The Budgeter's Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday shopping season is nearly here as Thanksgiving and December are just around the corner. Holiday shopping can be fun but not when it’s hard on the budget.
That’s why I posted this guide to managing holiday spending earlier this week. Today I’m sharing this follow-up gift guide with suggestions for reasonably priced gifts for everyone on your list.
Here are some gift ideas for shoppers on a budget.
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Gifts for Adults
1 | Coupon Book
Coupon books or coupon cards are the perfect gift for people who thrive on giving or receiving acts of service. The book contains a series of coupons that can be redeemed for activities the recipient will like.
Make a book of your own or order one to be filled in. Some common activities include gifting
a favorite homemade dinner
a back massage
skipping a turn of housekeeping
a free night of childcare
an outing to the movies.
Note though that the coupon book can become an expensive gift when the recipient redeems the coupons. A coupon to the movies is free, but the actual trip could easily cost $30 for two people.
Try to pick primarily low-cost activities, or mix up low-cost and high-cost activities for a bit more variety.
2 | Photo gifts
Photo gifts such as coffee mugs, pillows, calendars, and photo books are easy to make and much appreciated by their recipients. I can’t tell you how many grandparents have shown me blankets and tote bags with their grandchildren’s pictures and smiled as they talked about them.
Some items can be ordered in person from drugstores like Walgreens. Another option is to order items from online sites such a Shutterfly and Snapfish.
Once you sign up for a free account, all you have to do is upload a photo that you like, select the item you want, maybe edit the photo a bit, and then pay. The item will be shipped to your door.
Many companies run discounts and promotions throughout the holiday season. Check their homepages for announcements of current sales.
Many companies provide a discount for your first order with them too. So sign up for email lists to get coupon codes.
3 | Memory journals
A similar gift is a memory journal, a legacy book, or a family scrapbook. These are books to fill with family or personal memories, photos, and trinkets either to keep for one’s self or to share.
While they might sound expensive to fill and decorate, consider making one with a binder you already have and using items from around the house (e.g., colored paper, ribbons, extra photos) to decorate it.
4 | Gift certificates from deal websites
If you know your recipient has a favorite restaurant or hobby, check out deal sites such as Goldstar and Groupon for related deals. These sites offer coupons or discounted pricing on all sorts of dining, entertainment, and more.
5 | Coffee or tea set
A coffee sampler gift set is perfect for those who constantly have a cup of joe in hand.
This tea gift set or this one are great options for tea drinkers.
Prepackaged gift sets come at all price ranges. If you’re looking to save even more, purchase packets of coffee, tea, or chocolates in bulk and divide them into smaller gift sets.
Gifts for Seniors
Seniors can sometimes be the difficult to shop for. They may have everything that they need and not want for much more.
The above gifts can be given to seniors, but here are a few more practical gifts that are likely to get some use too.
1 | Stationery and stamps
Many older adults enjoy handwriting letters, sending thank you cards, and paying for bills by snail mail. A pretty stationary set complete with mailing envelopes can be surprisingly inexpensive. A booklet of forever stamps is a great addition to the gift too.
2 | Lotions & toiletries
Does the recipient have a favorite brand or scent of lotion? Add some soap, shampoo, and other nice toiletries to make a beautiful and fragrant gift set. The items will will be guaranteed to get some use.
3 | Slippers and socks
Many seniors need special socks and slippers to keep their keep warm and keep them from falling. These also wear out quickly with frequent wash and wear.
Slippers like these plain ones and these Nordic print ones have rubber soles or grips on the bottom to reduce the risk of falling. are inexpensive and make a great gift.
These slipper socks are my favorite because they have grippers on them and keep your feet feeling cozy.
4 | Wall calendar
Sometimes a paper wall calendar beats an electronic one. Pick a wall calendar with a theme that you know the recipient will like.
Here’s a scenic America’s National Parks calendar and a large simple desk pad calendar.
5 | Bill or grocery payment
Many older adults are on limited incomes. A gift card or offer to pay for the week’s groceries is practical and likely to be appreciated.
6 | House cleaning service
Some older adults may not have the energy or inclination to maintain a house. If your recipient is willing to allow workers in the house, consider purchasing a session of house cleaning for him/her.
Many companies provide introductory offers for their services at discounted prices. Amazon offers Home Services that include house cleaning, furniture assembly, and more.
7 | Magazine or newspaper subscription
Older adults who like to read may enjoy a subscription to their favorite magazine or newspaper.
You can save on purchasing one by using your air miles or credit card points. Some publications have specials around the holidays too.
Gifts for Children
The wishlist may have the latest video games and electronics, but inexpensive toys provide just as much fun and entertainment at a fraction of the price.
Don’t forget to check out shops such as Amazon, Target, Marshalls, Kohl’s, and similar places for deals and discounted items.
1 | Play-Doh
Play-Doh provides hours of fun for younger and older children. Play-Doh also offers children the chance to use their imagination and improve their hand strength and skills.
These Play-Doh Fun Set and 10 pack are my favorites to give to young children.
2 | Bubbles
Most children love making and chasing bubbles! This is such a wholesome way to get hours of enjoyment for not much more than the cost of solution and a wand.
This Gazillion Incredibubble Multiple Bubble Wand is my favorite to give the little ones that I know. The neighboring children even fight over it!
3 | Sports team t-shirt or jersey
A basic t-shirt of a favorite team or player can be a great gift for the sports-loving child. Jerseys tend to be more costly but are a sure hit. My nephew received a Warriors jersey last year and was in 7th heaven about his favorite gift.
4 | Tiny name necklace
These dainty necklaces are a sweet gift for a young girl or even a teenager. The recipient is sure to remember who gave her this personalized gift.
Let me know your thoughts on these suggestions and if you have any of your own. I’m always on the lookout for the perfect gift. Enjoy your holiday shopping!
