Frugal Gifts to Give This Christmas

Everyone is looking for a way to slim down on costs this holiday season. Gift-buying for everyone can be pricey. However, there are a few gifts you can buy that will still mean a lot and save your wallet from any pain. Here are a few ideas for the frugal buyer on what to spend (or not spend) your money on this Christmas:

Handmade Christmas Ornaments. Making ornaments is a pretty traditional (and cheap) gift. You can buy the items for ornaments for a low price and give your family and friends something they can enjoy each season.

Framed photos. Take a photo from a family event and frame it. People often love these types of gifts because it reminds them of that specific place and time, and it won’t cost you much.

Personalized Gift Baskets. Pick a theme (preferably something they like), and make a gift basket out of it. You can buy a cheap DVD at Christmastime, popcorn, candy. You can also do this for any other hobby or “like.”

Leather-bound journal. If you have someone you are buying for that likes to write or keep a journal, a leather-bound journal may be a great gift. You can find them pretty cheap at your local bookstore, and you can add a nice pen if you want to spend a little more.

Baked goods. Everyone loves to get a box full of cookies, banana bread and pastries for Christmas. You can give this gift for a low price, however, it is not recommended for anyone on a diet.

Wine glasses. If you have a wine-lover in your life, hand-painting a set of wine glasses can be a fun and cheap gift. A set of four wine glasses can be bought for less than $10 and the painting most people have in their home. It will be something they truly enjoy.

Coffee. Everyone knows someone who LOVES coffee. Putting together a coffee-lovers gift set may be the perfect gift for that someone. Buy a gourmet bag of coffee and a coffee cup. It is a cheap, affordable gift.

Coupon books. Homemade “coupon” books are another great way to cut down cost this season. You can give coupons for “cleaning the house,” “lunch on me,” “free back rub,” and even “babysitting” coupons for parents.

Donate. Give to a charity in the person’s name. This can be a really special gift for someone who cares deeply about a specific charity, but make sure it is something they are passionate about.

Scrapbooks. Scrapbooks can be a fun and cheap gift. Show a friend how much you care and appreciate them with a personalized scrapbook. Taking the moments you’ve shared together can turn into a really special gift.

Board games. Board games are a great gift. They are cheaper than ever and it is a good way to keep the family together through a “game night.” Board games can be found at garage sales, on eBay and even pretty cheap in some stores. You can even create a “Game Night” themed gift basket to give.

Puzzles. Puzzles can be a cheap way to provide hours upon hours of fun for anyone on your list and if you throw in some snacks, it can provide an entire day of fun. The best part is, it won’t break the bank.

Cards. A Deck of cards and a book of cards games is a rather cheap gift and can provide hours of fun for any recipient. Card games can be fun with a group, by yourself or just one other person.

These are just a few of the low-priced options for gifts this holiday season. Be sure to brainstorm and put a bit of thought into each gift. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to give a fun and meaningful gift.

Amanda Blankenship

Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media.  With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.