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So you’ve bought your Christmas gifts. Braved the busy shops and temperamental weather. Felt zero shame being handed your 100th parcel from the Amazon driver or local postman/lady. Mum, dad, partner, kids, the shopping list is long right? Buying for your nearest and dearest can be expensive and time consuming. But what about the smaller purchases you need to make? Could be a teacher gift, a Secret Santa at work or you just want to give smaller gifts to friends but you want to make them affordable. Why? Because Christmas is making you BROKE! Today I thought I would share a few general ideas with all items mentioned being easy to pick up while out shopping, doing your groceries etc,so hopefully not going out of your way and wasting your precious time.
Bath Salts
Some people hate them, some people love them. Personally I adore them and anyone who likes to spend as much time as me in the bath are more likely to appreciate such a bath time treat. Gone are the days where bath salts were just plain, unscented, mineral based salts. Now you can get them in a variety of different fragrances with essential oils if you prefer a more fragrant bath time experience. Bath salts are said to have various effects on the body, such as easing muscles or helping those with skin issues. So think of your exercise loving friend, wannabe mermaid cousin or Nana who loves baths but hates bubbles! Prices start at £2.49 and upwards. If you are lucky sometimes cheaper! (see pic below).
Foot Masks
Can’t go wrong with these! Feet up on the sofa, watch TV and have these bad boys on for up to 20 minutes to give the a hit of moisture leaving feet hydrated and soft. I would, and have, given these in gift sets many times to teachers and friends. This is the time of year we forget we have these body parts as they are wrapped up like Egyptian mummies. Give them love, give them lotion! Prices start from 89p in discount stores.
Face Masks (of the skincare variety)
An ideal stocking filler for not only those that love skincare, but for those who like to have a bit of time out to pamper and unwind. I’ve noticed lots of parents buy these for their pre teen and teenage girls to put in stockings or Christmas Eve boxes, so great for a wide range of ages. You can spend as little or as much as you like on these type of things. Depends on your budget, what brand you want and possibly ingredients it contains. Skincare face masks can be as cheap as 69p so take your pick!
Eye Patches/Masks
If you know someone who loves a face mask, chances are they would love eye patches too! If you have a friend who moan about their eye area or how tired they feel or look, buy them these! They will be super grateful. Not expensive and regularly on offer. One eye mask I’ve really enjoyed and seems to be priced around the £2.00 mark constantly is Garnier’s SkinActive Moisture Bomb Night Time Eye Tissue Mask. A fabulous treat for the eyes.
Hair Treatments
This one never occurred to me! I got a few as part of a birthday gift and thought it’s such a good idea! If you get the sachets they can be super affordable and they always seem to be on some form of offer, such as Palmer’s Olive Oil Deep Conditioner. Usually £2.49, currently £1.66 at Superdrug (at time of writing this post).
Reed Diffusers
I had to mention these, not because I am slightly obsessed by them at the moment, but you can pick them up from anywhere especially your local supermarket. Plus they come in a variety of sizes, fragrances and prices. If you want one that is cheap and is part of a gift rather than one gift, I suggest go for a mini! Reed Diffusers can cost as little as 80p from Primark or a supermarket such as Tesco for £1.00. I’ve tried one from both and the Tesco version provided a good scent with a decent strength, ideal for small spaces or rooms.
So, my advice to all you shoppers trying to get last minute bits is PLEASE DO NOT STRESS OUT! You don’t have to spend loads of money or waste lots of time running around buying stuff. Go to your local supermarket or discount store, buy your bread, milk and cereal and grab some of the above if needed.
