Mystique Creations, Melbourne Boutique Design Studio

Photo by Alan Chao

It's christmas time again! Everyone is screaming about "feel good to gift" on the radio, on TV, and everywhere on the web. Before you going for Christmas shopping, here are few tips you might want to consider.

Make your own cards or wrapping paper.
I was really disappointed when browsing through the collections in gift stores, they are so ourdated, waste of paper and not cheap! Ever wonder what you gonna do with all those pretty old magazines, art show invites and newspaper with the most trendy illustrations or nice photographs on? I use them to make the cards and wrapping. Some independant designer offers cards that use recycled materials, they are good if you are really out of time.

Gift a plant.
Plants are great, they give fruits, flowers, or just being there and green your space. It's much more meaningful when you are giving a plant, it'll remind your friend about you everytime they water it. Even if your friend is not a garden person, a small strawberry plant will not be hard to grow and it'll "grow" the greens in their heart too.

DIY your gift.
If you do have time to play around (like me), making a gift is fun and meaningful. Be creative, exercise your brain and hands. There are many diy tutorials/ideas online about home made gifts, just hit the search button!

Buy unique and well designed gift.
And at last, if you are really out of time, buy gifts that will last and kind to the environment. Always buy things that's nicely designed and unique, it'll stand out from the crowd, and it'll be loved by your friends. Support local designers, shop places like independant designer store.