Poetic Holiday Gift Ideas for $10 or Less

For those of us who don't have a big budget to lavish upon Xmas gifts and other holiday spending, but still wish to do a little something special for those wonderful significant others, here's a handful of poetic holiday gift ideas for ten dollars or less. As an extra added hint, I would recommend etsy (www.etsy.com), a fabulous and multifaceted marketplace for handmade and artisan goodies, as a terrific resource for shopping for all these gifts and so much more.

-Cupcake soaps-Truly fun and festive, cupcake soaps are a unique treat that can be found in just about every yummy scent and flavor imaginable and typically cost less than $5 apiece. Just a few of the delectable aromas that I noticed during a quick browse on etsy were chocolate mint, strawberry swirl, raspberry cream, brown sugar & fig, and coconut & violets. Mmm! I think cupcake soaps would be a delightful fit for anyone who favors distinctive bath & body items and anyone who loves to smell good, from your mom to your little sister to your best girlfriend.

-Quirky socks-I'm not talking about plain old white gym socks or boring businessperson trouser socks here. I'm talking about vibrant, dynamic, kooky, attention-grabbing socks. From heart-patterned knee highs to fishnet thigh highs and beyond, a unique pair of socks can add fashionable flair to any outfit and a big, bright dose of fun to any special sock-wearing day. From rainbow stripes to glittery witch stripes to argyle and more, don't underestimate the exceptional appeal of this kind of fancy footwear. Granted, not every pair of outrageous stockings is going to fit into the under ten buck category, but if you shop around a little, you're likely to locate just the right pair to fit the bill. For starters, how about this super-duper unique value pack of Bone Socks from the nojenno etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33013588), which offers up five pairs for $50. At only $10 bucks a pop, how can you go wrong with these 26 inch long socks that feature anatomically correct bones on the front and a reflexology print on the back? Okay, maybe you can go wrong if you give them to a stodgy uncle or something, but whose shopping for fussy and humorless relatives anyway? I own a pair of these socks myself so can vouch for them personally-and not only are they stylish, they're also sturdy and warm. In addition to etsy, some other fun places to shop for socks online are Sock Dreams (www.sockdreams.com) and ebay. Attention-grabbing socks may not be the best bet gift for any conservatives or wallflowers on your holiday list, but for artsy types and those with vivacious personalities, they're likely to be a real hit.

-Don't forget your favorite four-legged friends this holiday season. Various etsy shops offer an appetizing bounty of homemade dog treats in lots of shapes, sizes and flavors to suit your lucky dog's palate. For several specific suggestions, see my article about Giddiness-Inducing Stocking Stuffers for Your Beloved Pet http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2257563/giddinessinducing_stocking_stuffers.html?cat=46

-Blank books-Blank books are a personal favorite of mine because not only do they make attractive aesthetic objects, but they also offer all those pages for you to fill with your own words, whether those words are journal entries, grocery lists, or creative writing drafts. A gift that inspires creativity or organization or personal self-expression seems especially meaningful to me. From recycled/upcycled notebooks to sleek moleskin journals and more, you're sure to find a blank book to suit your special gift recipient's sensibilities.

-Poetry chapbooks-Another wondrous gift twist in the bookish realm is a poetry chapbook. Such tomes are often limited edition and hand-designed and brimming with fine contemporary poetry. Consider the provocative ribbon-bound morsels available from the Blood Pudding Press etsy shop (which happens to be my very own online shop), little pieces of literary art for only $3-8 apiece at http://www.BloodPuddingPress.etsy.com.

Last year, not long before the Christmas season arrived, I lost my longtime office job. Due to the resulting uncertainty and tenuousness of my financial state, I was worried about allotting much money towards holiday gift buying, yet I felt a bit depressed at the prospect of not contributing to my family gift exchange. After some consideration, I ended up acquiring a bulk order of cupcake soaps and divvying those up amongst everyone on my gift list. Each family received a couple yummy cupcakes and two of my hand-designed poetry chapbooks, chosen and created especially for them.

Don't undervalue the concept of handmade goods and small personalized gestures. Don't get down on yourself if you can't afford elaborate Xmas gifts or any gifts at all. Just try to think creatively and brainstorm small alternatives for how you can contribute in your own way. Whether special small batches of your specialty baked goods, a handwritten letter, or a handcrafted Christmas tree ornament, your personalized offering and its heartfelt gesture of caring is sure to be appreciated and cherished by those close to you.