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Christmas

The Average But Inspired 2026 Holiday Gift Guide

October 18, 2026 by Bre Leave a Comment

A thoughtfully curated guide to gifts of useful things, clever things, and things you might want to keep for yourself (wink wink).

It’s hard to believe that the most wonderful time of the year is here again! And if you’re like me, thinking of gifts, shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, and exchanging gifts takes a lot of time during this season.

In an effort to help streamline the process, I’ve been keeping a list of items I’ve purchased and given as gifts in recent years, as well as things I would personally love to receive, and put them together into handy gift guide categories to help you with your shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information. Thank you for shopping through my links and helping to support my small business! It means so much to me!

Jump to Your Kind of Gift

Of course you can browse gifts in every category in this post, but if you prefer to jump to something specific, simply click the links to be taken to that particular section of the gift guide.

And, if you think of any gifting categories I should add, please leave me a comment or send me a DM on Instagram to let me know!

Gifts for the DIY’er and Home Improver

Gifts for the Crafter & Creative Person

Gifts for the Person Who Loves Their Home

Gifts of Things They Didn’t Know They Needed

Hostess Gifts

Splurgeworthy Gifts

For the DIY’er and Home Improver

These gift ideas are for the person who always has a project going on.

Image for Small (but mighty) Paint Sprayer

Small (but mighty) Paint Sprayer

The paint & stain sprayer I own and love: lightweight but powerful. I've painted furniture, walls, and kitchen cabinets with it!

Image for Rechargeable LED Work Lights

Rechargeable LED Work Lights

Small but bright LED worklights are perfect for painting projects and any dimly lit workspace. No tripping over cords.

Image for Laser Level

Laser Level

This is one of those things you didn't realize you needed until you have it. I am constantly using this laser level. And this one's self-leveling, which is so helpful!

Image for Picture Hanging Tool

Picture Hanging Tool

Stop putting too many holes in the walls and mismeasuring with this handy picture hanging tool that marks exactly where the holes go, and keeps you level.

Image for Digital Measuring Tape Tool

Digital Measuring Tape Tool

I'm asking Santa for this! I am the queen of measuring incorrectly, so a tool like this will be a welcome addition to my tool bag! I bet you know somebody who will feel the same way!

Image for Oscillating Multi-Tool

Oscillating Multi-Tool

This is another tool I never knew I needed! It works amazing for cutting, sanding, sawing - you name it. It's compatible with so many attachments and really a must-have.

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Magnetic Wristband

It's the WORST when you lose a screw or have to go fishing for it in your pocket. So gift a magnetic wristband for them to wear on the job and they'll never suffer a lost nail or screw again.

For the Crafter & Creative Person

These items are perfect for any level of crafter. I approve all of them!

Gifts for the Crafter or Creative

Image for Play-Doh Blooms Meadow Flower Bouquet Making Kit

Play-Doh Blooms Meadow Flower Bouquet Making Kit

FOR ADULTS - I know you're thinking Play-Doh is a kids' toy, but this is not. And I LOVED IT! The flowers are so easy to make and beautiful, and any creative person would have so much fun with this!

Image for Rotary Cutter & Self-Healing Mat

Rotary Cutter & Self-Healing Mat

While these tools are typically for use in fabric and sewing projects, I also use them all the time for paper crafts and when I'm wallpapering or cutting peel and stick tile. Every crafty person will find uses for these!

Image for 24-Pack Paint Markers

24-Pack Paint Markers

I LOVE these paint markers for wood crafts, ceramic crafts, glass crafts, and more. The color is so vibrant and the dual tips ends give you versatility in the projects you can do.

Image for Clawlab H1 Lite Rug Tufting Starter Kit

Clawlab H1 Lite Rug Tufting Starter Kit

I started tufting with the Clawlab kit this year and absolutely loved learning this new skill! I made a rug and appliques that I put on a tote bag and pillow covers. This starter kit gives you everything they need to get tufting in no time. It's a blast!

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Wireless Mini Photo Printer

My daughter and I love this mini photo printer because it works wirelessly with your phone! We print tiny pics for scrapbooks and junk journals, and I also like to make gift tags with it!

Image for Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine

Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine

I love my Cricut Joy because it's tiny enough to leave out on my desk at all times, and gives me just enough cutting and printing capabilities to craft what I want without having to make t-shirts for everyone all the time - lol! It's a great tool in my craft stash.

Image for LED Work Lamp

LED Work Lamp

I adore my Ott lamp because I seriously couldn't see my projects without it. This is so helpful on my crafting desk, especially with the pen holder and the phone charger.

For the Person Who Loves Their Home

I’m not calling this person a homebody, per se, but instead someone who really appreciates being at home, or maybe who has an interest in making his or her home as beautiful and comfortable as possible.

Image for Cordless Table Lamp with Scalloped Shade

Cordless Table Lamp with Scalloped Shade

I bought this for my laundry room and adore it! It's SO CUTE and makes me so happy to have a cute little lamp where there's no outlet. Comes in 4 colors.

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Towel Warmer

A freestanding or wall-mounted towel warmer makes any bathroom feel like a spa! This indulgent gift is reasonably-priced, too! A total winner.

Image for Scalloped Decorative Box

Scalloped Decorative Box

I purchased this decorative box this year and adore it! It looks so much prettier than Walmart, and is the perfect home accessory to use anywhere! It's a gift on its own, or easily fillable with other items.

Image for Aura Frame

Aura Frame

I absolutely LOVE our Aura digital picture frame, and I never thought I'd be a digital frame person. It makes me so happy to see fun memories pop up all the time, and the app makes it easy to upload and share. Highly recommend!

Image for Handheld Vacuum

Handheld Vacuum

You don't know how awesome these are until you have one! A small, portable mini vacuum is perfect for vacuuming couches, stairs, pet hair, and even messes in the car.

Image for Buffalo Check Throw Blanket

Buffalo Check Throw Blanket

This soft blanket is in a pattern that works with just about any style of decor, and comes in 5 colorways!

Image for Phone Charging Station with 5-Port USB Charger & Cables

Phone Charging Station with 5-Port USB Charger & Cables

I bought this to corral the phone situation on our kitchen countertop, and love it! It keeps all of our phones tidy and charging in one place. Perfect for anywhere in the home and comes in multiple wood tones.

Things They Didn’t Know They Needed

This category is so fun because it’s always great to give something unexpected!

Image for 1500 Piece Rotating Puzzle Board with 4 Drawers

1500 Piece Rotating Puzzle Board with 4 Drawers

I bought this for my husband and we both LOVE it! You can move a puzzle in progress anywhere, separate and store pieces in the drawers, and rotate the board easily with the lazy susan function. 5/5 stars from us!

Image for Wireless Outlets

Wireless Outlets

I LOVE these outlets! You plug them into any existing outlet and then control them with the app on your phone. Great for programming timed actions or controlling manually for hard-to-reach lamps or things you don't want to get off the couch for, for example! Nice stocking stuffer!

Image for Magnetic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

Magnetic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons nest together without scattering due to the magnets in the handles! And you can mount them to any magnetic surface for easy storage, too.

Image for Wireless Water Leak Detector

Wireless Water Leak Detector

This gadget alerts you to water leaks and humidity changes in your home via notifications on your phone! So helpful!

Image for Handheld Percussion Massager

Handheld Percussion Massager

My husband bought one of these and we ALL use it! The relief you get for those sore muscles is unlike anything else. Every house should have one! 🙂

Image for Cordless Snow Removal Shovel

Cordless Snow Removal Shovel

Works for up to 8" of snow for a quick and easy clearing of the sidewalk or driveway without breaking your back or pulling out the massive snowblower!

Image for Wood Stovetop Cover

Wood Stovetop Cover

Add extra counterspace with a pretty stovetop cover that easily lifts and removes when it's time to cook. Or use it as a serving tray or sink cover (sink size dependent), when not using it as a stove cover!

Hostess Gifts

Don’t show up to that party empty-handed! Here are some adorable hostess gifts under $35.

Image for 50 Cocktail Recipes Card Deck

50 Cocktail Recipes Card Deck

Highly-rated in the reviews, these adorable cocktail cards give 50 recipes for the hostess to enjoy. I chose the "spritz" version, but you can pick from several other base spirits!

Image for Etched Floral Mirror Coasters

Etched Floral Mirror Coasters

These vintage-inspired coasters are so beautiful! If you're coming to my party, I will glady accept them. LOL!

Image for Wine Glass Markers

Wine Glass Markers

These metallic wine glass markers are basically dry erase markers for wine glasses! The perfect item to pair with a bottle of wine.

Image for Toile Taper Candles - Set of 2

Toile Taper Candles - Set of 2

Two beautiful taper candles with a festive toile winter scene are a lovely gift to present any hostess!

Image for Christmas Tree Farm Tea Towel

Christmas Tree Farm Tea Towel

This charming print is too adorable! For the hostess who doesn't take things too seriously, I think she'd love this tea towel.

Image for Fireside Spice Fire Starters

Fireside Spice Fire Starters

I love to gift this beautiful fire starter set with a set of long matches, if I know the hostess has a wood-burning fireplace.

Splurgeworthy Gifts

I mean, sometimes you just have to get a little fancy. And if that’s the case, these might be the gifts you need. 🙂

Image for Ninja Slushie Smart Frozen Drink Maker

Ninja Slushie Smart Frozen Drink Maker

I know three people with this machine and they all RAVE about it. The drinks are delicious and especially fun at parties. Great for alcoholic mixed drinks, or non-alcoholic slushies, too!

Image for 6-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit with Case

6-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit with Case

I got a starter power tool kit like this and it changed everything for me! This is such an amazing gift and value for someone who is starting their tool collection.

Image for DeLonghi Programmable Espresso Machine

DeLonghi Programmable Espresso Machine

For my husband's 40th birthday many (exact number of years undisclosed - lol) years ago, I got him a fancy DeLonghi coffeemaker / espresso machine and we ADORE IT. We save so much money over going to Sbux, and the coffee is amazing. This is a newer model than we have, but gets just as amazing reviews. You can make any type of coffeehouse beverage with this!

Image for Cricut Maker 5

Cricut Maker 5

This machine is amazing! It cuts up to 300 materials and works with 13 different tools. The maker in your life will find a million ways to use it! Cricut isn't just for making tshirts anymore! 😉

Image for Rolling Work Bench with Drawers

Rolling Work Bench with Drawers

This portable work bench gives you flexibility and storage. What a dream! Much better than my janky setup.

Image for Foot Massager with Heat

Foot Massager with Heat

Photo Credit: amzlink.to

I bought this for my husband who has plantar fascitis and he really enjoys using it when it's bothering him, or after long runs. It's super soothing he says. I haven't tried it because his feet have been in there (LOL). But he really likes it!

I hope you found these holiday gift ideas inspiring and helpful! If you have any questions, please ask in the comments below! Thank you and happy holidays!

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: Christmas, Gifts

How to Create Beautiful Gifts from Thrift Store Finds

October 30, 2025 by Bre Leave a Comment

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Let’s be honest: there’s a stigma around giving used items as gifts. And truthfully, sometimes it’s warranted. But I’m here to tell you that it’s not always the case, and that it is possible to create beautiful gifts from thrift store finds.

In fact, thrifted gifts can be some of the most thoughtful, beautiful, and personal gifts you’ll ever give. Seriously.

I have been searching the Goodwill shelves for years, and I’ve got a few tricks to share with you to make thrifted items look like they came from a boutique and not the bargain bin.

Whether you want to make thrifted Christmas gifts or are looking for thrifted gifts for other occasions, a few key tips will make these thrifted gift ideas stand out.

Focus on the quality and condition of the thrifted items

When searching for thrifted items to give as gifts, it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition. You have to start with pieces that have “good bones,” as they say.

  • Skip anything that’s stained, warped, or chipped. These are defects you can’t easily fix, and will diminish the value of the gift you give.
  • Choose items that are easily cleaned. For example, wicker baskets, wood, glass, brass, metal, and ceramic. These are timeless materials that polish up nicely.
When thrifting items to give as gifts, inspect carefully for quality issues like chips or cracks.
I thrifted this vase for $1.99. See how I presented as a gift in the photo near the end of this post.

Remember that you can’t fix cheap or broken items, but you can refresh dated ones. If you choose products with a solid structure, your thrifted gifts will be much better.

Pair thrifted objects with new items

My favorite thing to do when gifting thrifted items is to pair them with new products. This is where the magic of thrifted gifting starts to happen, and it doesn’t mean adding expensive items.

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Here are some examples of ways I’ve mixed old and new in thrifted Christmas gifts:

  • Paired thrifted candlestick holders with a set of new taper candles
  • Paired a thrifted crystal Christmas platter with freshly-baked Christmas cookies
  • Paired a set of thrifted teacups and a thrifted tea towel with a box of herbal tea in pretty packaging

Watch my YouTube Video for Great Thrifted Gift Ideas!

I like to think of thrifted items as the base, and the new items I add as the finishing touches that transform them into a gift.

Thrifted gift presentation is everything

This part is essential: you have to knock it out of the park with your thrifted gift presentation. If you gift a thrifted item with it still smelling like Goodwill (why do they all smell the same?), and just tossed into a gift bag, you have lost the opportunity to make it an incredibly beautiful gift.

Because thrifted items don’t come with gift boxes, I love to package them in a thrifted basket, box, crate, or tray. When you add the new items to this, it becomes a whole concept.

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The thrifted pitcher from above is part of this gift. Other thrifted items include the basket and the picture frame.

And using thoughtful wrapping touches takes it a step further. Group objects together with pretty ribbon, add tissue paper to cushion items and add height where needed, and include a personal touch like a handwritten note or tag.

Careful gift wrapping and presentation can make thrifted gifts look curated and high-end instead of an afterthought. So don’t skip this step!

Be prepared and thrift for gifts smarter

Once you start seeing thrift stores as treasure chests instead of cluttered aisles of junk, gifting gets a lot more fun (and affordable!). The trick is knowing what to look for and how to turn it into something special.

If you’d love step-by-step ideas that show you exactly what to buy, how to combine it, and how to wrap it beautifully, I’ve put together a full guide called Thrifted & Gifted: Your Blueprints for Turning Secondhand Finds Into First-Class Gifts.

It includes 15 complete gift blueprints of thrifted gift ideas you can recreate for any occasion (not just Christmas) and any recipient. It also has printable gift tags and gifting elements to include with the gifts, a cleaning guide, and a thrift store shopping list.

Change your mindset around thrifted gift giving and see what amazing and unique presents you can put together this year. I think you might be surprised at how fun it is to put these gifts together and to give them, too.

Happy thrifting and gifting! (And PS: I am so honored to have been included in this HGTV article filled with more tips for thrifting holiday gifts! I hope you’ll read it, too!)

Filed Under: Holiday Tagged With: Christmas, Gifts, Thrifted

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Hi, I’m Bre! Thanks for visiting Average But Inspired, where I show you how to work with what you’ve got to create a home you love.

Bre of Average But Inspired - a DIY and craft blog

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