would not shop for themselves between Thanksgiving and Christmas. More than once, I've had to think up a new gift idea after learning the recipient had already gotten the item for themselves. Also...
Once, when I was in that position, family and close friends agreed to “shop in our apartments/homes” instead of buying gifts for each other. I gave away some favorite things that year. We were also allowed to make homemade things like your infused oil. It was a good Christmas.
I love this idea as well! I could easily go into the attic and find a few gifts, plus there's some things scattered throughout the house that I could bear to part with as well.
I did a lot of homemade items for Christmas 2020, despite the fact the COVID bumps were paying me (considerably) more than I'd been making at the bindery. I made the rosemary mint oil and used some of the wild mint that grows out of control in the front flower bed. When we had to take down one of Mom's beloved rose of sharon bushes, I had Dad cut one of the bigger branches into wood slices and drill a hole at the top of each slice, then I painted Christmas-y things on them like wreathes and candles (I thought the final product wasn't terribly impressive artistically but everyone liked having a literal slice of something Mom loved). The homemade vegan peanut butter cups were a hit though.
I hope your love of shopping, eating out and vacations leads you to a good new job soon.
Thank you!
