I’ve been trying to avoid the ‘C’ word for a while now, but it looks as though it’s creeping up regardless and we’re powerless to stop it! I thought I’d put together some Christmas gift guide suggestions for ideas and inspiration for every budget, starting with £15/$20 and under (part 1 of 3).
While I put this together for those with chronic illness/chronic pain in mind, they’re equally suited to those without chronic conditions. Some products I own and use myself so I personally recommend them, others I’ve not tried. It’s a guide for gifting to others and self-gifting in the name of self-care and small joys.
Winter Warmers
Winter warmers are a top choice when it comes to Christmas gifting – and self-gifting in the colder months! I rely on my thermal gloves a lot so they’re a fantastic investment. I also use my very funky Oddsocks arm warmers for around the house because I get creepy cold arms as my body doesn’t regulate temperature well.
The SockSnob website has a fantastic range of designs and brands, including the Heat Holders gloves I love. I’d personally recommend the Heat Holders cable knit and Trondheim designs (fairisle or stripey). They’re super soft, fleece-lined, and 2.5tog for warmth. I own both (one purchased, one kindly gifted by SockSnob). They are chunkier gloves for super warmth, but the size S/M even fits my small paws better than other gloves I’ve tried in the past. You can also find the SockSnob range on Amazon UK and Amazon US with plenty of other winter warmers like thermal socks, blankies and scarves.
- Heat Holders Cable Knit Women’s Gloves – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Heat Holders Trondheim Thermal Gloves – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- THMO Women’s Thermal Socks Fairisle – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- THMO Men’s Thermal Socks – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Heat Holders Large Thermal Blanket – Amazon UK / (similar on Amazon US)
- Oddsocks Arm Warmers – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Book Lover Gift Ideas
Adam Kay is becoming quite the doctor-turned-comedic-author superstar. I’ve previously reviewed his first book, This Is Going To Hurt. It was a painfully good read, blending fascinating insight with cutting humour that will test your bladder strength. I’ve not laughed so much in a long time! His new book looks set to be a big hit, and I can’t wait to read it! is available in hardback, on Kindle and as an Audiobook.
- This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay – Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)
- Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay – Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depository
3. F**k It : The Ultimate Spiritual Way by John C. Parkin – Amazon UK / Amazon US
4. How To Be Sick by Toni Bernhard – Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository
5. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson – Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository
5. Happy by Fearne Cotton – Amazon UK / Amazon US
6. You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero – Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository
Art & Craft Goodies
Art can be great therapy and there are plenty of mediums to suit all types of interests and projects.
- Bic Fineliner pens – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- The ever popular Sharpies – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Faber-Castell watercolour pencils – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Simple quality with Staedtler colouring pencils – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Arteza Watercolour Brush Pens – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Yoga & Fitness Accessories
Yoga and mindfulness practices can have incredible benefits for anyone, and a little gentle stretching can also work wonders for loosening up your body. I thought I’d also include something I spotted the other day and will probably pick up soon, a balance cushion (no.4), as this one is really intriguing!
- Toplus Yoga Mat – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Resistance Bands – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Trideer Gym Ball – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Trideer Balance Cushion (for core strengthening, pain & posture) – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Colouring Books
Adult colouring books are incredibly popular, and there are now heaps of design styles to choose from, whether you want flowers, fairies, fantasy or something with a dash of humour.
- Enchanted Forest (by Johanna Basford) – Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository
- Mindful Mandalas – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Escape To Wonderland – Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository
- Fantastic Animals : A Wild Adult Colouring Book – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- A Swear Word Coloring Book F*ckity F*ck F*ck F*ck – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Hello Hydration
Practical but lovely to receive, water bottles and mugs can make a sweet gift to bring a smile with each sip.
- Super Sparrow BPA-free Water Bottle – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Fox Sake Mug – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Colour-changing Unicorn Mug – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Make Your Own Gift Hamper
To gift a few smaller things, a DIY hamper is a great idea to make it look a little more special. Fill a wooden or wicker basket with small treats they may like, their favourite sweets, hot chocolate, a bookmark, hand cream etc. It’s thoughtfulness wrapped up in a ribbon.
Gift Basket – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Amazon Gift Card
A gift card for Amazon can be as convenient for you as it is versatile for the recipient. Send by post or email, and redeem against whatever the recipient wants and needs across the widest range of goodies online.
Amazon Gift Cards – Amazon UK / Amazon US
Soothers
Small gifts can be some of the sweetest, while also sticking to a budget. These can be for self-care, pain relief, pampering or boosting wellbeing.
- Epsom Salts – Amazon UK / Boots UK
- Tiger Balm – Amazon UK / Boots UK / Amazon US
- Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – Amazon UK / Boots UK / Amazon US
- Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Gift Set – Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Tisserand Happy Vibes Roller Ball – Amazon UK / Boots UK / Amazon US
- Tisserand Everyday Essentials Aromatherapy Roller Ball Gift Set – Amazon UK
Not got Amazon Prime? I always sign up for a month at Christmas to get free next day delivery, access to Prime-only deals and to check out the latest Prime video series on offer. It gets more use this time of year for me so it’s a worthwhile investment. Find out more & see if you’re eligible for an Amazon Prime free trial in the US or Amazon Prime in the UK here.
Want more inspiration? Check out the other Gift Guide posts :
Gift Ideas For £15-40 / $20-50
I’d love to know if you use any of these, or if there are any suggestions here you’d like to try for yourself or buy for someone else this Christmas. Do you have any ideas to add to the list?
Caz ♥
74 comments
Just retweeted this – a terrific guide and now that Halloween is past, nothing wrong with getting a jump ahead…who wants to be thinking about this on Dec. 23rd?
I don’t want to think about it at all, so getting it done early probably is the best idea, get it out of the way! ???? Thanks for sharing, John, really glad you liked the suggestions! Hope this week treats you well, Sir! x
You have some great picks, Caz! We all can use a little help on affordable gift ideas. I’ll definitely add you to my list, which should come out next week, I think. If I don’t finish it, it’s going to be about the size of a small book, lol. Xx
Thanks, Mykie! Love the new Wordpress profile pic on your comments. Looking forward to seeing your gift guide – the bigger the better! ???? xx
All great ideas. Got to get the art goodies for my great granddaughter. She loves to draw.
Have a fabulous day and week, Caz. ♥
Aww how old is your great granddaughter? I hope she loves them if you do get her some art goodies – I’m sure you will be in her good books at Christmas! ????
Have a lovely week ahead, Sandee, and thank you for the comment! xx
Prime free trial at Christmas is such a smart idea!
It’s when a lot of us would probably make the most use out of it – always worth checking if you’ve had one in the past, too, because sometimes they’ll offer it again, or a week for 99p. x
Love this Caz 🙂 Thank you!!!
So glad you liked it, thanks for the comment, Sophie! I hope the week treats you kindly ♥ xx
this is a great list of ideas for gifts! thank you so much for sharing.
You’re welcome – thanks, Wendi, glad you liked the ideas! ???? xx
Those are wonderful ideas, Caz! My hands also often turn blue in the winter. And I love the color books. I used to paint by number and it was so relaxing.
Aw cold hands can be horrible, and painful too. Do you wear thermal gloves? Honestly, I couldn’t be without mine anymore. A lot of people find colouring books relaxing so I can see why they’ve become popular recently. Do you not fancy getting back into paint by numbers if you used to enjoy it?
Thanks for the comment lovely. I hope you have a good week ahead ???? xx
I just wear regular mittens, but I better check those thermal gloves. These days I am focused more on creative writing (which is also fun), and I would like to get back to paint by number one day when I have more free time. Have a good week, dear Caz.
Aww I used to love mittens! I need something more skin-hugging and thermal these days though ????
You’re very creative so I think it’s great you’re putting your talents into writing, and maybe one day in the near future you can do a little more paint by numbers when you have the time. I’d love to see what kinds of stuff you paint! Have a lovely rest of your week xx
I bought my first Christmas present yesterday. Just the one. It’s a start!
It’ll all add up, Liz! What did you get? I’m so nosy ????xx
Great post Caz. I love my odd socks arm warmers! I’ve seen those balance cushions but haven’t used one, and I have a feeling they aren’t easy as they look! Hope you’ve had a good weekend and have a good week.xx
Yaay, the Oddsocks arm warmers are amazing!! Wrap up warm because it’s freeeeezing lately. I’m really not sure about those balance cushions but I’m so curious. I only came across them while I was writing up this post. I wasn’t sure whether they were for comfort or for exercise/strengthening, but it looks like it’s a bit of both. I might get one, so if I do I’ll let you know! If I can’t sit on it I’m sure my cat will take to it quite nicely ???? xx
Caz
All great ideas, I love the arm warmers. I use many of the products mentioned in the self-care area but you listed a few new ones. I’m in love with Amazon, we buy almost everything from there and Prime is the perfect example of the service we buy it for. Be sure to check out my easy homemade holiday gifts, save time and lots of money.
Take care and have a great Sunday.
I wear the Oddsocks arm warmers around the house a lot, they really help with the creepy cold I get with my arms. Despite some of negativity around Amazon, it really is fantastic for so many things. Your homemade ideas will add the all-important meaningful touch to Christmas gifting, Melinda! ♥
xx
OMG love this, so many good things. Love the winter warmers, great socks for me and for gift giving. Your suggestion for books is great, I have a couple of them but haven’t had a chance to read them. I like your suggestion for artie goodies, I like to use the Sharpies. But, when I got to the coloring books, and saw F*ckity F*ck F*ck F*ck I LOL, I don’t know why it hit me so funny, I’m still cracking up, I’ll have to get this one just for the title alone LOL, thank you Caz, great post. <3
Glad to see you’re a fellow winter warmers fan, Masha! That F*ckity F*ck colouring book was just too good for me not to include here – a laugh a day is good for the soul! ???? Thank you for your comment lovely, I hope this week is treating you kindly.xx
much as I loathe xmas — this list makes it a little easier 🙂
Aww, you’re not a Christmas fan then, da-AL? Join me in being a Grinch! ????xx
Pretty good list here as I think you coveted just about everything.
*covered* idk went out auto corrected to the wrong word
Damn autocorrect! ????
Thanks lovely, glad you liked the list! xx
This is a great gift guide, Caz. Lovely selection and proof that gifts don’t need to cost the earth. Christmas can be so hard on the bank balance, but often people feel they need to spend a small fortune and get into debt doing so.
I think I’d like that fox mug. ????
You’re right, there’s a lot of pressure on Christmas to spend spend spend. Personally, I feel the best gifts are those with thought and they’re often the cheapest ones. The fox mug is cool, isn’t it? I think I had more of a self-gifting thought-process going on when I wrote these gift guides! ???? Have a lovely week, Liz xx
Great suggestions 😀
I just finished ‘This is Going to Hurt’ and it was so good. Will check out the sequel!
I also love the idea of making a gift basket, it sounds so thoughtful 🙂
Yay, glad you liked that book! I’m looking forward to the sequel too, I just picked up a copy as there’s no chance of getting it at the library in the next 3 years as the reservation queue is huge! Hope you enjoy it when you check it out too ???? xx
I had to wait weeks for ‘This is Going to Hurt’ from the library, so I know what you mean! There was still 34 people waiting for it when I returned it. I hope you enjoy the sequel 🙂
Lovely collection!
Glad you liked it! ????
Hope you have a lovely rest of your week! x
Nice selection of items that everyone can use at decent prices. I really love the thermal socks. Perfect with my slippers around the house in winter.
Glad you liked the ideas, Darnell. Oooh yes, toasty tootsies!
Have a lovely rest of your week ????x
Bagsy the Swear Word Colouring Book! Excellent suggestions, Caz. Thanks for sharing them.
Heheh it’s definitely one that’s distinctive among the other colouring books! Aw, I’m pleased you liked the gifting ideas, thanks, Julie! ???? xx
So many great suggestions! Those arm warmers (#6) are now on my list – very cute!!
Glad you liked the ideas, Lindsay! The Oddsocks armwarmers are what I wear all the time around the house, bloody love them! They’re so funky, too ???? xx
Good evening to you
Loved book recommendations.
We read This is going to hurt and delighted to hear he has a sequel. Have seen him on 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown. Brilliant. We also have The Subtle Art … on Kindle and I can totally reinforce recommendation.
Thank for that list Caz.
Maz xx
Ooo I didn’t see that episode – I’ll have to see if I can find it on catch-up to watch him on that. I’m looking forward to the sequel, even though it’ll be a small book in size compared to the first. I imagine it being just as funny. It’s great you also loved The Subtle Art book, I think it’s quite the game-changer in shifting our thought patterns. Thank you for the lovely comment, Maz. I hope this week is treating you kindly ♥ xx
How did you manage to put together a list of things I would love to receive and/or give? This is awesome! Thanks!
Great minds think alike? ???? xx
I only discovered this year that thermal blankets are a thing – what a great idea!Anything for keeping warm is a bonus, but especially something soft and snuggly! That’s a good selection of products and there’s sure to be something there for everyone XX
Oooh yes, warm snuggly thermal blankets – can’t beat wrapping up in that with a cuppa! Thanks for the lovely comment, Kirsty, I’m glad you liked the suggestions ???? xx
These are actually some really great recommendations! I’ve also been avoiding the ‘C’ word like the plague – I can’t believe this year is almost over. Will defo be getting some of those colouring books and probs some socks too – they’ll be great for rugby! x
Do you feel like the year has just gone ridiculously quickly when you look back at it, too? So it’s not just me? I’m really pleased you liked the ideas, it’s hard to get stuff to appeal to everyone. Thermal socks are on my list as I just wear two pairs of regular socks which is pretty uncomfortable. I imagine they’d keep your feet a lot warmer for rugby. Toastie tootsies! xx
Thank you Caz for your great advice and suggestions! I loved your recommendations and always appreciate your brilliance!!! I am not at all ready for Christmas for several reasons, family always makes it difficult!!!
I’m sorry you’re not really feeling the C word either, and that family issues make it difficult. Hopefully you can focus on what’s important to you, cut down on the stress, and not feel too rushed in the build up to Christmas, especially given your long work hours. Sending hugs and hoping this week is going a little better for you lovely xx
All of those things except the cold weather things would make me happy. I love to read if the print is big and thoroughly enjoy coloring! With our temps seldom below 40°F, or 5°c, my old winter things last forever. Great tips!
Same here – everything except the cold weather, please! I hope you can take some time over the holiday season to read and colour and wrap up warm to relax. Thanks for the comment, George. I hope you’re keeping as well as possible ???? x
LOVE this gift guide, Caz! You’ve done a perfect job pulling together some goodies for everyone.
I purchased those Super Sparrow bottles and the Levoit water purifier from your review post and LOVE them both! Those Super Sparrow bottles really are top notch quality. I use mine every single day. And the water from the water filter is delicious indeed!
I love the artsy ideas and the coloring books as well. I guess we didn’t know how much relaxation we were getting in as kids when we colored, did we? They are a ton of fun. It’s amazing how stress levels will start to plummet when we engage in a creative activity of any kind.
By the way – the way your lists are designed is awesome. The numbered images all lined up randomly is really neat. Is that a feature of your theme or do you have a plug-in that lets you arrange your photos that way? I love it 🙂
As always, you’ve nailed it. I’m sharing this on social media too. ♥ Hope you are well today Caz. Looking forward to gift guides 2 & 3 from the series 🙂
Aww what an amazing comment, thank you! And thank you for sharing it too! I’m so glad you like the suggestions and that you’re as happy with the Super Sparrow bottles & Levoit jug as I am! The images in this post… done by hand, which was a bit painstaking. I downloaded all of the images I needed, and did the collages one by one on Canva. Canva really is fab for so many different sizes and styles. Do you use it? I’d recommend it, and it’s freeeeee. Gift guides part 2 & 3 may be ready by Christmas 2020 at this rate ????Have a lovely rest of your week, Holly xx
I wondered if you used Canva 🙂 Isn’t that program awesome?? It’s actually a lot of fun, but I agree, some of the designs can be painstakingly frustrating to get ‘just right.’ I really love how you did yours. It adds a little something extra to the mix!
Laughing at your might be ready by Christmas 2020 comment. I hear you! People have no idea how much work goes into blogging, gift guides, image creation, etc – do they? Unless they’ve been involved in doing it, they’re clueless 😀 Oh well. I guess that’s true for most jobs.
Hoping you have an awesome rest of the week too my friend. Take care! ♥
Some really good suggestions here. I really like the idea of making your own gift hamper. Just might make some of those!
I’m glad you liked the ideas, thanks for the comment! Making your own gift basket/hamper is so much more versatile because you can cater it to your budget and really personalise it to the recipient. I did one for my dad last year with lots of little things I know he really likes, ie. little jams, his favourite biscuits and sweets, a new bookmark. It shows there’s thought and effort put into the gifting which I think makes it more special ????
xx
Great ideas! I have several of them, but found others to try! I recently bought a heated (leopard print! my favorite) blanket to snuggle with around the house and on top of the bed. I was debating between it and the weighted blanket, but figured I’d get more use/enjoyment from the warming effects. 🙂
Heated blankie, that sounds SO good! I do wonder what the warmth is like from the weighted blankets, I will hopefully try one one day but it’s the price that puts me off. I think you made a good choice because it’s damn cold! Snuggle up and stay warm ????xx
Hehehe…love the idea of a swear colouring book…dunno if I can be ar#@d though…????
Hahah, I think I’d be too busy laughing rather than f*c!ing colouring ????xx
These are all great ideas for gifts! I definitely agree Happy by Fearne Cotton would be a great book to gift & the unicorn mug is so cute! & I think anyone would appreciate receiving an Amazon gift card!
Glad you liked the suggestions, Karalee! The Fearne Cotton books are quite popular. I’m not really into the huge unicorn craze, but there is something I really like about that mug! I’m such a mug-aholic, I don’t have room for any more in the kitchen but I think I might have to make space just for this one ????Thanks for the comment lovely. Have a good rest of your week! xx
Good ideas! I personally really enjoyed the books The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F and You Are A Badass. I’d definitely recommend getting these!
I loved both of those, too! They’re a breath of fresh, don’t you think? Thanks for the comment, Kirsten! ???? xx
Thanks for the ideas
The C I need to prepare for is Chanukah (Hannukah). I want to get gifts for my family for each night.
I personally love warmers and pens and pads, though most my family don’t like such things. A lot of the stuff can be found for cheap in the pound shop or home bargains.
Love, light and glitter
That’s such a sweet idea, to get little gifts for your family for each night. What sort of things do they like? Cheapy shops like the Poundshop, B&M, Home Bargains etc can be fantastic, although I do think they’ve been gradually going downhill, or maybe it’s just the stores in my town! Good luck with the shopping, and have a restful weekend lovely ???? xx
They’d want expensive gifts but I’m not buying it… you can on occasion find cool stuff. One year I bought a toiletry bag and filled it with travel stuff. I’d love to get them stuff they’d use and I’m not yet sure what. I should really get down to it already!!!
((hugs))
Lots of good choices!! Thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 6 for All Things Christmas. Shared.
Thanks, Dee, that’s much appreciated! I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead ♥ xx
Love these.
Glad you liked them, cheers, Jay! Hope you’re having a decent week so far ???? xx