2017 Gifts Under $5

Under 5

The Holiday season is upon us and I am a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to shopping for loved ones or participating in the office or Facebook grab bag.  The Holidays have become a time of giving and receiving and far too often we overdue it and end up going into the New Year stressed because we maxed out all of our credit cards, or borrowed to make the a happy holiday.

For me the Holidays are more about making plans to be and do better in the next year, spending time with people I don’t get to spend ‘quality’ time with during the year, and to just sit back relax drink hot chocolate with marshmallows or hot apple cider and enjoy those who I love.

However I think we all find ourselves giving or wanting to give, even if it is just a small token of appreciation to those who mean something to us.  I love giving gifts just to brighten someone’s day and to lift the spirit of those who may struggle during this time of year.  So this year I have created a series of gift guides for the budget conscious holiday shopper.  Come back everyday over the next week to see what I have come up with.  There are some great, affordable options available.  Here we go…

  1.  Miss A Makeup Bags  $1 (shopmissa.com)

So I came across this website shopmissa.com. They have THE CUTEST makeup bags. Actually they have a LOT of cute items on their website and the best thing….. most items start at $1. Holiday shopping doesn’t get any better than a cute, trendy, makeup bag for $1.  There are literally many styles to choose from.  These were just some of my favorites.  Ad as you can see they bags can hold quite a bit of your daily makeup items.

2.  Grass Blade Pen Set $4.99 (Amazon.com link here)

Grass blade pen

For the person who likes unusual gifts, or the nature lover, these grass blade pens would be a great addition to any office or home office.  You can find your own decorative holder to store your pens, but this is definitely not your average Christmas gift.

3.  Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Gift Set $4.99 (Target.com)

Swiss Miss Under 5

What better way to spend the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, than with some Hot Chocolate.  This Hot Chocolate set comes in a variety of flavors and each tin contains 6 individual packets of Hot Chocolate.  Why not help someone experiment with a different flavor, such as the Caramel Cream (pictured above).

4.    Burts Bee’s Gift Set $4.99 (Target.com)

Burts Bees Under 5

We all need extra protection for our lips and hands this time of the year and Burt’s Bee’s is a trusted brand to help with just that.  This is also a great time to find Burt’s Bee’s in gift sets at a somewhat lower price than usual.  Who doesn’t need any lip balm or lotion this time of the year?

5.  Beauty Blender Holder $1 (shopmissa.com)

Blender holder

For the makeup lover you know, this holder for your beauty blender is the a great way to store the tool during makeup application.  A great way to keep foundation and other beauty products off of your countertops and towels, this tool is a great way to keep your beauty blender within reach.

6.  Multi Tool Key Chain $1-$4.99 (Amazon.com here and here)

While not the most glamorous gifts on the list, every girl needs some tools in her life.  You never know when you may need a screwdriver or better yet a bottle opener.  Even if you don’t have this item attached to your key ring, (it’s not that fashionable) it is still a great item to have in your home or in your car.  So why not buy one for yourself and for a friend.

7.  Sunglass Case $1 (shopmissa.com)

sunnies

Who doesn’t like nice cases to keep their sunglasses in?  If you are like me with waaayyyy too many pairs of sunglasses a cute fashionable case to throw in your purse or work bag would make a great gift.  Again, Miss A has all of your cute, low cost accessories which also make great gifts.

8.  Multi Tool Pen $4 (www.kikkerland.com)

copper penFor the business professional or the person who likes collecting unusual pens, this would be a great gift. Also great for the handy person this tool includes a level and a screwdriver.  This could be a great option for a dad or significant other as well.   How handy, and its cute.

9.  West Elm Glass Bud Vases $4 (www.westelm.com)

recycled-glass-bud-vases-o

A great addition to a home or office, these recycled glass bud vases from West Elm offer a nice touch to a space.  Great for a grab bag, holiday exchange or co-worker, this is an excellent gift that won’t break the budget.

10. Words to Love By Notebook $5 (ulta.com)

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I love pretty journals and notebooks.  No list of mine would be complete without one.  Here is a nice beautiful journal from Ulta.  Great for the glam girl on your list who loves to write things down.

The holidays do not have to be a time where you stress about spending.  You can purchase amazing gifts without breaking the budget.  I hope this guide helps you to see that.  These items can be given as gifts individually or purchased in a grouping to provide a nice holiday gift basket or gift grouping.  Stay tuned tomorrow for gifts under $10.  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

 

Be Blessed! Be Fabulous!

pink-lips

 

I Love Me

Love your body

As I was browsing through Facebook today I came across a question that said “do you love your body?”   It made me think about what I feel about my body.  My body and I are going through some changes.  Almost a year ago I had weight loss surgery.  It was a difficult decision to make and it was and continues to be one of the most difficult yet rewarding things I have ever done.  I have seen and heard all of the arguments about surgery being an easy way out or a quick fix but that is one of the biggest lies every told.  If anyone every wonders how easy it is I welcome them to watch my 600 lb. life.

My 600lb life

While not everyone is 600 lbs. and up, obesity in this country is a reality for far too many people.  So while I was never 600 pounds, this show can give those who don’t know the struggle or the journey a glimpse into what it is like to live with obesity and the process of having weight loss surgery which is an all too often long and tedious process.

body acceptance

So back to the question at hand do I love my body?  The honest answer is that it is a struggle.  There are some days when I love my body, the curves, the scars, the imperfections and then there are days where it seems that every flaw is magnified.  I can honestly answer that I LIKE my body and each day I am growing closer to loving it.  This has been a long process.  There was once a time when I HATED my body.  I am happy that I can now say that 90% of the time the response is more positive than negative.

What about you?  How do you feel about your body?  Do you like it, love it or loathe it?