies, giving you everything you need for comfortable sleep. It comes in all sizes from XS to XXL for solo female travelers of all sizes. The Ekouaer Women’s Pajama Set is another excellent choice for solo female travelers. The 2-Piece silky pjs come in radiant colors, offering plenty of options. As someone who loves a bit of ruffles, the SAPJON Satin Silk Pajamas Set is a must-have. There are many other options to indulge in and give yourself the luxury of sleepwear for the holiday season. Hence, an excellent gift for yourself.
- Self-Care Baskets
Lastly, as a solo holiday is all about prioritizing self-care, what better gift than self-care baskets? Whether you want to create your own gift basket or purchase one, a self-care basket can be an excellent way to embrace the spirit of the season and gift yourself a relaxing day where all you have to worry about is which eye or face mask to try on first. Self-care baskets include everything you need to experience warmth and comfort during the holiday season.
Some self-care gift baskets include a cozy blanket or scarf, allowing you to wrap yourself in warmth after a day of exploration. Your self-care basket can consist of soothing essentials, such as calming candles or essential oils, to create a peaceful atmosphere in your temporary home. Add a journal for reflection, a beloved book for entertainment, and your favorite snacks for those quiet moments of indulgence. A face mask or skincare product can enhance your self-care routine, making you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
One great self-care basket is the 11-Pcs Spa Gift Bag by the Body & Earth Store. The lavender gift set includes bubble bath, lotion, shower gel, bath salt, essential oil, and more. The set gift gives you everything for a luxurious shower experience, filled with soothing, calming products. Coconut lovers will love the Spa Gift Basket from the GiftPeak store, which includes coconut-infused oil. With this gift basket, you have everything you need for an exquisite bath experience. It also includes a scented candle, a glass cup for both cold and hot beverages, so you can enjoy a nice sip while indulging in your bath. Another excellent choice is the Self Care Gifts Set by the CHESACE store. The set includes a throw blanket and an insulated cup for a good glass of wine or tea while soaking in a nice bath. It also contains socks and an eye mask to add to your self-care night routine. Ultimately, buying a self-care basket is not just about treating yourself; it’s about recognizing your worth and the importance of self-kindness during the holidays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the holiday season is a time to embrace the joy of giving, not just to others but also to ourselves. As we navigate the challenges of the economy and societal expectations, it’s essential to remember that self-kindness and self-gifting are not acts of selfishness but rather vital parts of maintaining our well-being. The lessons learned from traveling solo can inspire us to cherish our needs and treat ourselves with the same love and care we often extend to others.
Whether it’s indulging in a nostalgic Advent Calendar or selecting other thoughtful gifts for ourselves, we can create moments of joy, reflection, and celebration throughout the holiday season. So, as you embark on your own gifting journey, remember that you deserve to feel special and appreciated too—because each of us is worth celebrating, no matter the budget.
As always, thank you for reading. Please like, share, and subscribe to our mailing list for more holiday and travel tips.
Until next time,
Happy holidays!
Xoxo,
Cy!