10 Affordable Fall Gifts to Help You Recharge and Start Fresh
Fall is my favorite time of the year! It’s also a great time to start incorporating new habits (don’t wait until the new year), spend time with friends, or just indulge in self-care. With fall on our doorsteps, I started thinking about what are some great gifts you can give yourself (or others) that doesn’t cost a lot to get you on the path to starting next year on a positive note.
- Get Out in Nature: AllTrails is one of my favorite apps (and it’s free!) to find local trails and walks. It’s a great way to get out, enjoy nature, and explore the area.
- Write Gratitude Notes: Anytime is a great time to tell people in your life how you value and care for them. With Thanksgiving around the corner it serves as a great reminder to take the time and do it. Before I left for college I wrote cards to all my close high-school friends telling them what I loved about them and how much I valued them. The responses I received were incredible and reminded me how often we assume people know how we think/feel about them.
- Host a dessert/cookie exchange: Learn about how to host a dessert party and check out some dessert party ideas.
- Explore new games:
- Who can tell the best ghost story
- Hunt-a-Killer: My family loves these! They’re mystery games in a box that you can do alone or in a group. You get a series of clues that you solve to ultimately unveil the culprit. Great for your gift recipient to test her sleuthing powers!
- Start a gratitude journal: Studies have shown daily gratitude journaling can improve your sleep, decrease anxiety, boost immunity, and improve your greater long-term happiness! I personally use and love this one.
- Volunteer: Anytime is a great time to volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about. Non-profits often get a lot of volunteers during the fall so if you love the experience consider volunteering year-round.
- Participate in NaNoWriMo: Have you always dreamed of writing a novel? November is National Novel Writing Month and it’s the perfect challenge, with support and even local groups during November, to get you writing.
- DIY Retreat: Focus on your wellness, you can dedicate the day to journaling, meditation or the things that enhance your wellness by planning a DIY retreat.
- Host a closet cleanup/clothing exchange party: This is a great opportunity to clean-out your closet and add some new items all for free, learn more about how to host a clothing exchange party here.
- Schedule a reading retreat/read-a-thon: Wishing you had more time to read? Do you have a huge stack in your to-be-read pile? This is a great way enjoy yourself and to find more time to read, all for free. Learn more about planning a read-a-thon here.
- Home spa day: Light a candle, put on relaxing music, and pamper yourself with a home spa day.
- Listen to free audiobooks: If you have a library card you have access to a HUGE assortment of audiobooks! I was able to save money and give up my spotify premium account once I discovered the Libby app. Just enter your library details and you can begin listening to the most popular audiobooks around-all for free!
As we step into fall, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season with a mix of adventure, self-care, and new habits. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, hosting a cozy gathering with friends, or taking time for reflection, these activities remind us to savor the moment and reconnect with what brings us joy. And don’t forget, treating yourself or others to thoughtful gifts can set the tone for an uplifting and positive year ahead. So why wait for the new year? Start now and make the most of this season’s opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
