The Gentle Gift Guide (for when your brain says “I should buy something”… but your heart says “keep it simple”)

Dec 07, 2025

Hands up who hasn’t started Christmas shopping yet?
(Same. Always same.)

This time of year can feel like one big sensory overload — bright lights, busy shops, 100 tabs open and that creeping feeling that you “should” be buying something… even if you don’t know what.

So today I wanted to take the pressure off a little.

Because gifting doesn’t have to be expensive, elaborate, or chaotic.

It just has to be thoughtful.

Yes, I’ve put together my usual gift guides to make life easier, full of quick ideas you can order with zero brainpower required — but I also want to remind you that beautiful gifts don’t need to come from Amazon, a shop or a panic-buy moment.

Sometimes the best presents are the ones made with care, not cash.

a scrabbled wooden block spelling out the word christmas

Thoughtful gifts that cost very little (or nothing at all)

In case your budget is tight, your executive function is fried, or you simply don’t want to buy for the sake of buying, here are some lovely ideas that still feel meaningful:

✨ A handmade coupon booklet
“Free lift”, “One night where I cook”, “I’ll do the washing up”, “A walk together”, “A screen-free evening.”
People LOVE these. It’s thoughtful. You can tailor them to the person. It means a lot.

✨ Bake something
Brownies, gingerbread, cute biscuits, a festive looking cake put it in a little box with ribbon.
Homemade feels personal in a way money can’t buy.

✨ A playlist that reminds you of them
A modern version of the old-school mixtape. You can’t beat that!

✨ Handwritten note or letter
Tell them what they mean to you. So simple. So powerful.

✨ A framed photo
Super affordable and always appreciated.

✨ A memory jar
Little notes of “remember the time when…” for them to open all year.

✨ Acts of service
Offer to help with something they find stressful — school runs, life admin, cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts, anything.
Time is a gift too.

It all counts. It all matters.

And if you do want easy online gifts… I’ve done the hard work for you

Here are the guides I’ve put together — curated with care, ND-friendly, and ideal if you just want to click, buy, and be done:

And over on my Amazon storefront, I’ve also added a bunch of things I order myself or keep on subscription to make life easier. Everything from safe foods, pet bits, essentials and the things I genuinely use every week.

If your brain needs simplicity this year, feel free to borrow mine.

A gentle reminder…

You’re not behind.
You’re not doing Christmas “wrong.”
You’re allowed to give gifts in the way that feels right for you — whether that’s a lovingly made homemade treat or a quick Amazon delivery that arrives tomorrow.

Both can be thoughtful.
Both can be meaningful.
Both come from care.

Happy gifting — and be kind to yourself, always.
Happy sunday!

PS the links are affiliate links.