5+ Truly Kind Holiday Gift Ideas for 2024 (under $100)!

Here are 5 x Kind Holiday Gift ideas for 2024 (all under $100)

1) A Beautiful Bird Feeder for our Feathered Friends!

Be Kind: give the gift of awe and wonder!

• Cost: $15+

We could all do with being closer to nature—it’s calming, as well as being a fabulous way to help people feel more joy and better connected to the world around them.

There really is a bird feeder for absolutely everyone! Get cute and whimsical bird feeders (like a coffee cup, mini barn, sunflower), beautiful or stylish bird feeders, and extremely practical all-weather bird feeders make from Trex. What would appeal to your giftee?

Find a local store like Wild Birds Unlimited in the USA and Canada, or use the RSPB online store in the UK. Also check Home Depot and local gardening stores!

TOP TIP: If you can, include the relevant seeds/nuts/suet too, so your recipient can get set up right away!

Some things to think about. Does your gift recipient have:

• No back yard? Get a window feeder! (see image above – just $26 at Home Depot USA)
• Squirrels in their area? If so, consider getting a “Squirrel Proof” feeder
• Hummingbirds in their area? Hummingbirds are an absolute delight to watch, and will even go to feeders on high-rises.
• Cats? Be sure to get a feeder that can be hung up.
• Is it winter with your gift recipient? A suet feeder (where you put in blocks of suet) is great to support overwintering birds and help them get lots of calories to get through the cold season.

And if you have a higher budget, or would like to get a gift for an entire family, consider getting a bird feeder with a built-in camera like the ones by Netvue Birdfy (although these are pricier and start at $179 USD).

PS. You could also consider a a nesting box, bird bath, or a little solar powered fountain creator.

2) Upcycled Beauty: Vibrant Gifts from Repurposed Saris

Be Kind: our planet will thank-you for upcycling and reducing what would otherwise end up in landfill!

• Cost: starting at $22 USD

These beautiful, useful and decorative items are all made from repurposed saris!

There are so many gorgeous options and ideas for household, beauty and helpful gifts made from repurposed saris. And a bonus: these are colourful and guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face during the cold and often grey wintertime.

Products include: gorgeous robes, aprons, scarves, scrunchies, caddies, napkins/serviettes, tote bag, yoga mat bag, jewelry and many more!

Checkout all the cool household, clothing and helpful products made from repurposed saris!

3) Unplug and Play: Board Games for Connection

Be Kind: give the gift of connection with family board games!

• Cost: $15-100 USD

Tired of seeing everyone around you being on their phones all the time? Help people connect “in person” with a board game!

• Here is a reviewed list for families with younger children of 25 of the Best Family Board Games
• And a reviewed list of 11 best board games of 2024 by The New York Times (I’m considering getting Mysterium!).

I also personally recommend:

• Settlers of Catan for teenagers and adults.
• Perudo (also known as Liar’s Dice) dice game—go ahead and cheat! Good for all ages, but probably 11+as some understanding of “mathematical odds” is helpful.
• CodeNames (various options). In this award winning game you work in teams and it’s good for building our lateral thinking muscles.
• Wingspan for bird and nature lovers.

4) Gift Kindness: Inspiring Reads to Rekindle Hope

Be Kind: Spread kindness with these 2 super-inspiring and uplifting books all about kindness.

• Cost: $15-25 USD

Both books are called HumanKind and here’s a little bit about each:

1) Humankind (a Hopeful History) by Rutger Bergman

In this fabulous book, Bergman systematically pulls apart the idea that humans (when it comes down to it) are selfish and only out for themselves.

Bergman analyses and disproves popular scientific experiments that supposedly show we’re selfish (some of which I’m sure you’ve heard of and maybe even quoted). He also shares many other heartwarming real-life stories and scientific studies that prove that humans are hardwired for kindness!

If you disliked the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding (as I did growing up), you’ll love how Bergman finds a real-life version of this story where boys (shipwrecked on an island), instead of bullying and killing each other, support and help each other survive.

2) Humankind by Brad Aronson ¹

What makes this book different is that it’s also a fundraiser, with all author royalties going to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Named best inspirational book of the year by the Independent Book Publishers Association and chosen as an International Book Awards winner, HumanKind is a heartwarming and feel-good book we could all do with reading!

The author, inspired by many examples of kindness that supported his family through his wife’s recovery from leukemia, began writing about the people who rescued his family from that dark time, often with the smallest of gestures. And it grew from there. Knowing that simple acts of kindness transform lives every day, he sought out more examples of kindness and shares the most heartwarming stories in the book.

These inspiring stories will open your heart and rekindle your faith in humanity.

¹ A big thank-you to Virginia Reeves for bringing this book to my attention!

5) Eco-Chic Indulgence: Treat Your Loved Ones and the Earth

Be Kind: to our bodies and the environment with luxury natural relaxation, beauty or cleansing products.

• Cost: $10+

Search online for eco-friendly, natural and/or plant-based/vegan body, bath or relaxation products.

Top Tips:

• Choose a luxury/high end brand with great packaging so that it feels like a treat.
• Buy something your giftee might not usually get themselves—something feels like an indulgence.
• Also be sure to check the store’s about page, and learn about their mission and ethics before buying.

Some of my favourites include:

1. Salt Spring Soapworks ships to US and Canada, In particular the delicious bath bombs, big fat lipbalms, rhubarb soap, handcreams and bubble baths.
2. BKIND ships to US and Canada. Check out their kind gift guide here!
3. Wild and Rust in the UK.

1. For someone you don’t see enough of: create a Time with You! Gift Certificate. Quality time in person with people you love is precious.
   • Who would you love to have exclusive, quality time with you (a complete day or an evening is ideal)?
   • What would quality time look like? A hike? A sunset with a picnic? Dinner with you and their favourite home-cooked meal? Taking a class together?
   • TIP: Add a ‘call to action’ for them to book a date with you!
2. For the difficult to buy for person: Be kind to yourself, let go of the guilt—and get them a gift certificate.
   • Choose something they love—or that they use often because they love it!
     
3. For the person who has everything: Make a charitable donation in their name to a charity that has meaning for the giftee.

Wrap-up

These kind holiday gift ideas are intended to help you be kind to yourself, others and the planet! And to find inexpensive, fun, original gifts for those you love.

What were your favourite ideas? What would you add to the list? Share in the comments below!

If you liked these kind holiday gift ideas You may also like:

• 4 Simple Steps to Reduce the Stress of Holiday Gift Shopping
• Be Kind to Your Pocketbook: 3 “Tricks” to Help You Spend Wisely—and Spend Less!
• 7 Easily Doable Ways to Feel Happier and Find Calm through Nature & Connection!

Remember: Change the world. Start with you!