It’s that time of year again… The holiday season is upon us, and if you find yourself caught in the hustle and bustle of last minute gift shopping, fear not! There are plenty of thoughtful and budget-friendly options that will bring joy to your loved ones without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some creative and heartwarming ideas to make sure your gifts are not only memorable but also easy on your wallet. Without further ado, here’s a list of 12 last minute gift ideas that won’t break the bank.
12 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Suggestions
From family members to best friends, this list of affordable last-minute Christmas gift ideas is great for anyone.
Homemade Coupon Books
Homemade gifts are always thoughtful, since you can tailor them to the interests of the person you’re giving them to. One easy way to do this is to create a coupon book with different “coupons” for helpful tasks such as a night of babysitting, doing grocery shopping, or even just a home-cooked meal. This is an excellent option for busy friends or family members who could use some help around the house. Learn how to make your own homemade coupon book here.*
Succulent Mason Jar
This succulent mason jar is the perfect solution for a friend who loves plants but doesn’t have a green thumb. Also, DIY mason jar succulents are incredibly easy to make. All you need is a mason jar (or any other type of jar you want to use), some rocks, potting soil, and a succulent plant, which can often be found for cheap at your local nursery. The great thing about this idea is you can cater the size of the gift to your budget. Click here to find out how you can make your own DIY succulent mason jar.*
Sourdough Bread Starter
Sourdough bread starter works as an excellent gift for the baker in your life. All you need is some flour and yeast. Wrap it up in a large mason jar, add a holiday spatula and some cute ribbon, and you’re done! Check out this tutorial to learn how to make your own starter.*
Homemade Jam or Jelly
Another excellent option for the baker in your life is homemade jam or jelly. This can be made with fruit in season, and it’s a great way to preserve fruits for later. It also makes a delicious addition to toast or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There are tons of different varieties to choose from, such as Strawberry, Blueberry, and even some more interesting flavors such as Bacon and Blackberry Jalapeno, plus so much more. Follow this recipe to learn how to make your own jam.*
Personalized Coffee Mug
Personalized gifts are always a hit, and this is something that you can make yourself with a few colored sharpies and a plain white mug. If you’re not exactly confident in your drawing abilities, you can upload your art to websites like Shutterfly.com, which will make the mug for you.* A personalized coffee mug is an excellent gift for the coffee or tea lover in your life, and it’s something they can use daily. However, the ceramic and sharpie mug does run into issues if the correct type of sharpie is not used. If you’re going this route, first take a look at this article to make sure you’re getting the right supplies so your sharpie mug can withstand the test of time.*
Homemade Lemon Sugar Scrub
Scrubs are a great way to exfoliate, and a homemade lemon sugar scrub is no exception. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and smells fantastic. Plus, it can be used in the shower or bath, making it an excellent gift for anyone on your list. The best part is that you’ll only need four ingredients to make a lemon sugar scrub! To make your own, check out this recipe.*
Hot Chocolate Ornaments
A fun and festive gift for the holiday season, these hot chocolate ornaments are a great way to spread some cheer and are the perfect DIY Christmas Gift idea. Plus, they’re super easy to make. All you need is some hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, and candy canes. Simply put the hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows in a clear ornament, and then add a candy cane for stirring. If you want a pop of color, you can add red or green sprinkles.
Thrift Store Finds
Another great way to find unique gifts on a budget is by shopping at your local thrift store. You never know what you might find! With a bit of imagination, thrift store finds can be turned into one-of-a-kind treasures. For example, an old vase could be repurposed as a planter, an antique dish could be used as a plant tray, or an antique picture frame could be used to display a special photo. Thrift stores tend to get new inventory every day, so head to your local thrift store and you might just be surprised at what’s available.
Subscription Services
There are tons of different subscriptions available to choose from and the best part is you don’t even have to get off the couch to buy this gift. A subscription service is one of the best last minute gift ideas for this reason. You could opt for a digital subscription to a streaming service, magazine, or audiobook platform. Or you could gift a monthly subscription box tailored to the recipient’s interests, such as beauty, snacks, or books. For the knowledge-hungry recipient, consider a subscription to an online learning platform, such as MasterClass or Udemy.*
Experience Gifts
Experiences don’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Plan a day of activities, such as a picnic in the park, a scenic hike, or a movie marathon. Another idea is purchasing tickets to a local event or show that aligns with the recipient’s interests.
Deals from Big Brand Stores
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. Many big brand stores have great sales around the holidays, where you can snag high-quality items for less. Be sure to check their websites or apps for coupons and promo codes before heading to the store.
Donation in Someone’s Name
If your loved ones are difficult to shop for or already have everything they need, consider making a donation in their name to their favorite charity. This is a great way to give back, and it’s something they can feel good about too!
Wrapping it Up
In the whirlwind of last-minute holiday preparations, remember that the thought and effort you put into a gift matter more than its price tag. By embracing creativity and personalization, you can create meaningful presents that really hit home with your loved ones. This holiday season, let your gifts reflect the warmth and care you hold for those closest to you, without straining your budget. By following these creative tips for last minute gift ideas, you could find the perfect present without breaking the bank. Happy gifting!
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