Whether it’s with your colleagues, your family, or your friends at Uni, there’s undoubtedly at least one Kris Kringle present you need to buy this year.
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Maybe you call it Secret Santa – whatever. The point is, finding a decent gift under $20 is bloody hard going. And considering we’re in a bit of a global crisis with waste, you probably want to avoid some random trashy gift that’ll be chucked in the bin by Jan 1st.
I’ve done a round up of some almost universally good gifts you can pick up for under a 20, leaving your Kris Kringle impressed (or at least, not laughing behind your back).
1. A Book
Not just ANY book – a popular one. If the person you have is super, super well-read, maybe avoid this gift (or suss a book they haven’t gotten to yet). But everyone wants a book for the beach in summer, and a bestseller is almost a sure-fire win. Boy Swallows Universe was one of the biggest novels of the year, and it’s under $20!
2. A Himalayan Salt Lamp
YES YES YES. I know some of you will consider this trash. But if your Kris Kringle is into ~ alternative therapies ~ and astrology/so on, this is a great gift. I have one – they allegedly help purify the air (great if you’re in smoky Sydney) around you as they attract moisture in the air and then, because they are heated c/o the light inside, evaporate it again after it’s purified by the salt. Do they work? WHO KNOWS! Is it cute for someone like that? HELL YES.
3. A Gift That Gives
Oxfam have heaps of these “unwrapped” gifts, where you make a donation on your Kris Kringle’s behalf and the cash goes to buying a chicken for a family, or a cow, or clean water and so on. It’s the perfect gift for anyone, but especially great for those who appreciate the gesture – think anyone in your office or friendship group who has been pretty vocal about climate change, for example.
4. A TLC Gift
Buying beauty products for people can be difficult, so play it safe with body stuff. Everyone loves a moisturiser, and the little travel-sized lush ones like this Body Shop butter are great for travelling with.
5. Craft Beer
This is really just here bc I love this sour ale, but honestly – if you know your Kris Kringle loves a brewski, buy them some interesting craft beer. It’s more thoughtful than a six-pack of their fave, just don’t go too rogue – do not buy someone tequila-and-coffee-infused IPA, you feel me?
6. A Beach Towel
I cannot think of one person who doesn’t need a new beach towel. It’s that thing you never buy for yourself, you just wait for someone to gift you one. You could be that person!
