Best last-minute gift ideas

Hello readers!

Christmas has come so quickly this year, and I'm so excited! Still, I know this can be a stressful time, particularly for students and those on a lower income, so I thought it would be a fun idea to share my ideas for thoughtful presents whilst on a budget.

1. Make Christmassy snacks

Who doesn't love Christmas food? And it's so easy to make small things like gingerbread, salted caramel popcorn and panettone, and wrap it up prettily with decorated cellophane (like these bags from Lakeland), little pretty ribbons and craft tags. I used to swear by Kalel Kitten's old recipe but she seems to have deleted it, but this EatNowCryLater video seems to follow a pretty similar recipe! Simple idea, but sooo good and perfect for Christmas movie nights!

2. Make a Memory Jar

This is one of the best presents I have ever received! 5 of my best friends got together, wrote lots of memories, 'Ella-isms' and inside jokes on coloured paper and put it in a big jar. It was so personal and thoughtful whilst not breaking the bank. If you have a few hours free this is a lovely thing you could do for a parent, boyfriend/girlfriend or a close friend.

3. Anything from the Primark Homeware section!

Primark have some lovely things in the homeware section from fluffy cushions and throws to pretty copper fairy lights for £2.50! All fantastic gifts for one of your friends looking to spruce up their uni room. This year, they have lovely embroidered Christmas flannels for a pound each.

Also, the makeup and pyjama sections are also great at Primark- their slippers and fluffy socks are reliable Secret Santa gifts and I swear by their fake eyelashes. Their InstaGirl nail polish range is also of really good quality- fully recommended! Primark - forever the saver of Christmas!

Who can argue with those gorgeous copper lights and photo frame?

4. Spotify Gift Card

For any music lover! You can find these in most supermarkets, and for under a tenner you could get your loved one unlimited streaming of all their favourite tracks (including downloaded offline playlists). A more creative gift than your average gift card. Maybe even make them a special playlist ready for them to download with their new Spotify Premium status!

5. Self-care hamper.

Self-care is so important, and you can assert this to your loved ones by putting together a 'care package' for those days where they need to look after number one.

Ideas are: tea, hot chocolate, face masks, flannel, a mixtape, scented candles, DVD of their favourite movie or TV show, chocolate/snacks, nail polish, stress ball or small cuddly toy, a good book they'd like, fluffy socks or slippers, a photo album, cushion, lavender oil for relaxation, bath things from Lush...the list goes on!

You can also do themed care packages- such as night in (snacks, DVDs, board games), beauty (ie. makeup, masks, lashes and nail polish). You don't have to spend much- it really is the thought that has gone into it that counts more!

Hope these are a few little ideas you could use or develop in the final week before Christmas!

Lots of love and bear hugs,

El xx