Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre
Autumn is a fleeting season and that is not fair.
Yes, it’s just as long as winter, spring and summer, but because everything around us is always changing – from green leaves and light jackets, to vivid reds and yellows, and finally to crunchy, fallen golds indicating it’s time for heavy coats – it all feels way too brief.
Don’t delay. Here are 10 gifts that celebrate autumn today.
10. Fall harvest basket
Nothing invites you to celebrate all of the warm, spicy flavors like an overflowing fall harvest basket! Gift baskets loaded with fall goodies – cranberry tea, pumpkin butter and coffee cake, of course – are a perfect gift for anyone.
9. Tea
It’s a natural inclination to want to keep your loved ones warm. Sometimes the best way to do so is through their tummy with some elegant gourmet tea. Green tea lovers would go crazy for a fresh batch of loose leaf matcha or jasmine. Unlike many other treats of the season, (looking at you, pumpkin spiced lattes) tea is good for the body and the soul.
8. Scented candles
Bring the outdoors in with candles scented like autumn favorites. Wax cubes the smell like cinnamon rolls, spiced apples and pumpkin pie will stimulate all the senses. Plus the glow of a small flame brings comfort on cold dark nights.
7. Something handmade
Homemade gifts that celebrate autumn come in all shapes and sizes. Mittens and hats are quick knitting projects. Sew some pillows and stitch on felt leaves and pumpkins, or warm their feet with a fluffy latch hook rug. More comfortable in the kitchen? Preserve food by making homemade jam, chutney or pickles so they can savor the season all year.
6. Rake
Nothing says “Don’t forget to rake the lawn” like a shiny new rake. Slap on a bow and give the gift of something to do on a Saturday. Somebody’s got to clean up all those leaves once they lose their color. And since the rake was a gift to the family, you really shouldn’t be the first one to use it. Don’t forget to say “You’re welcome”.
5. Colorful scarf
Chilly mornings, warm afternoons and cold night make this is the hardest season to dress for. Scarves are a versatile accessory that bring extra warmth to a light jacket when it’s needed without making you unnecessarily bulky. A beautifully made, colorful pashmina scarf helps your loved ones stand out amidst the foliage show and brightens things up when things get dark towards the end of the season.
4. Craft supplies
The colder it gets the more time we spend inside looking for creative outlets. Catching leaves and picking out pumpkins is pure inspiration for crafters. Whether the maker in your life needs yarn for knitting or more scrapbooking supplies, you’ll find what she’ll love at a crafty supply shop.
3. Slow cooker
Tis the season for nourishing soups, stews and chili! Slow cookers make cooking so easy, they’re a perfect gift for a loved one who still eats out more often than not. Many slow cooking recipes simply require you to add a liquid, seasoning and ingredients in the morning, turn it on low and by the time you come home a hearty dinner awaits.
2. DIY autumn wreath
Of all the gifts that celebrate autumn, a wreath is probably the most universal. Who wouldn’t love welcoming this most colorful season into their lives with all the colors it has to offer? Make one yourself with a mix of red, gold yellow and other seasonal silk flowers and leaves.
1. Hot cocoa
A mug of hot cocoa topped with a cinnamon stick and three giant marshmallows is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So drink up and save some for a friend. We’re living in an exciting time for chocolate lovers, it’s true. You can easily find a whole spectrum of cocoa flavors, including mocha, salted caramel and white chocolate mocha. There’s even spicy cocoa for the adventurous at heart.