Budget gifts are always on the table at holiday time. When making the rounds to holiday parties, office gift giving and the sheer volume of spending, finding meaningful, appropriate and inexpensive gifts allows you to stay in the spirit without breaking the bank.
It is the thought that counts, and a little extra effort can help you pinch those hard-earned pennies during the festive season. There are always places to go to find inexpensive gifts, but what do you buy once you arrive at the bargain basement? You’re in luck! I have compiled a list of gift ideas (the hard part!) and created a guide to help you find some of these items.
Packaging is everything. Invest in some gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper, and even the most humble gift looks like a treasure.
Here are a few (okay, more than a few) of my budget gift ideas:
Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup, pound of pistachios or any fancy nut, journal with special inscription inside, teacup with box of herbal tea, deck of cards and book of card game rules, homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar, collage of special photos, gel pens and pretty stationary, home-baked bread, disposable camera or rolls of film, basket filled with deli cheese and fruit, craft supplies, holiday serving bowl or platter, pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards, fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon, gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds, photo album (hand decorated is even better), makeup tote, special coffee cup filled with candy, gourmet popcorn and flavored oil, locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush, pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup, movie theater gift certificates, board games, jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix, note cards and book of stamps, picture frames (buy them on sale), specialty cookbook, pretty glass jar filled with candy, muffin mixes with muffin pan, books (there are still a few for under $10), set of dish towels and dish cloths, nail polish kit, basket filled with kitchen gadgets, video rental gift certificates, pepper mill and fresh peppercorns, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats (for the pets), Sentinel preventative treatment for dogs and puppies, baking pans and supplies, prepaid long distance phone cards, small clock or radio, Christmas ornaments, puzzles, sewing supplies, flashlight with batteries, makeup brush set, expensive socks (still under $10), special soaps and bath puff.
Check out the rest of our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for more gift ideas!
Gap.com
Inexpensive trendy items like gloves, hats and scarves make practical and thoughtful presents for friends and family.
Target
Find your favorite movies and CDs, along with well-designed household items here. Order online and have your shopping done early. Gift certificates make great stocking stuffers.
Big Lots
This place has a surprising selection of gourmet foodstuffs at a third of the cost you’d find anywhere else.
Amazon.com
This is the lazy shopper’s paradise. You will find books, music and more at the click of a finger. For the cost of shipping you can have all your holiday shopping done stress free.
Barnes and Noble
Music, books and accessories make for great holiday giving. Totes and coffee mugs, chocolates and journals are all available online, too, and don’t forget about gift cards.
Tuesday Morning
If you have a little time to browse, you can stretch your dollar even further with department store finds at garage sale prices.
TJMaxx
Everyone loves TJMaxx and if you don’t have time to shop, gift cards make nice stocking stuffers.
Pier One Imports
Find unique imports, décor, gifts and furniture at reasonable prices.
JCPenney
This old favorite has all the latest plus the classics like board games and sports equipment.
Overstock.com
Enjoy $1 shipping for your complete order, on everything from household goods to boots and electronics. You never know what you’ll find, and shoppers’ reviews are helpful and informative.
