Joost Blog

So I just finished my Christmas shopping yesterday, added it all up and realized I spent a small fortune on gifts for my family and friends this year. Whoah. I have no idea how I spent so much – but that’s beside the point.

If you haven't finished your shopping – I hope you can stick to a budget and think of more thoughtful (a.k.a. cheap…or a more friendly term, homemade) gifts to give. Here are some hints to get you started:

• Homemade Cookies: make a bunch of different kinds, wrap them up with pretty cellophane, a ribbon and a bow, and give them to your coworkers, friends or neighbors. Martha Stewart’s Cookies are great - try out some recipe ideas from the book.

• Bottle of Liquor: Every year my friends and I do a “Drunken White Elephant” where we all bring a bottle of liquor and do a gift swap. Even if you don’t have enough drunk friends to pull one of these together, print out a fun drink recipe on a cute card, buy the liquor and required mix-ins and throw them all together in a bag or basket. Watch Mojo for some great drink recipes – after all, don’t we all need a little Sex on the Beach this holiday season?

• Jewelry: I was walking around Manhattan the other day and stumbled into an incredible bead store and thought if only I was creative, I could make some really neat jewelry for a lot less than the prices I pay for them. Then I realized I don’t even need to be creative – FashionMojo has tons of great ideas.

That's just the beginning ... there are tons of fun gift ideas (under $100) for your hard-to-shop-for hipster friends – who can’t use another candle?

Happy Shopping (and Happy Holidays!)