Scrooge Would Be Proud: 9 Best Holiday Gifts on a Budget

The economy’s tough, but you don’t have to be a miser this holiday season. With a bit of creativity, you can give memorable gifts without breaking the bank. Our guide to holiday gifts on a budget will help you make sure you cover everyone left on your list, with a bit left over to buy some holiday cheer for yourself.

Handmade Gifts

If you’re crafty and know your way around inspirational sites like Pinterest, chances are you can pull off a handmade gift with ease. You might choose to opt for the traditional gift in a jar or attempt something that requires more effort like a child’s toy or customized gift. However, it’s important to note that if you dislike visits to the craft store, can’t sew and can’t imagine planning out your holiday gifts months in advance, you should probably move on to the next options.

Movie Gift Basket

Start with an inexpensive holiday themed basket. Then throw in some packages of microwave popcorn, a few boxes of movie theater style candy and several DVDs. If you want to spend a bit more, add a gift card to your local movie theater.

Service-Based Gifts

Coupons for services may seem small, but they’re one of the best gifts you can offer for the least amount of money. Whether you’re providing a few nights worth of babysitting to your favorite young parents or providing an older couple with a home cooked meal, your gift is sure to be well received. Spend some time thinking about the people on your gift list and the services that they might appreciate, then customize a set of coupons for each recipient. All it costs you is your time.

Gifts for Writers

If you have a budding journalist or poet on your holiday gift list, surprise them with a high quality journal and a nice pen. Moleskin journals are durable, high quality and come in a variety of different sizes. Pair them with a nice gel pen or a refillable fountain pen for a classic gift that’s sure to be used.

Brighten Up the Work Day

Most of us dislike sitting down at our desks for eight to ten hours per day, but it has to be done. Add some levity to the daily grind by gifting fun office supplies. Whether you opt for a travel cup customized with a quirky message, a perpetual motion machine or other desk toy, or something to make the gift recipient’s day a bit more comfortable like a foot warming mat or small mini-fridge for their office , your gift is sure to brighten up their day.

Bring Out Their Inner Gourmet

We all have our favorite gourmet snacks, but they’re often too expensive (or rarely found) for us to enjoy on a daily basis. If someone on your gift list has a penchant for wasabi peas, hot sauces that will melt your tongue or gummy candy, indulge them this holiday season.

Drop by with a Bottle of Wine

A bottle of wine makes the perfect hostess gift, so pick up a few bottles of a good quality red and white to have on hand this holiday season. When you’re invited to a holiday party, tie on a bow, add a tag and you’re good to go.

Help Them Get Their Caffeine Fix

The typical American consumes at least 300mg of caffeine per day. Help those on your gift list wake up and get going. Purchase their favorite high-end coffee beans, imported tea, or mix up a gift basket with a blend of both. The true addicts on your list will love some fun with novelty mints, gum or candies that contain caffeine.

Indulge Their Sweet Tooth

Whether your loved one enjoys the traditional box of chocolates or prefers imported candy from Japan or Belgium, oblige them this holiday season with some of their favorite sweets . Their sweet tooth will be satisfied and they’re sure to be thankful.

Try these unique (and inexpensive) holiday gift ideas to please everyone on your list. Draft it up, check it twice and get ready to have a holly, jolly holiday season.

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