Especially this year, your budget might be tight when it comes to holiday gifting. But with a little creativity, you can still give something thoughtful (that doesn’t cost a fortune) to everyone you love. Here are some of our favorite ideas for holiday gifting on a budget.
A Bouquet of Flowers
This one is perfect for the ladies (or guys) on your list who make all of your days a little brighter. If you’re choosing the right online company to order from, you can get quality blooms delivered for under $40. Just have them sent to your recipient’s door with a sweet note and you’re done!
A Puzzle
Puzzles have skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic, so your options are nearly limitless. And while there are lots of artisan options out there that can cost $30 or more, it’s still easy to find one that costs less than 10 bucks. Have one sent to your recipient’s house and, if they’re of age, send a bottle of wine too — it makes puzzle assembly a lot more tolerable when you can’t figure out where that one piece goes.
A Baked Good Kit
This is the time of year when we’re all okay with indulging a little bit, so why not send your loved one something sweet. There are plenty of online bakeries where you can order cupcakes or cookies in a rainbow of colors and patterns and designs. Just don’t forget to have some sent to yourself too.
Supplies for a Craft
Crafting supplies can add up quickly, but simple starters like a watercolor set and a pad of paper or knitting needles and a ball of yarn are affordable. During a time when we’re all stuck inside, the tools for a new hobby will be appreciated. You can also have a pre-made craft kit sent to your recipient, but those tend to be a little more pricey.
A Minimalist Jewelry Piece
Most of us don’t think “affordable” when we think of jewelry, but high quality pieces, especially those that are more minimalist, don’t have to be overpriced. For example, websites like Etsy have a treasure trove of simple, gold-filled rings for well under $50 — mamy are under $25, even with shipping. It’s the kind of gift that not only conveys class, but one the recipient can wear and treasure for years (or even decades) to come.
A Stylish Scarf, Glove or Hat
Scarves, gloves and hats are the workhorses of our wardrobes in winter, and most people will purchase a utilitarian style of these items that they can wear every day. So it’s your job as the gift giver to find them something stylish and unique, so they can mix up their usual outfits! Again, crafting sites like Etsy have tons of beautiful hand-knit options at affordable prices
A Framed Photo of You and the Recipient
This is one of those gifts where the nostalgic value far exceeds its monetary value. A sweet photo of you and the recipient in a nice frame is — especially in our digital age — a welcome gift. If you upload your photo to a website like shutterfly, they’ll print and frame it for you and send it to your loved one.
This year more than ever, it’s clear that the best gift we can give is time spent with one another, not something that comes in a package. But since we all have to keep our distance this holiday, a heartfelt present is the next best thing. The good news is, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to be great.