40 Inexpensive Gifts For A Budget-Conscious Holiday Season

By: Dani Kessel

Now that it’s November, we can start discussing the holidays, right? 

Christmas. Kwanza. Hanukkah. Yule. So many holidays; so little time! This year will be a little different though. With the pandemic raging on, people may not have as much time or money to put into gifts. We may not be able to see each other in-person as easily. Celebrations are bound to be unlike previous years. This doesn’t mean we have to forgo gifts altogether though. There are inexpensive or free gifts we can offer that will still express thoughtfulness, love, and caring.

Here are 40 gifts for a budget-conscious holiday season:

1. A mug with tea bags or coffee beans
2. A bottle of bubble bath
3. Homemade, fun-shaped crayons (here’s a how-to!)
4. A personalized scrabble tile ornament 
5. A budget cookbook (with people cooking at home during quarantine, this might be a handy gift for many people)
6. A winter hat
7. Marbled coasters from IKNITIATIVES
8. A comic book (support your local comic book stores)
9. A handwritten letter listing the reasons you love them
10. The Makeup Eraser (Sam swears by this product)
11. A drawing in a picture frame
12. A personalized wine glass
13. Aromatherapy dough from The Squeeze
14. Sugar body scrub (It is extremely cheap and easy to make!)
15. A reusable straw kit
16. Dash mini waffle iron
17. Pillowcases
18. A handmade, adjustable, reversible face mask from Needle, Ink, and Thread (Yes, this is my cousin’s shop. I’m not recommending it because she is related to me though. I am recommending it because she’s is really good at sewing/the masks are high quality.)
19. A candle
20. Whiskey stones
21. A scarf you knitted
22. A vegetable spiralizer
23. Pancake mix 
24. TriceraTaco holders
25. Local honey
26. What We Keep by Bill Shapiro
27. A French press coffee maker (there are quality ones for $10-$15)
28. A personalized and engraved compass
29. A photobook
30. Handmade soaps (I recommend Soap Distillery or Black Dragon Ventures)
31. World Market capiz-shell lotus votives
32. A dual booklight and bookmark
33. A stamped rose bracelet
34. 100 First Words for Little Geeks
35. A wallet
36. A personalized calendar
37. Nice hair clips from Loctia Hair Clips
38. A pocket knife
39. A wine bottle opener
40. A teddy bear

I hope this list helped you come up with ideas that will fit into your budget. As we all push through this trying time, we’ve got to lend ourselves the grace and compassion we would give any of our loved ones. We’re in the middle of a recession and a global pandemic. Remember that it’s the thought that matters much more than any monetary value. Also, don’t dismiss the value of DIY presents and crafts. Handmade presents take time and are filled with love. 

Are you going to be making any gifts at home this year? Let us know in the comments section below!