Welcome to the last Friday before Christmas! It’s unreal how quickly the holiday season is moving, but this post is here to help if you’re still in need of some Christmas gifts. I’ve collaborated with two lovely fellow bloggers to contribute their ideas for an affordable or DIY Christmas, so be sure to check out their blogs and social media as well!

Gift Idea #1: A Merry Friendsmas Potluck

My local group of friends have somehow created a tradition in recent years when it comes to Christmas. We have an annual ‘Friendsmas’ which usually takes places the last weekend before Christmas, and we get together to do a little gift exchange. This year marks year 3 of Friendsmas, and we’ve decided to take a different route. Year 1 of Friendsmas ended in a bank fiasco, in which all the copious amounts of shopping we did came back to bite us. Our debit cards ended up getting hacked, or at least an attempt was made, so the banks sent us new cards after the holiday season. Year 2 of Friendsmas, none of us got the memo on what everyone was purchasing, so we ended up with duplicate gifts and a large portion of presents from Anthropologie.

For Year 3 of Friendsmas, we’re going budget-friendly and hosting a potluck* instead of buying gifts. This is a great option for anyone who is looking to save where they can but also enjoy the gift of giving. There’s nothing as good as a home-cooked meal, why not take full advantage? To complete this gift, request that every attendee of your get-together brings a food item, preferably not store bought.

Not only will the turnout be an interesting one, it will also provide time for bonding.

Gift Idea #2: In-Law Approved Skincare

Contributed by Lizi of Neuf Visage

The holidays are here and guess what that means? IN-LAWS. That word carries such a scary feeling, but don’t worry! I have your gifting situation covered! Last year, I got the chance to spend Christmas with my in-laws, so obviously the pressure for a stellar gift was on. Hopefully these ideas will help take the pressure off for you!

• For the sister-in-law, I love this scented body lotion and lip balm set. It comes in 3 fantastic fragrances and with a festive gift box. All you have to do is decide which one of the delicious sets to choose!
• For the mother-in-law, check out this Satin Hands set. It comes with a softener, scrub, and hand cream–the perfect trio to thank her for her hardworking hands (cheesy, but it might score brownie points). It comes in a cute bag, so just add a bow and call it a day.

Gift Idea #3: Movie-Goer Appreciation Basket

Contributed by Dominique of Journey With D

Who doesn’t like to go to the movies? The only downside that people comment on is the fact that it costs an arm and a leg. The cost can vary from $15 (without snacks) to $40 (tickets plus popcorn, soday, and candy). That’s entirely too much when you could grab a blanket, plop on the couch, enjoy a good movie and eat a few snacks.

Movies give us the ability to step into a new world. The experience allows us to escape reality and enjoy ourselves through laughter, tears, or even fear if you’re into scary movies. This Christmas, you can make a movie-goers DIY basket for a loved one or friend. Need help on what to put inside? Easy, use the following as a guide:

• 3 boxes of candy (salty, sweet, and sour)
• 1 bag of popcorn
• 1 bottle of soda or water

You can even throw in a movie theater gift card or a free month of Netflix! Giving this gift will send your friends or loved ones to Hollywood and back!

Which gift idea will you try out this year? Whether you want food, skincare, or movies, we’ve got you covered for a great price!

Thank you ladies for your wonderful contributions! For even more on Dominique and Lizi, have a peek at their blogs and social media:

• Contributor #1: Lizi
  • Blog | Neuf Visage
  • Twitter | @Lizi_Gregory
  • Instagram | @Lizi_Gregory
• Contributor #2: Dominique
  • Blog | Journey With D
  • Twitter | @dominoeffect8
  • Facebook | Journey With D

*As I was finalizing this post, my group of friend all switched gears so we’re having brunch at a restaurant this year!