‘Tis the season to be jolly! And if we’re being honest, flirting with debt in the name of generosity will keep your days far from merry and bright. Even though the Christmas season is supposed to be one of love and celebration, it can quickly become stressful when trying to bless your loved ones while on a budget. This year, try giving thoughtful, experiential gifts rather than finding something ‘that will do’ under a specific dollar figure. Here are 15 thoughtful and affordable gifts that will show your loved ones you put some time and energy into their Christmas gifts!
15 Out-of-the-Box and Totally Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas:
1. Letters and Stamps: Did you know that stationery is one of the only gifts that has no use without involving someone else? It literally has no purpose unless you reach out to bless another person. How great it that? Letters and stamps really are the gift that keeps on giving! Target has dozens of affordable card options and stamps are very affordable, too.
2. Nail Polish and a Plan: This is another experiential gift. Take your new nail polishes and go to a nursing home or a children’s shelter and offer to paint nails for the residents. Going out of your way to serve and bless people is an experience that you and your loved ones will remember for a lifetime.
3. A Disposable Camera: Give an old school disposable film camera and a photo challenge for each shot (and maybe a gift card to get the film developed). Again, you’re giving an experience that requires your loved ones to get out and get creative!
4. Food: because everyone loves to eat. Make homemade toffee, pumpkin bread, or a trail mix. Wrap it cutely and include the recipe to add a festive touch. A little can go a long way! Coffee is a great idea, too.
5. A Box of Tea and a Mission: Tell the recipient to enjoy each tea bag with someone different. The mission is to invite someone over to have tea until all the bags are gone. You’re giving a loved one an opportunity to grow in hospitality!
6. An Old Book: Sign the inside of a favorite book and tell your person to sign and date it as well, and once they’ve read it tell them to pass it along to someone else! Another gift that keeps on giving, literally.
7. Write Something: maybe it’s a letter, or a song, or a poem you give as a gift. You’d be surprised how far words will go. Be sure to write it down, and maybe frame it, so that your person can keep it forever.
8. Give a Meal: Spaghetti colander, package of noodles, a jar of Prego, and maybe a cheap bottle of wine. Or give two creme brûlée dishes, the ingredients, and add in a recipe. Call it a “date night” and let the recipients hit the kitchen for a creative cooking experience!
9. A Night Out: If you know a couple who has little ones, give a certificate (or two) to watch their kids for free while they go out. To make it feel more “gifty”, give the recipient a task/ challenge/ theme for when they go out. Like, “Try out this new Restaurant” or “Fancy Dinner Date.” Make them take pictures to document the occasion.
10. Frame Pictures: We live in a day and age where people don’t really frame pictures anymore. Do the work for a loved one! Search through this person’s Facebook page or Instagram, and have a few pictures printed and framed for him/her. Frames can be very affordable if you look at the right places.
11. Decorate Ornaments: Get some cheap, plain, ornaments, a few paint pens, some ribbon, and then get creative! Write names, Bible verses, the Advent words — go crazy. If you personalize these to the recipient/ family, this will be a treasure they can keep for years to come! Wrap these in cellophane with a cute bow, and voila! You’ve done it.
12. Potted Plant: Succulents are very trendy right now and happen to be a plant that is low maintenance, affordable, and can be kept inside. Give a little green to your loved ones this winter. You can also give a pot to be decorated and some seeds for families with little ones! Give a ‘green thumb’ project for your nieces and nephews this Christmas.
13. Decorative Throw Blanket: These can be expensive, but they can also be very affordable. Pair a throw blanket with a movie or some popcorn for another experiential gift.
14. Quotables: Find a good quote and hand letter it, or type it in a pretty font and have it printed and framed. If you’re feeling confident, paint the quote onto a canvas and give that as a gift. Smaller canvases and acrylic paint can be very affordable.
15. Deck of Cards and Plastic Spoons: Have you played spoons before? This is a game that the entire family can play immediately after opening. Research how to play and give your entire family the gift of a good game night. Be warned, this game can get very competitive.
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