Calm Corner Holiday Gift Guide and Ideas 2024

The holidays are just around the corner, and there are reasons to celebrate. Holidays can also bring about stress as well especially to military families or expats overseas being apart from loved ones. I see you. You are not alone.

Because gifts are a love language and we live in a capitalistic society, here are some ideas that don’t break the bank. Shoutout to small businesses. Please show them some love. Also, maybe you decide to give out cash/gift cards or handmade cards/gifts, those are all okay as well. It’s the thought that counts more. Tis the season to be jolly ;)

Gifts under $30 - fun, practical

• Uno Disney 100/another character that the gift recipient may like.

• Haitai Dark Brown Sugar for those who are health conscious.

• A visual timer like this one or a manually operated one.

• A shoe horn or a reacher - so handy and helpful.

• Books! or a Thai cookbook

• Packing cubes.

• Fun or fuzzy socks!

• A disposable camera.

• A thrifted item, one of a kind.

• Muji pens galore - so smooth.

• A Leuchtturm1917 journal.

• Something from Daiso/the dollar store.

• A donation in their honor, such as at the animal shelter.

• Simple Modern Tumbler 40 oz. (Blush and winter white colors are on sale at the time of this writing).

Gifts under $100 - how generous

• Yoga/exercise membership, ClassPass, or Peloton.

• A spa experience - head, foot, onsens.

• A pet DNA test.

• A planner such as Lavendaire Artist of Life Workbook or Malama’s life’s Essentials Journal (releasing in December).

• Shop at Costco and take advantage of its generous return policy in case the gift doesn’t work out.

• A fun class - such as cooking class, painting, singing, piano or language classes.

• A magazine membership such as Mantra Wellness and Magnolia Journal.

Gifts under $200 - emphasis on experiences

• Gift certificate to see a healer, astrologer, massage, yoga therapist, doula, coach, etc.

  • Some recommendations:

    • Occupational therapy & life coaching: Calm Corner with yours truly

    • Yoga therapy/Ayurvedic practitioner: Prana Wellness

    • Okinawan longevity: Haitai Life

    • Energy healing/bodywork: Nervana Body & Soul

    • Astrology/Astrocartography: Helena Woods, Evelyn Zuel

    • Doula: Love Your Best Life

    • Organizational leadership: Usa Lee Consulting

    • Therapy: SoCal Couples Therapy

    • Cliftons Strength Coach: Jennifer Thibault

• Membership to the an aquarium, museum, garden, or a specific interest.

  • For Francophiles/Anglophiles, check out The Simply Luxurious Life Membership.

  • For those wanting financial freedom, check out Erika Kullberg Insiders Membership.

• Concert/live performance tickets such as Wicked The Musical, Ali Wong, Laufey (future tour dates TBD).

• A unique wooden puzzle set.

FREE

• Meditation class, such as through Willpower Institute USA.

• A handmade gift certificate good for a meal, car ride, shopping/workout buddy, massage, etc. Get creative!

• Stickers from your Cricut machine that you already have.

These are just a few ideas to get your juices flowing. Again, you don’t need to break the bank. Let’s all practice mindful spending and gift-giving this holiday season. Take care of you. There’s only one of you, and take care of those around you. Show them gratitude and kindness. The smallest acts of kindness can be the most profound. Giving them time can be an option if money is tight. Undistracted time = quality time = another love language :) Cheers.