Simple Living

Words of Affirmation Gift that will Cost you Pennies!

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’m focusing on making presents for Christmas this year. Making gifts can be a great way to reduce waste and also a great way to reduce spending. I also mentioned that I like to gift experiences and am trying to combine the idea of an experience with a homemade gift. As someone who appreciates kind words, I came up with an idea of a homemade “Daily Affirmations” jar. It is a perfect, low-cost Words of Affirmation gift for a loved one.

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Christmas gifts

Love Languages and Words of Affirmation

While I don’t believe the idea of five love languages is perfect, it is a great framework to begin learning about ourselves and how we experience love and care from others–and therefore learn about expressing love in a way others can truly feel.

If you’ve never heard of the Love Languages, it is a concept expressed in a book called The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. The basic idea is that everyone receives love in a different way, more specifically one of five ways:

1. Acts of Service
2. Words of Affirmation
3. Physical Touch
4. Gifts
5. Quality Time

If you are curious to see what love languages are more prominent for you, you can take a quiz to find out here: Love Languages Quiz.

Words of Affirmation Love Language

So what is the words of affirmation love language? It is very much like it sounds:

Words of affirmation is one of the five love languages; people whose primary love language is words of affirmation value when their significant other expresses love via written and spoken words.

Words of Affirmation Love Language: How to Affirm Your Partner, MasterClass Articles

These positive expressions are best when they are honest and from the heart. They don’t have to be grand statements; even small positive feedback can be meaningful.

paper for writing words of affirmation

A Words of Affirmation Gift Idea

A positive, kind word can go a long ways for anyone–even if words of affirmation don’t land at the top of someone’s list of love languages. In our world somedays it seems like negativity and criticism are shared so much more easily than positive feedback. Intentionally creating a words of affirmation gift can help spread kindness into a loved one’s life. It also allows us to practice gratitude and reflect on why we appreciate those around us.

Words of Affirmation Gift Jar

A words of affirmation gift jar (or words of appreciation, love, joy) is quite simple. It is a jar filled with positive statements from you to the recipient. I like the idea of this being used as a daily affirmations practice by the recipient where they can read a loving statement every day, but there’s nothing wrong with reading through the whole thing in one sitting!

Who is this gift for?

This gift could be for anyone you want to show appreciation for. That could be a romantic partner, a best friend, a teacher or important role model, a parent, or other important person in your life.

Supplies Needed

  • Jar, box, or other vessel to hold affirmations
  • Paper (cardstock, printer paper, decorative paper, anything works)
  • Scissors or a paper punch
  • Pen or printer
  • Fabric or jar lid (something to seal the container)
  • Any embellishments you want to add
Supplies for words of affirmation gift idea

How to make a Words of Affirmation Gift Jar

Choose a container to hold the affirmations. I love reusing glass jars (and I happen to have a bunch of extra mason jars), so I chose to make my gift with a jar. You can just as easily repurpose a small box, tin, or even make a box out of paper yourself.

Write or type out a number of affirmations or words of appreciation that you want to express to the recipient. You can use a paper punch or simply use scissors to cut the notes into the correct size for the container being used. You can also type up and print out the notes if you prefer.

I chose to use the same repeating sentence, but you can use a variety of different expressions to fill up your jar. For some inspiration, try writing sentences starting with the following phrases:

  • I love you because…
  • I appreciate you because…
  • I am proud of you because…
  • I feel (loved/appreciated/seen/joy/insert positive word) when you…
  • I am in awe of you because…

You can also team up with someone to create this gift. If there is more than one person writing out the affirmations (for example, two children writing out words of appreciation for their parent), then choose a specific colour of paper or ink for each person. That way the recipient will know who wrote which note.

Close the jar or container in your desired fashion. I don’t have a lid to my jar, but I do have fabric scraps in abundance, so I am using a piece of fabric tied with a string to close my jar. You could print a fun jar label if you do have a lid to use or simply keep it as is.

How to Keep this Gift Budget Friendly

I was able to create this words of affirmation gift idea with items found around my house. It literally cost me nothing but time as I had everything on hand already. Since I love to craft and make things, I will admit to having more things on hand than an average person.

If you’re wanting to make this gift idea and keep it budget friendly, here are some ideas:

  • Look around your house first and see what you already have–you might be surprised!
  • Ask friends and family what they are decluttering and if you can have the items.
  • Check with your local Buy Nothing Group.
  • Check other freebies places, like Facebook marketplace or Craigslist.
  • Shop second hand stores or online marketplaces for deals.

Is this your love language?

Are you a words of affirmation person? Would this words of affirmation gift be something you’d like to receive? What would you like to write to show appreciation for your loved one? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

DIY Christmas Gift Inspiration

If you’re inspired to make your own gifts this year, find some more ideas in these posts:

Date Night Boxes–the Easiest DIY
DIY Spa Day Gift Ideas
Sustainable Gift List

Cork Yoga Mat

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