Does gift giving ever leave you feeling stressed? Or am I the only one whose mind goes blank when I need to buy a gift for a friend? I’m not a big ‘present’ person to begin with, and unless I know a person well, I find it very difficult to be confident in my giving.
I find myself wondering if they’ll actually use the item I chose? Or will they just pass it along to someone else because it didn’t suit? Are they going to dump it at the thrift store next time they go to town? And why can’t I just give them cash and in that way, be sure they get something they’ll actually like?
Simple Gifts for the Homemaker
About a year ago, I decided I no longer wanted to feel stuck whenever I had to give one of my girl friends a gift. So I made myself a list of items that are tasteful but neutral and would fit in any women’s home regardless of her tastes or style!
Here’s my list of 6 simple and natural gifts for the homemaker.
Simple Gift 1: Natural Skincare Items
I have yet to meet a woman who doesn’t love receiving luscious skincare products! Even if she doesn’t use them often, it still gives her a luxurious feeling to know she has a small basket of special items waiting for her.
You can find all kinds of natural skincare items on Etsy at an affordable price. Or should you be so inclined to learn, you can also make these things yourself.
That’s right! At this point in life, I make all my body care items at home. And I promise you…it’s easy. Once you have the key ingredients, you can use them to make a wide variety of body butters, lotions, lip balms and the like! Get one of my popular recipes here.
Simple Gift 2: Herbal Tea Basket
A collection of special teas is a simple, natural gift you can give to any woman. Whether you make your own blends or purchase them at a tea shop, you can’t go wrong! Create a gift basket with tea, local honey, a mug or a tea infuser.
It’s simple. Useful. And special blends are something most women don’t just buy in their everyday shopping.
And yes, if that person is a coffee fan instead, you can do the same thing with coffee (crazy people!).
Simple Gift 3: Beeswax Candles
When searching for gift ideas for the natural-loving homemaker, beeswax candles are another excellent option. Beeswax is a natural air purifier, smells amazing and is something most women can incorporate into their home decor, regardless of their style and taste.
If you have a local beekeeper, check to see if they sell 100% beeswax candles. If not, you can get simple beeswax tea lights here, or longer hand dipped candles here.
Or if you’re so inclined yes, you can make your own!
Simple Gift 4: A Bib Apron
Aprons. I know not all women wear aprons. But if the person you’re buying a gift for is a homemaker, she’d probably appreciate and could actually use another apron!
Keep it simple when you make a purchase. Go with general colors. And stay away from white, lace and frills (unless you know the person well)! If you’re a seamstress, you can make the apron yourself. Or, you can always find one online that would suit the person you’re buying for.
You can’t hardly go wrong with a good, sensible kitchen apron!
Simple Gift 5: Flour Sack Tea Towels
As a homemaker, I like having a backup supply on hand when it comes to tea towels, dish cloths and the like. I think most women do! So why not give the gift of flour sack cotton tea towels to another women?
Even if she doesn’t need them right at that time, it’s something she can store away until she does need replacements. And there’s nothing more natural and neutral than unbleached, flour sack tea towels!
Simple Gift 6: A Live Plant
When it comes to live plants, it’s helpful to know a bit about the person. Some women enjoy having houseplants, while others only enjoy them out-of-doors. You can make a gift of either one!
For out-of-doors plants, visit your local garden center and they’ll be able to point you to some excellent options: roses, lilacs and others that are well suited to your climate.
Indoor plants are less particular and you’ll find geraniums, ferns, African violets and the like readily available for purchase.
Still Confused? What Does She Use Most Of?
If none of these options resonate with you, try putting yourself in that person’s shoes (figuratively, of course!). What is something she makes use of every day? What’s likely to be worn out, used up or needed in the next 6 month’s of her life? Sometimes this sparks the creative juices and helps remove the mind block that so easily occur!
And if you don’t want to give a practical gift…well. I usually just give money or gift cards unless I’m well acquainted with the other women’s home and tastes!
Wrapping Up This Party…
Being relaxed about gift giving has been a journey for me. I’m still not sure I’ve arrived. But this simple and natural gift list for the homemaker has helped eliminate some of the overwhelm I used to feel. 😉
Are you a good gift giver? If so, please your tips and ideas in the comments below! We’d all love to hear them!
I'm Autumn. Join me in the simple cottage life and learn how to keep a traditional kitchen, garden and pantry!
I have the same stress you speak of here in choosing gifts. Yet, giving gifts to women is not a problem! They are easy. How about a list of what to get the men in our lives? Items that do not cost a ton, but are still thoughtful and fun for them. My attitude has changed regarding gift giving when I think about all the effort God put forth to offer us the perfect gift in sending His Son to take on flesh and give His life for us. When I think of my efforts in gift giving as a sacrifice and part of my worship to God, rather than stress, it changes everything.