34+ Affordable & Thoughtful Gifts for this Festive Season

Affordable gifts for the festive season

We are approaching the holiday season and the focus is on gifts. Gifts are an expression of love. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Giving opens the doors to receiving; give love to receive happiness. 

May no gift be too small, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness, and tied with love. – L.O. Baird

Wouldn’t it be better if you give something that did not come from a store? A DIY gift sounds perfect; crafted with love and care. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Wrap fresh homemade or baked items like cookies/ fudge/ jam/ truffles/ granola bars/ chocolate/ pretzels.

2. Donate time/ products/ services to those in need.

3. Wood/ marble serving board/ spice rack/ coasters.

4. Knit/ fabric/ ceramic tile coasters.

5. Handmade fabric scrap keychains or bookmarkers; embellish them with buttons or sequins.

6. Homemade scented candles by recycling graphics designed tea tins.

7. Design a photo book or a decorative photo collage (curate photos from social media).

8. Gift ornaments add colour to brown paper packages.

9. Design a family tree.

10. Honey-sugar face scrub.

11. Create designer hand warmers.

12. Create a life-changing journal/ notebook (De-stress, plan, and manage life).

13. Unique tea/coffee wreath/ Christmas tree.

14. Rock/ Marbles/ Pebbles doormat.

15. Make a crochet scarf.

16. Patchwork throw blankets.

17. Polish old jewellery.

18. Compile a cookbook of their (and your) favourite recipes.

19. Handmade fabric/ felt cell phone holders.

20. Splash neon paint/embroider on a dull umbrella and brighten up the day.

21. Turn a funky placemat into a clutch.

22. Handmade pack of affirmation cards to uplift their spirit.

23. Wellness goodies compile one with bath salts, handmade soap, body butter, and tea.

24. Adorn a leather belt or a classic purse with souvenir pins.

25. Decorate a handbag or a tote bag with charms, fabric tea roses, or decorative rivets.

26. Turn a fancy button or earring into unique jewellery (rings).

27. Stitch a reversible apron.

28. Ornamental bottle stoppers/ Corkscrews (Click the link for ideas).

29. Nail art kit.

30. Designer table runner, you can use any fabric (Click the link).

31. Embroider motifs or phrases on handkerchiefs/ tote bags (Click the link).

32. Beads/ thimble necklace.

33. Print designs/ old photographs on printer friendly fabric to design cushions/pillows (Read here how to print).

34. Design kitchen magnets using vintage brooches (Click the link to see how).

Other Ideas (updated 9 January 2018)
35. Happiness Jar (Read how to make Happiness Jar)

36. Nursery pillow

37. Applique work 

38. Make a poncho.

Bonus Tip:
Convert these ideas into a side hustle. Read my post on 65 side hustle ideas and unknown side hustles too.

Recommendation
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

Supplies you may buy to make the gifts:
Mason Jar (for cookies, happiness jar)
Beads
Cotton tote bags (pack of 6)
Corks and bottle stoppers (pack of 30)
Thimble (pack of 10)

Table runner fabric


Charms


Printable fabric

Jewellery Making Kit


River Rocks


These ideas are affordable and guaranteed to please your loved ones. The ideas are endless, so get cracking and shower them with your love.

If you haven't thought of anything yet, these work perfectly as last-minute gifts. I will be updating this list often with more ideas. Which one is your favourite? Any other ideas, share them with me. Enjoy the festive season with loved ones.

Color(s) of the Year 2018 - Let's Paint!

Color of the year 2018

Colors speak louder than words. As we are close to the end of 2017, the ‘green’ mood lingers (the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year). There are many colors to match the general mood – black, burgundy, tan orange, even soot grey. The verdict for the year 2018 is here.

Pantone’s 2018 color of the year: Ultra Violet

The color corresponds to originality, visionary thinking, and wellness. It represents the future, the imagination, and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. Ultraviolet color often relates to the fantasy world with the need to escape from the practicalities of life.

Benjamin Moore sees a warm, seductive tone, and enveloping hue of red, ‘Caliente’ to be precise. As a vibrant, charismatic shade of red, Caliente is strong, radiant and full of energy.

Dulux Colour of the Year 2018: Heart Wood

A beautiful warm pink. You can transform the feel of your home with Heart Wood in different ways. It can be calm or cozy, energetic or relaxed.

Behr’s Color of the Year: In The Moment

It is a cool, tranquil, spruce blue inspired by nature. The versatile ‘In the Moment’ is a soothing, restorative combination of blue, gray and green. The color is perfect for interiors and exteriors. In the moment seems the ultimate for traditional, modern, coastal and global decor.

Glidden Paints by PPG names Color of the Year 2018: Deep Onyx

Deep Onyx is a classic and timeless staple. It is a no-fuss shade of black; encourages a “less is more” approach to décor color. You can use it on an accent wall or as an alternative to white paint on doors, trim and cabinets.

Let me know which is your favorite!

Electric Cars You Will Plug-In Soon - 2017

Electric cars have been around for a few years and are being considered by the public in place of petrol and diesel ones. This year the electric cars will continue to be the talk of the town. The electric car companies had a great year in 2016, the trend seems to continue as the plug-in market warms up.

Car companies are investing in the electric car technology. This calculates to smaller and lighter batteries and increased battery range. This interprets as a reduction in the battery charge time and more public charging points.

Electric vehicles (EV) are not for everyone because of the purchase price. Car manufacturers are aiming at 50% new electric car sales by 2027. They will get cheaper and faster, with better range. Two major advantages electric cars have been its low running cost and absence of poisonous emissions. The electric car companies are now competing against each other for better range.

Here is a list of the 10 Electric Car Companies to look out for in 2017 in no particular order:

1.    Chrysler

Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid is a family minivan, useful and comfortable. It is the first of the kind, a plug-in hybrid electric minivan. The Pacifica Hybrid switches over to gas after running 33 miles at 84 MPGe (Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) in the electric mode.

2.    Hyundai

Hyundai’s ionic EV is unique and good for commuting. It is stylish with a choice of the power trains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric version. It can travel 174 miles on fully-charged batteries and 150 miles within the city. This puts it ahead of the EV’s in the competition making it one car, you would want to opt for.

3.    Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid SUV. It epitomizes the next generation of electric cars. The hybrid SUV is fuel efficient, has a third row for 7 riders, and is quieter than ever at 25 - 30 MPG. There is no reason to expect less from this EV.

4.    GM

GM’s all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV is spacious, quick and fun to drive. Its fully-charged DC electric batteries cover 238 miles. This is first long-range EV at an affordable price.

5.    NextEV

The Chinese brand NextEV claims NIO EP9 is a bold, sexy and stylish electric vehicle. It is the world’s fastest EV at 127 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds. The supercar is a splendid piece of engineering, making headlines by being the fifth fastest at 195 mph.

6.    BMW

Innovative in design, BMW’s i3 hatchback use high-tech construction techniques. It is different and unlike many electric cars by being low weight and strong. The BMW's i3's official range is 195-mile where its low residuals and running cost make up for the price.

7.    Volkswagen

The brand that reassures buyer’s safety with the e-Golf variant, along with style appeal. Volkswagen's e-golf is similar in design to its traditional sibling except for some badges and stylish blue flashes. This model will run at an 186-mile range and 125-mile range in the real world. The e-Golf's range is better in comparison to the previous model’s range at 115 miles.

8.    Nissan

Nissan’s Leaf has revolutionized electric vehicles. It has been quite successful, gracing the roads around the globe. This quirky-looking hatchback is quick and responsive, with a reasonable 124-mile range. Its battery recharges to full charge in 3 – 8 hours for an economical drive.

9.    Ford

Ford Focus Electric is like the gasoline-powered model. The hatchback will appeal the masses, due to its traditional styling with a 70 to 100-mile range. Launched in 2012, Ford's Focus Electric in 2017 comes with a lower price tag and 115-mile range. The battery will charge faster. However, it looks compromised compared to purpose-built EV.

10.    Tesla

A company that is well-known for electric cars is Tesla, its Model 3 is the most awaited EV. At a relate-able price tag, it will soon be a reality for those wanting to own an EV. It will compete with Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf.

References:

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/recommended/best-electric-cars

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/electric-cars-that-will-shake-up-the-market-in-2017.html/?a=viewall

https://www.zap-map.com/top-10-electric-cars-2017/

Watch Out, For These Paint Color trends in 2017

It is the end of the year and a paint season for many, with occasions and festivals like the festival of lights ‘Deepawali’ (in India), Christmas and New Year all over the world, just round the corner. Here is a roundup of some colors selected bound to trend in the year 2017 and beyond.

When we select colors, they must make a connection with us. With a growing rainbow of choices, making a choice is difficult. There are several things we see in a color like nuances, touch, feel.

We tend to use colors that rescue our walls, share, allow us an escape into a different world, intensify, pop, blend or clash colors, features a wall.

Subtle nuances of shades and tones are now seen keenly, where Off-white has been replaced by Beige, Cream, Chalk.

Colors have become more than just visual, wherein we now want to touch and feel the colors warming our souls, enveloping our senses. The texture of the paints is now glossy or matte.

Browns have emerged as more earthy, rich bronzed hues. Washed blues and dusky nudes are nostalgic, while nature has a great impact on color choices.

We want nature to beautify the inside of our houses since we spend more time indoors; greens and blues from the color palette are growing. The other colors inspired by nature are the sunsets and sunrise, flowers blooming in the garden; colors that fill us with hope and ecstasy.

If you love grey, add a touch of blue for a timeless look, or silver or slate shades. Add intense colors to feature a wall, ceiling or an area striking, strong, bold colors with freehand paint design or color block effect, or bold saturated colors.

Painting colors on walls are old; paint table legs, ceilings, blocks in the cupboard, take a step towards creativity. Colors never seen together will now feature as partners, time to break all color partnering rules.

If you are afraid of getting it wrong, simply choose to repeat color schemes as they assist in narrowing down the options. Take time to choose your colors, fashion a new color and add some freshness to your home.