On average, Americans spend around $1,000 on Christmas every year. That might’ve been doable for you in other years, but maybe circumstances have changed, and you need to keep more money in your pocket.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to compromise on gift quality though! There are many creative ways to save money but still give your friends and family members impressive presents.
If you need something affordable yet nice to give your loved ones, then we’ve got you covered. Here are 17 cheap Christmas gifts you can give them this holiday season!
1. Pajamas
It’s wintertime, and in most places, it’s cold. Summer PJs won’t suffice anymore, and maybe you’ve noticed that your loved ones’ winter pajamas are a bit ratty. Or maybe they don’t look very warm.
Do your giftees a favor and give them a set of plush PJs this holiday season. This doesn’t have to be a very expensive gift either, as many places carry affordable yet high-quality PJ sets, like TJ Maxx. If you look in the right places, you’ll be able to find PJs that cost as little as $20, which means you can give everyone a set if you wanted.
2. Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are fantastic as budget Christmas gifts since they look nice but don’t cost much. These Christmas presents are sure to please your loved ones since they can curl up on the couch to watch Netflix while cuddled up cozily underneath them.
There are several materials you can choose from, but fleece is most worth it. Not only can you find fleece throw blankets for under $20 each, but they’re also efficient at keeping people warm.
But if you want to go for something that looks fancier, knitted throws are a good choice too. Here, you’ll want to get wool since it’s warmer than cotton.
3. Coffee Mugs
Look in anyone’s kitchen cabinet, and you’ll see an extensive collection of coffee mugs. Not only can you switch up the mugs you use based on your mood, but they also come in handy for serving guests tea and coffee.
So your loved ones are never going to say no to more coffee mugs. And these come with all sorts of designs and sayings on them, especially if you purchase them from artists like those on Etsy.
You won’t have to spend more than $10-15 on a custom mug to show your loved ones how much you care for them. And every time they reach for the mug to sip on their drink, they’ll think of you!
4. Candles
Candles are cheap gifts, but they’re loved by practically everyone. Their wide range of scents means there’s something for everyone, so it won’t be difficult to pick your presents. But consider purchasing holiday-scented candles to suit the occasion.
What’s great is their scents are effective for aromatherapy, which comes with various health benefits. Your loved ones will appreciate such a thoughtful present that’ll make them feel nice and relaxed.
Also, an added bonus is that candles come in beautiful glass jars. So once your giftees have burned their candles, they can save the glass to repurpose as drinking glasses, small plant holders, etc.
5. Greeting Cards
What’s Christmas without greeting cards? This year, give your loved ones some greeting cards that’ll stand out above the rest on the table!
Forget about buying them in stores, as it’s very possible that others will give your friends and family the same cards. You can create your own custom ones and have them printed, so your recipients get unique greeting cards.
Not only will this be a special gift, but it’ll also be affordable for you. And if you design a beautiful card, your loved ones are sure to keep their cards for years to come!
6. Coffee Table Book
It’s an adult thing to put interesting books on coffee tables; you can never have too many of them. What’s great about this budget gift idea is that there are so many choices, and you can even go local and support an artist from your area.
Most of the time, coffee table books shouldn’t cost over $20. And all you have to do is purchase a book that fits your loved one’s interests. For example, if they love nature, then they’ll definitely like a coffee table book that discusses Amazonian creatures.
Just take a quick look at their coffee table the next time you’re over. You don’t want to get them a duplicate, after all!
7. Bath Bombs
All too often, we forget to take care of ourselves while juggling hectic and busy lives. Think about it: when was the last time you took a bath?
A bath’s the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and have some “me” time without the outside world intruding. Your loved ones will be thrilled to receive bath bombs this holiday season, as it’ll give them an excuse to scrub the tub and soak more often.
Bath bombs may be pricey from some of the more luxurious skincare brands, but don’t worry, as it’s easy to find much more affordable ones at places like TJ Maxx and Target. These also come in cute packages, so they’ll be a delight to see once your loved ones unwrap your presents.
8. Robes
Robes can finish off a soothing bath perfectly, so consider pairing them with bath bombs if that’s what you’re giving. There’s nothing better than floating about the house with a comfy robe on.
Robes can be on the more expensive side, but again, if you know where to look, you can get some for under $30 or even $20. These plush robes will make your giftees feel like royalty when they feel how amazing the material is on their skin.
9. Fluffy Slippers
On that note, why not also gift your loved ones some fluffy slippers? These pair wonderfully with robes and will allow them to pad around the house in an almost dreamlike state.
What’s great about fluffy slippers is you don’t need to know your recipients’ exact shoe sizes since the back is open. If you have a general idea of how big (or small) their feet are, you can opt for slippers that come in small, medium, or large sizes.
With this present, it shouldn’t cost you more than $15 or $20 for a pair of durable yet comfy slippers.
10. Silk Eye Masks
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to our well-being. But it can be tough to drift off when there are loud noises, bright lights, and other distractions.
Help your loved ones get some much-needed rest by giving them soothing silk eye masks. They look and feel luxurious, but you can buy some for just $10 each!
Not only can your giftees use these eye masks for sleep, but also for times of relaxation. For instance, they can slip on their mask while soaking in the tub, then get out, dry off, and put on the robe and slippers you got them too.
11. Tote Bags
Tote bags are great for the environment since they replace single-use plastic bags. Plus, they allow you to show off some cool designs. Better yet is, they don’t cost much at all!
This year, if you’re looking for cheap holiday gifts, grab all the tote bags you see. You can find them in various stores, as well as in online shops of talented artists.
These presents can also be personalized, so if you want, you can get your loved ones’ names on their tote bags for a lovely touch.
12. Water Bottles
It’s recommended that we get between 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water a day. Yet many of us fail to hydrate properly.
Look after your giftees’ health and encourage them to gulp down H2O with beautiful water bottles. They don’t cost much, and with their pretty designs, your loved ones will be motivated to carry these presents around. As a result, they’ll drink and refill their water more often, which will have excellent results for their health.
13. Socks
Considering that we usually lose a sock or two to the laundry monster, having more pairs is always a good idea. Socks are practical and cheap, making them outstanding holiday presents.
You can always stop by a novelty shop to purchase some funny yet creative socks. Or you can stick to plain socks to ensure your giftees like the pairs they get. Or you can get holiday-themed socks, so they have something gorgeous to wear every Christmas.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces.
14. Chocolates
It’s the holidays, so the calories you eat don’t count. Everyone loves sweets, especially chocolates, so you can’t go wrong with this present.
These delicious treats come in various forms too, whether it’s a solid bar (of milk, dark, or white varieties), with nuts, or in little cute and wrapped up pieces. Plus, there are gorgeous holiday-themed chocolates that’ll make your recipients stop and admire the wrappers before popping a piece into their mouths.
For something more sophisticated, try Belgian chocolates. But otherwise, it shouldn’t be hard to find gift sets at affordable prices.
15. Plant Pots
A ton of people got into houseplants during the pandemic, and if they’re lucky, the plants are still alive today. While they probably already have homes in decent pots, you can pick out ones that’ll compel your loved ones to swap their old pots out for the new.
Go have a look at your local plant pot selection, and you’d be pleasantly surprised at how pretty they look. For just a couple of bucks, you’ll walk away with many fancy plant pots for your loved ones.
Even if your giftees don’t have plants, having some planters and pots in their possession might encourage them to give their green thumb a try. You might spark a new hobby for them!
16. Coffee Beans
There are plenty of people who can’t get through the day without a cup or two of java, so this is a good gift. The coffee lovers in your life are likely to be adventurous and will want to try the various roasts out there.
The beauty of coffee is there are beans from all over the world, so it’s not a huge possibility that you’ll buy something they already have. A nice bag of coffee beans will only cost you $10 to $20 (depending on the quality), and when wrapped up, it’ll look fantastic.
17. Wine
People always associate wine with class and elegance, which makes this present an easy one. There are several wine varieties and brands, and lots have beautiful labels that’ll make your recipients want to display these bottles proudly.
It’s true that there are expensive wines out there, but the cheaper ones taste just as good and look just as nice. For $5 to $10, you can pick up a decent bottle of wine that your loved ones can happily sip on.
Give These Wonderful Yet Cheap Christmas Gifts
For those short on money this year, don’t worry! With our clever ideas for cheap Christmas gifts, you’ll be able to impress your loved ones. In fact, these presents are so thoughtful and classy that they’ll never know you saved a few bucks.
So breathe easy this holiday season, knowing you won’t disappoint your loved ones. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing you have plenty of money left in your bank account to pay your bills. It’s a win-win situation!
If you enjoyed these cheap gift ideas, and want to have Christmas on a budget, then check out our blog page for more wallet-friendly ideas.
