The 2023 Gift Box, or what to buy your loved ones for Christmas?

A decorated mug will be the perfect gift for those who love objects that are both beautiful and practical - friends, family members or colleagues. Keep in mind, however, that some people may not be fond of such fanabies, so make sure this form of decoration will appeal to the recipient.

Beeswax scented candle

How to make one?

To make a scented candle from beeswax, you need: a block of beeswax, wicks, a stick, a glass container, a pot and fragrance oil. Start by attaching the wick to the bottom of the glass container, using glue (you can also put on a ready-made wick with a stand). Then use a chopstick (this can be a wooden spatula for stirring coffee or a skewer stick) to hold the wick vertically in the centre of the glass container.

In the next step, heat the wax in a pot over a low heat until it is completely melted. Once it s liquid, add a few drops of your favourite fragrance oil, stirring gently but thoroughly. Carefully pour the melted wax into a glass container, taking care not to move the wick. Leave the candle to set completely, preferably overnight.

Why is it cool?

Beeswax candles not only smell beautiful, they also have a number of other benefits. They produce a natural, warm light and are more environmentally friendly than many commercial paraffin candles. In addition, they do not emit toxic fumes, making them safe for health.

Who to give it to?

Beeswax candles are the perfect gift for almost anyone. They can be a lovely gift for teachers, family, a partner or a secret gift for someone you are just getting to know. Their natural light and fragrance are sure to brighten and warm any interior.

Timber slice photo frame

How to make it?

To make a wooden photo frame, you'll need: wooden slices (you can get them from craft shops or make them yourself), as well as glue and varnish or wood oil.

Begin by arranging the wooden slices into the shape of a frame - you can outline it on cardboard beforehand to make it easier. Once you have your dream configuration, use wood glue to stick the individual slices together. Once the glue has dried, apply a coat of varnish or oil to protect the wood and give it a nice, natural sheen.

Why is it cool?

The wood slice photo frame is a stylish and original way to display your favourite photographs. Each one will be unique thanks to the natural variations in shape and colour of the wood. And the softness and naturalness of the wood will add a lot of warmth and character to any interior.

To whom to give it?

This photo frame with a photo of a loved one, a shared photo or a memory is a unique and personal gift that is sure to work well for family or a partner.

Painted plates

How to make them

To create painted plates you will need: white plates (ceramic or porcelain), porcelain paints and brushes. Also make sure the plates are clean and dry before you start.

Before you start, make sure the plates are clean and dry.

Begin painting with porcelain paints according to the pattern you have chosen. You can also use stencils to make your work easier. Remember that some paints may need to be baked in the oven to fix the design, so read the instructions on the paint package at the start of your work. Allow the plates to dry completely after the painting process is complete.

Why are they cool?

Painted plates are not only functional dishes, but also true works of art that add character to any meal. All the patterns you create on them will make your tableware unique and full of personal style.

Who to give them to?

Painted plates are the perfect gift for someone who appreciates unique and artistic items in their home. They will look great on the wall in the kitchen or on the table at a special dinner party.

Painted plates are the perfect gift.

Painted plates will therefore be the perfect gift for art lovers, foodies, and those who love unique home accessories. You might also consider adding a note with a description of your design to add more of a personal touch to your gift.

Christmas gifts in numbers

Let's not kid ourselves, DIY gifts are a rarity. We buy gifts most often, as looked at in a study conducted by Quality Watch on 1,042 adult Poles in 2022. What can be learned from this analysis?

• Last year, one in 10 Poles completely gave up on giving Christmas gifts to loved ones. The reason for this was most often rising inflation.
• The reason for this was the rising inflation rate.
• On average, Poles spent PLN 431 on presents.
• About 22% of Poles gave presents to their loved ones last year.
• About 22% of Poles bought fewer presents than in previous years, while 30% decided to forgo expensive gifts.
• Interestingly, the largest number of people (17% in both cases) declared, that they would spend 500-1000 zlotys or... 0 zlotys on gifts.
• The placement of gifts was also problematic - as many as 19% of Poles opted out of buying a traditional Christmas tree (also due to cost).
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• As many as 35% of Poles declared that they would buy most of their gifts online, and slightly fewer (27%) that they would buy as many gifts online as stationary.

Last minute Christmas gifts - how to purchase something at the last minute?

Christmas in a few dozen hours, and you still don't have anything for your loved ones? No worries. Fortunately, there are various ways to shop quickly and efficiently last minute. Here are some strategies to help you find the perfect gift even under time pressure.

Shopping online

Shopping online is a convenient and easily accessible way to get gifts last minute. Online shops offer a wide range of products, and clever algorithms help personalise offers and make choosing a gift easy.

Gift cards

Gift cards are an excellent and practical solution last minute, allowing the gift recipient to choose the item that suits them best. The options range from clothing shops to restaurants to streaming services. What are the most popular options?

Settlement shops

Yes, you read that right. Despite the fact that most of us tend to shop online or in large shopping malls, local estate shops still have a lot to offer. Especially if you're looking for a last-minute gift. It is not uncommon to find unique, handmade items in these places that are not available anywhere else.

Local shops also often offer products from local artisans and artists, making every gift from there unique. You can buy jewellery, handmade cosmetics, local delicacies and many other original items there.

Experiences

Sometimes the best gift is not a thing, but an experience. And with this one, it's really simple. And fast. You will find many offers on the market that allow you to gift your loved ones with unforgettable experiences that can provide unique memories.

What's more, most often these vouchers are electronic, so you can purchase them even a quarter of an hour before devouring the carp. What is worth looking out for?

• Interesting dinner. Allows you to gift an unforgettable culinary experience. Such gifts are ideal for people who appreciate good food and would like to discover new flavours.
• A concert or theatre ticket. Gives the opportunity to experience a unique live performance. Ideal for music and art lovers.
• Voucher for a spa treatment or massage. Allows you to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Sessions with a personal trainer. It's a great gift for physically active people who are looking for a new challenge or want to improve their fitness.
• Cooking lessons or wine tasting. A lovely idea for connoisseurs of good food and wine, allowing you to develop your own cooking skills or expand your knowledge of tasty liquors.

Tested tips for gift savings

Developing an effective strategy for Christmas gift savings is the key to a calmer Christmas. After all, let's not kid ourselves - this is the time of year when we spend the most on gifts. That's why all savings are at a premium (literally).

Below you will find 5 effective (I tested it myself) tips that will allow you to save even a few hundred zlotys on Christmas gifts.

1. Buy gifts early

Planning ahead is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to save money on your Christmas shopping. Many people know this, but few use it correctly.

From the start, establish a list of the people you will be buying gifts for and the budget you want to allocate. Remember to factor in all potential costs, including not only the gift itself, but also the packaging or shipping costs.

Follow up with a list of the people you will be buying for and the budget you have set.

Then you can start looking for suitable gifts for each person on your list. Doing this in advance will give you more time to compare prices, check out different options, or wait for promotions and sales.

This is the perfect time to do this.

This is the perfect time to take advantage of  "Black Friday", which falls about a month before Christmas. Discounts can then reach up to a few tens of per cent

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Pre-planning, allows you to keep full control over the whole process, so you can avoid the stress of buying a last-minute gift.

2. Use loyalty programmes

Using loyalty programmes is another way that you can make big savings on your Christmas gifts. Shops often offer attractive offers for regular customers, and collecting points and taking advantage of promotions is an ideal opportunity to save on gifts.

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• Collect and redeem points. Most shops offer loyalty programmes based on collecting points for purchases, which can then be exchanged for products or discounts. You will find such solutions in both online and stationary shops.
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• Take advantage of promotions for regular customers. Shops often offer special promotions for regular customers. These can be birthday discounts, favourable offers thanks to a newsletter subscription, or access to exclusive sales.
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• Explore loyalty card bonuses. Loyalty cards not only allow you to collect points, but often offer additional bonuses, such as free online shipping, longer turnaround time, or discounts on certain product categories.

3. Compare prices

If you're not comparing prices, you're losing money - seriously. This is one of the most important elements of a frugal approach to gift shopping and beyond. In the age of the internet, this task is very easy. You can easily find plenty of websites and apps that allow you to compare prices of products in different shops, which will help you find the most cost-effective deal.

But beware, because sometimes you can get cut. Firstly, it's not uncommon to find a product £5 cheaper in one shop, but you have to add £10 more for delivery, which misses the point. What's more, remember that a price that's too low should also make your red light go on - there's no shortage of shops of dubious quality on the internet.

The main purpose of comparing prices is, of course, to find the best deal. But that's not the only benefit. By the way, you will also unintentionally check the reviews of the product in question. This way, you can realise in time that a particular gift is not the best choice after all.

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4. Make big orders

Yes, it's a bit of a paradox, but by spending more, you can sometimes save a lot. And this is where we ll stop for a moment. It's not about always filling your basket to get free delivery or a discount. Never forget your shopping list from point one.

Sometimes, however, you can easily combine the purchase of two gifts and get it done in one shop. A good example would be buying cosmetics for your sister and perfume for your mother. You can easily find both products in the drugstore. What effect can you expect? Let's do the maths.

Assuming that you would buy both gifts separately, you would have to add delivery to each of them, the cost of which is probably 15-20 PLN. Combining the products, on the other hand, will make the delivery one. What is more, you can sometimes exceed the free shipping threshold in this way. As a result, the saving can be as much as £40 (and we're only talking about two gifts).

5. Check out used products

I agree, buying second-hand gifts can seem un-elegant. But in many cases, it really is a great solution. On auction portals, you can easily find numerous products that look like new, and their prices can be several tens of percent lower.

What's more, it's also an interesting idea for people with the soul of an artist. For them, items that have some history can be much more valuable than new products.

How to wrap gifts?

It's the inside that counts, it's true, but when it comes to gifts, packaging is just as important. It reflects your respect for the giftee. That's why it's really worth taking a few moments to wrap your gift nicely. What do you need for this?

• Gift paper. The best choice is a decorative one, although this also depends on the gift itself. If it is more serious, you can also opt for a single-colour paper. Also focus on the grammage - paper that is too thin will tear, and paper that is too thick can be difficult to fold.
• Staples or ribbons. Without them, you won't wrap your gift nicely. A few weeks before Christmas the shop shelves are overflowing with such products, which is why you will find them not only in stationery shops but also in numerous markets.
• Adhesive tape. The best choice is the classic transparent tape. It is elegant and will not ruin the look of the whole composition. But beware - if you've chosen thick paper that is difficult to bend, go for double-sided tape - it will make your job easier.
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• Additions. Stars, feathers, bows and other elements are the so-called icing on the cake. They can add a lot of charm to a package, but sometimes they can also... ruin it completely. In gift wrapping, it is not uncommon for less to be more, so be careful with extras.
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How to pack a gift classically step by step?

1. Lay out the paper on a flat surface, such as a desk or table, and then measure the amount needed. Remember to make sure that on the sides of the package, the paper sticks out to the correct length.
2. Paste a small piece of paper onto the package.
3. Apply a small piece of double-sided tape to the long sides of the paper, using them to wrap the gift.
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4. Fold the shorter edge of the paper inwards and stick it to the gift.
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5. Glued the forming 'wings' of the paper to the gift, as well as each subsequent triangular piece of paper that appears.
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6. Repeat these steps for the last side of the gift.
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7. Add embellishments, such as a ribbon or bow.
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Japanese style gift wrapping - how to do it?

If classic gift wrapping is too boring for you, it's worth considering the Japanese school. You will need an elegant material to use it. I recommend this solution for wrapping gifts in cardboard boxes - it can be really tricky when dealing with irregular shapes. How do you do it?

1. Place the material (with even edges) on a table or desk so that it forms a rhombus (a square turned 45 degrees).
2. Grab the bottom corner of the fabric and place it over the gift. Then repeat with the top corner, and tuck the protruding part of the fabric under the gift.
3. Fold both edges of the fabric inwards, place it over the gift and do the same on the other side.
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4. Tie the fabric in the middle of the gift so that it forms a bow.
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5. In the middle of the knot you can put, for example, mistletoe or any other element that you associate with Christmas.
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What should be included on a Christmas gift card?

A Christmas gift card is a good way to convey a personal message with your warmest wishes. Any addition straight from the heart will add a special touch to your gift. What is worth thinking about?

Christmas wishes

Let's not kid ourselves - Christmas wishes are the heart of any gift card. They are the ones that convey the deepest emotions and best intentions, reflecting the atmosphere of love, joy and peace that characterises the festive season. They can take a variety of forms, from the traditional greetings, known as formulas, to more personally directed words addressed to the recipient.

When writing wishes, it is worth focusing mainly on making sure they are sincere and come straight from the heart. It's good if they can reflect what you value most about the person or how you feel about them. You can also add wishes for happiness, health and prosperity for the coming year.

It is equally important that the wishes are written in accordance with the cultural and religious traditions of the person to whom you are offering them. You can therefore introduce Christmas wishes typical of a particular tradition, which will certainly be appreciated. All this makes the gift much more personal and special.

Christmas illustrations

Adequate illustrations on gift cards add charm and create a truly festive atmosphere. These can be traditional images such as Christmas trees, stars, bells or snowflakes, or more abstract solutions such as candles lit in a window. These images, full of colour and light, help to express the joyful and loving spirit of Christmas.

When creating a card like this, it's worth experimenting with different styles of illustration, from drawings to watercolours to collage. Colourful, hand-drawn illustrations can add a unique touch and personal touch to the card, making the recipient feel special.

Dedication

A dedication on a gift card allows you to express a special tenderness towards the recipient. It is a few words that show how much you appreciate that person and how they have influenced your life. This can include affectionate words, memories that you connect with that person, or thanks for helping, supporting or simply for being a part of your life.

Remember, however, that writing a dedication requires some thought, as it aims to take on a more personal tone than traditional greetings. The idea is to emphasise the unique relationship between you and the recipient of the gift.

Make sure that you are aware of the gift.

So think about what makes this person special to you, what unique qualities characterise them and what the best moments you have had with them are.

What else can you put on a Christmas greeting card?

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• Motivational quotes. Famous words from famous writers, philosophers or inspirational figures can add depth to your wishes.
• Individual decorations. Additions such as stickers, ribbons, or stamps can make your card more visually appealing.
• Pictures. A photograph of a shared experience or a portrait of the recipient can transform the card into something more personal.
• Short story.If you're good at writing, a surprising poem or short story about the recipient or the holidays can be the fruit of your creativity.
• Drawing or sketching. If you can draw, a hand-drawn sketch can add uniqueness to your gift card.