Get this: 68% of partygoers expect to buy a hostess gift and spend on average $35, according to a recent survey conducted by American Express. But we know the best gifts over the holidays are the ones the stand out because of their unique and personal touch. We also know how to find them for $25 or less.
More than one-fourth (26%) of gifts received by hosts fall into the category of chocolates, cookies and candies, but only eight percent of those opening their doors to party-goers this season, say that this is what they would most like to receive. So ditch the sweets, and focus on gifts that have meaning!
1. $25 or Less: You could show up with a tin full of fudge or you could kindly take the pressure off of your hostess – to keep the conversation going all night, by showing up with a stack of conversation starters in tow .We love these cheeky little cards that ask questions like, If you had one super power, what would it be? Visit www.tabletopics.com. Oh, and by the way, we would choose to be invisible.
2. $15 or less: We found this idea on MarieClaire.com and LOVED it! Create a morning-after party cleanup mix. We recommend including the classic Mariah Carey version of All I Want For Christmas is You! But you chose the songs that you think your hostess will love and that will keep her singing while she’s in the clean-up zone.
3. $20 or less: Find the best deal you can on a DVD of choice at dvdpricesearch.com. Then, stop by your local dollar store and pick up a popcorn bowl. Fill the bowl with a bag of microwave popcorn, some choice treats like gummy bears or hot chocolate and place the DVD in the bowl of goodies. Wrap your treats in cellophane and voila, an instant family movie night “ perfect for the night after the big party.
4. $10 or less: It’s easy to find a stylish picture frame for under $10, our favorite go-to places are Ikea, Target or Peir1 Imports. Inside the frame insert a piece of paper that will act as a place holder for the best picture of the night’s party. For example: Best Photo Winner of Katie’s 2009 Holiday Sweater Party Gift the frame and leave it out for all the party-goers to see. Present a challenge for whoever takes the best photo of the party. Winner wins a spot in the best memory frame. Everyone with a camera or camera phone will get in on the action, and who knows, maybe you’ll start a tradition.
5. FREE: Re-gift. Yes, we said re-gift and we mean it. But the key to making a re-gift work is a personal touch. One of our favorite gifts to give is a book that you’ve read, that you know your hostess would love. The Smart Cookie trick here is the personal touch, you’ll want to include a personal note in the book explaining why you thought your hostess would love it and bonus points if you take the time to note some key pages or passages that reminder you of your hostess.
Happy gift giving and happy gloating as the best fabulously frugal gift giver this season!
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