By Susan Tucker
Like many families I know, we have decided to tighten it up this holiday season. As I mentioned in my 10 Tips for an Eco Holiday Season, I refuse to wake up on January 1 feeling like a gluttonous mess. So, while I do intend to splurge here and there, I am mostly in the market for some gifts under the $50 mark. Gifts I can feel good about, that won't break the bank.
Here is my list of ultra-hip items from Hipcycle that are budget-friendly, but also appeal to your unique-well-made-awesome-gift-idea sensibilities.
In no particular order:
Here is my fascination with chopsticks...
Folding Chopstick Basket ($25)
I LOVE this basket! I have found that by putting fruit out in an easy-to-access way, my kids are more likely to snack on it. Perfect for apples, bananas, oranges - yum! Rumor has it, these nifty things can also be used as colanders. This mama loves multi-functional items!
Chopstick Trivet ($16)
There are more than a few foodies in my life, and what foodie wouldn't want this beautiful trivet? The chopsticks of this chopstick trivet are made exclusively of bamboo, which is naturally resistant to both hot and cold temperatures. Help the foodie in your life protect tables and countertops while simultaneously helping to protect the environment.
Square Desk Lamp from Chopsticks ($39)
Here is another multi-function item that I think is fabulous. It can be used on a desk, in a kid room, even in a bathroom! I love the square shape because it fits with almost any decor and the size is perfect. Obviously, I'm on a chopstick kick - what can I say? I love the durability, function and beauty of them!
Bike Chain Frame ($38)
This frame is manly! Manly enough to display cutesy pics of adorable children, in the most manly of settings such as the man-cave or workshop. (Gift for brother - check!)
Arctic Votive Candle Holder ($44)
This candle holder is so European and fancy! I think my dear Aunt would adore it! Made from reclaimed wine barrels, it's a beautiful conversation starter. It's both attractive and practical. Who wouldn't love that?
Stocking stuffer for sister-in-law - check! These are so cute! I could see them adorning napkins from linen-whites to upcycled bandanas for your Fourth of July picnic. Perfect for year-round hipness.
And, if anyone is looking for a stocking stuffer for me ... :)
Striped Wrapper Waste Basket ($18)
I know, I know ... you probably don't want to gift a trash can. BUT, look at this beauty! The colors, the perfect little size and the fact that it's made from upcycled paper wrappers. It's unique, cute AND fun!
Twig Bracket ($30)
Does everyone have a naturalist, neat-freak in their lives ... or is it just me? Every year I try to come up with the most awesome-est gift ever and every year I fall short. Not this year! This year, NNF will get this ultra cool, ultra hip, ultra (dare-I-say-again) multi-functional Twig Bracket! She can hang coats, hats, gloves OR use it to hang necklaces, scarfs and bookmarks.
Thank you Hipcycle!
Vinyl Record Clock ($38)
Speaking of man-caves....
Made from 12" vinyl records, this clock is made from a vintage record. Replace your old, boring wall clocks with something interesting that reflects your personality. A much-appreciated gift for record collectors or any music fan, the numbers have been laser cut into the old record. A glossy white backing ensures easy readability, and looks especially sharp paired with the white aluminium hands.
Choose from 4 genres: Rock, Soul, Jazz, and the 80s! We can't honor specific requests for artists, but you'll definitely get something cool. Recent selections have included Mingus and Brubeck for jazz, the Queen of Soul: Ms. Aretha Franklin for soul, CSNY and the Beatles for rock, and Stevie Nicks and Hall & Oates for 80s. You can't go wrong.
Glass & Paper Bud Vase ($16)
I love the colors of this vase! I have the similar glass and paper bowl on my desk and it just makes me happy. (I'm hoping Santa will bring me this vase to coordinate with my bowl)
Every one of these is like a surprise in a box! You never know what color combination you may get, as the paper that is used varies from day to day.
Wine Bottle Cheese Platter ($16)
There are more than a few socialites in my group and when I saw this platter (with this price tag!) I knew it would be the perfect hostess gift. With all the parties I have coming up, I will be gifting it left and right! I especially like that there are four color options!
Rubberwood Floating Shelf ($10)
Shall I put it...
.... On the floor or in the case?
How about ...
.... By the door or on a vase?
Not on the floor
or by the door.
Not in the case
or on a vase!
Put your book near that elf.
Put your book on the rubberwood floating shelf!
(Yes. I am a dork! But, at least my kids will know where to put their Dr. Seuss books! I plan to get about four of these so our new holiday books will have a new awesome home!)
Set of 2 Rectangular Tin Planters ($20)
If only I could keep plants alive, I would get these crafty tin planters for myself. But, since I have a black thumb and hubby has all but banned me from ever buying plants again, all I can do is pass the love to the green thumbs in my life.
I love these tins! They are so unique and have an awesome shape. If only I could ....
Hanging Birdhouse ($24)
There is a whole other world out there. Pair this cute birdhouse (made from reclaimed wood fence) with a bird-watching book and subscription to Bird Watchers Digest and you'll have someone set up for a fascinating new hobby!
Bike Rim Business Card Holder ($20)
I have a problem. I have a really hard time holding on to gifts until I'm supposed to be giving them, which is why I'm usually a last minute shopper. However, when I saw this manliest of manly business card holders, I HAD to have it and right away. Hubby started a new job and I thought it would be the perfect Christmas gift. Was GOING to give it to him for Christmas.... then the package came and I couldn't control myself. I ripped the box open, peanuts went flying, bubble wrap went bubbling and gave it to him.
Right then. Right there. (This was two months ago)
He loves it!
Guess I'll have to wait to order the bike chain bowl until the last possible minute.... which, by the way, is December 16th for guaranteed Christmas Eve delivery.
Susan is Goddess of Marketing at Hipcycle. She spends her weekends chasing after two active boys, sifting through her husband's garage sale finds and attempting to work on upcycling projects of her own.
