Holidays are a time when budgets are tight and people are busier than usual. Worrying about hostess gifts just might be the thing that puts a person over the edge. Fear not. These distinctive hostess gift ideas are all about $5. Stocking up on such items now will ensure that you don’t arrive at upcoming events empty-handed, without putting too big a dent in your gift-giving budget. One more tip: Be sure to grab a roll of cellophane and holiday ribbon from your local craft store for an easy, affordable wrapping option.
Feather a nest
This handmade novelty includes a heartfelt sentiment in a pretty little nest that will easily slip onto the boughs of your host’s Christmas tree and will undoubtedly be treasured for years to come. $5 and up,
Awash in color
Milagros Soap Co. is based in Brighton and produces bulk or sliced soaps out of natural plant extracts and oils in a variety of fragrances and designs. $7.50 an individual soap slice or $64 for a loaf, which makes 12-13 soap slices,
Pass a snack
Top Babushka’s colorful truffle or trinket tray with homemade fudge or cookies for your hostess. $2.99 at Cost Plus World Market stores or online at
Shake it up
Vintage salt and pepper shakers in a holiday motif make the perfect hostess gift. Available in antique malls or at collectors’ expos, prices usually range from $2 to $5 for a set. For a large assortment in a variety of motifs, contact local collector rockenrobin1 @hotmail.com or visit the Colorado Antique Gallery, 5501 S. Broadway, Littleton, 303-794-8100.Nostalgic notion
Wandering through an antique mall or thrift store, you will certainly discover an assortment of vintage dishes. Find one that suits your fancy and fill it with a half- dozen packets of your favorite teas, instant coffee or candies. Average cost: about $5
Cocktail on a stick
These adult beverage-flavored lollipops won’t last long. A half-dozen package includes Grand Marnier, mojito and margarita flavors. $10 per package, sweetniks
Above the fold
Sure to strike up a healthy competition, these sticky notes from a Denver-based online gift shop come with instructions for creating 10 different origami shapes. $3.75,
Pinup girl-approved
These colorful, locally made, decoupaged clothespins come in a set of five with a coordinated notepad made from vintage typewriter paper. The notepad is the perfect size for tucking into a purse or back pocket, and the clothes- pins can keep potato-chip bags tightly closed or embellish a gift box. $5,
Blending in
Even if you can’t cook, you can create a spice blend to use in multiple gifts. Purchase small cellophane gift bags and tie with holiday ribbon. Cost: about $5; Recipe source:
Chili Seasoning Mix
- ½ cup chili powder
- ¼ cup ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder (add more if you like spicy chili)
