tldr; i realized that there's still time to buy or make gifts without breaking the bank
I started referring to myself as Sasha Claus a couple years ago because that's the only relevant thing my unique name can transform into at any given time. Also, I consider myself a fantastic gift-giver. I like to think I'm really creative when it comes to gifts. I like them to be sentimental or at least useful if I can help it -- something I'd like to receive. But sometimes you just have to make do with what you already have because Christmas is a stupid expensive time of year.
I wasn't going to make this because there's so many options (I'm going to have issues narrowing it down, I promise), but I've really leaned into local (to Kingston, ON) places this year for gifts and other things and I just have to share my findings - also some people I know personally have great things happening! Also there's that weird thing where you're "not supposed" to review anything or promote anything without being paid or whatever but like 5 people know about my blog so it's not a huge deal, also not possible for me... yet. If you're on this list I SEE YOU and I love what you've done with the place ;) If you're not and you think you should be, slide in my DMs and let me know - I'll add yours!
First and foremost, and this is going to look very different this year for so many people no matter where you live, but you could also always just buy someone a coffee or go have a meal with them (offer to pay maybe too), maybe a movie night at home with fun snacks and drinks. Spending time with someone is more valuable than spending money ON them - If there's anything we should've learned this year, it's that. My three best friends don't live near me, so I can't do that. One's here in Ontario in North Bay, and the other two live in different cities in Colorado. I have to factor in shipping costs for the things I'm gifting too, but it's okay because generally it's at most 2 times a year that I send anything (birthdays sometimes are combined with Christmas). For each of them I bought something at Michael's or Walmart but none of the three items I bought cost more than $5, and the rest I had already or made from home: Ribbons, string, wrapping paper, and photoshop skills that continue to benefit me literally every single day.
Other ideas:
Personally, I've recently been offering to stick a photo you send me (of you, your kids, your pets, whatever you want basically) into a photo with Santa Claus, since all the Mall Santas are down for the count this year. I'm offering the service for $5 per photo (linked again here!). Along these lines, I'm sure a bunch of you could do it yourself - Everyone likes receiving a Christmas card (and gift cards!) from your favourite humans. (why is that collage so large, no thank u?)
My aunt Iris is the one to talk to if you're in need of herbs and spices from Epicure for your holiday cooking, or if you have that person in you life who is super difficult to buy for. Ask her directly about how to help with fundraisers, how to order, or what she recommends! You can shop the catalog, join her VIP Facebook page, and check out her Instagram to find your next low sodium, low sugar, gluten- and nut-free herbs and spices. Shipping might take a little longer this year (and at this time of year), but who doesn't love receiving gifts randomly?
A fail-safe idea is to have gift exchanges with a group of people with a capped cost. My mom's side of the family does this every year. The rules: We pull names from a hat, and nobody is allowed to know who is who's Secret Santa; No more than the decided amount of money that year can be spent on the gift(s); and the kids (18 and under) don't need to buy for anybody, but the aunts and uncles still buy for them. We have a thread email that we circulate among the 14ish of us with our wish lists. This is pretty effective and also (theoretically, because names out of a hat can only be so random,) allows you buy for different people each year.
Also, the 1000 Islands Soap Company (downtown Kingston by Jack Astor's) makes everything in-house and they have HELLA options for stocking stuffers. I can't recommend these two items enough: The Medi-Stick (I'm allergic to my own cats, and I'm prone to hangnails, and rubbing this on my cuts and nails literally heals it and doesn't sting like Polysporin - also is great for cold sores!), and The Zit-Zapper (I'm lucky to not have super bad acne anymore but there's the occasional monster, and this stuff works wonders) are effing life savers!!
I think that's all my brain can muster about gifts - mostly just try and think sentimentally about what your loved ones want or need, or find a way to commemorate your friendship or relationship or anniversaries or something like that.
As for going out and buying gifts and shopping locally, I've got you!
First on my list is ClosettCandyy's Jesse Whale, who's a killer bosslady and she's everything I hope to come across as on my own blog (even though I'm not selling anything, necessarily). She's honest and real and smart and talented as hell (she's got a tiny influence with how I write - she's a professional and polished version of herself, swearing and TMI and all - I fucking love it). I put her first because obviously, but also because she already made this post about shopping locally and it's more than I could ever dream of even making up. She has all kinds of amazing services to help you look and feel your best, and she's also got her first physical product on the market right now: Fabric Spray (you can learn more on her site!). I can't even tell you how many uses these things have. I just bought her holiday set, and I also have two of the original scents... can't get enough.
These next two ladies and I studied together in college and they both have just recently launched their own shops!:
Sarah launched The Vinny Shop, which is full of beautiful vintage and boho preloved items. I personally bought a set of gorgeous placemats to replace the ones I've had for like 10+ years, and I'm in love... I'm in the process of saving money but I am obsessed with all the pieces Sarah's found.... OBSESSED! I will be back.
Josee launched Metamorphosis Boutique, where you can find one-of-a-kind, unique handpicked jewelry and accessories. When I saw, I immediately bought some earrings (that I have yet to take off, two weeks later) and a bandana for my (dad's) dog. I'm proud to know these two and so happy for them finding something they're passionate about and getting to do that for a living (just like Jesse!).
Other than those, I highly recommend walking around downtown and/or browsing the Downtown Kingston website to see what other kinds of stores we have in town (and asking friends and family if they know any independently or locally-owned places!) and seeing how you can help make your loved ones' holidays merry. In turn, you're regarded as a fantastic gift-giver such as myself, and you're helping out other local families - To them, your purchase isn't just a holiday bonus, it could be the difference between dinner one night, or a child's lessons, or new winter boots, etc. It could make more of a difference than we'll ever know!
xx
S
PS: This could've been better but Jesse's list literally captures it all. If you have more to suggest, let me know and I'll edit them in! And as always, if you have other blog suggestions let me know PLEASE.
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