Inexpensive Gift Ideas

Christmas is drawing closer and closer so I thought this might be a fun post to do! I’ve been told by many friends and family that I have quite the knack for being able to give meaningful gifts. Now while giving gifts is not my love language, when I do give gifts I like them to mean something more than just being a gift. I thought I would share with you some ideas that can help you with giving gifts to people (and this isn’t just for Christmas – it can apply to any occasion). These gifts can also be done on budget which is always a goodie!

Sentimental gifts

1. A favourite photograph that is printed and placed in a frame
2. A spinoff of no. 1 can be to get a photograph made into a drawing or painting (you can find local designers/artists that do this for a reasonable price!)
3. A box of the person’s favourite things (I usually get something in these categories: favourite food, colour, activity, flowers, drink or just something you know they love)
4. Something that is an inside joke or a reminder of a shared memory between you (I have given people coffee cups with a saying on that refers to something that happened between us, for example).
5. Handwritten letters (the cost is literally 0). I once gave my best friend a box of handwritten letters to open on a certain occasion – she loved it and I loved writing them so it had meaning for both of us. The present can also then be reused over and over again and doesn’t lose its value.

Practical gifts

1. Giving someone an experience rather than a tangible gift. I used to take friends out for cake and coffee on their birthdays (and obviously, pay for them!). You get to spend quality time together and it still counts as a gift – win win.
2. Create a whole day dedicated to celebrating them (plan a hike, do a tour around your city, plan a beach day – all of these can be inexpensive yet still so memorable!)
3. Get them something you know they will use everyday and think of you (coffee mugs, journals, stationery – if they like that sort of thing)
4. A self care box is always a winner – this can include bubble bath, bath bombs, face masks, body lotion etc. If you find the right brands, this does not have to be expensive! Oh So Heavenly and Sorbet usually have 3 for 2 deals on (especially at Christmas). Who doesn’t love a good self care day?
5. A voucher to their favourite store/place. This doesn’t have to be a lot of money on the voucher, but most of the time this is a winner as then they can go choose exactly what they want. Also, it helps if they are eyeing something out but do not have enough money for it, your voucher will help towards that!

its more the thought

At the end of the day, the gifts I love receiving most (and giving) are the ones that have the most thought behind them. I would much rather receive a handwritten note from someone than an expensive gift. Not saying expensive gifts can’t be meaningful and memorable, but it doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Sometimes, it really is the little things that count.

I hope these ideas will help you when on your next mission to get someone a gift. These can all be budget friendly and still be meaningful.

What are some of your favourite gifts you have received/given?

All the love, Jay.