Sample issue

Hi there,

This issue's gift idea: a recipe card

Write out a family recipe the person loves, by hand, on a card. Add a note about where it came from. It costs almost nothing, and it's the kind of gift people keep in a drawer for decades. Pair it with one ingredient if you'd like to give something to unwrap.

More ideas in Gift ideas by budget and Homemade gifts people love.

This issue's budget tip

December isn't a surprise. Add up a year of gifts once, divide by 12, and set that amount aside every month. Our gift budget calculator does the math.

Reader question

"My boss texted asking me to buy gift cards for a client and send the numbers. Is that normal?" No. That's a common scam. Check with your boss in person or by a phone number you already know. See Gift card scams.

Happy giving,
Dollar Petal