When it comes to doing Christmas on a budget, we still want our loved ones to feel special. And don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can do that! To help you make your Christmas prep a breeze , we’ve put together a list of exciting ideas for cheap but thoughtful Christmas gifts. We even have some extra gifting tips so you won’t need to take out a Christmas loan to make the upcoming festive season special.
Overview
Cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift ideas
1. Experiences
A gift doesn’t have to be physical for it to be meaningful. Gift your loved one with an experience like a koala feeding at your local animal sanctuary or a romantic high tea at a scenic cafe. It’s a unique gift to honour someone you care about.
You can’t put a price on memories, so the actual cost of the experience won’t matter. It could be something as simple as a ride on your city ferris wheel, or a ticket to the touring art exhibit. It’s also a good excuse to hang out with someone you don’t often get the chance to.
2. Photo album
An affordable, personalised gift you can make this year could be a photo album. While photos can be safely tucked away on our phones, it’s always special to have physical copies of the memories you’ve made over the years. Especially if it is a milestone Christmas with your significant other, a photo album is a perfect cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend.
All you need is some of your best photos together and a photo album – which you can get real cheap in stores like Kmart.
3. Op shop homewares
When you think of op shops, you usually think about clothing. But there are so many amazing knick-knacks to be found that would make amazing Christmas gifts. No more socks and underwear! You can find some awesome homewares and crockery in basically new condition – and it will cost a fraction of the price brand new in store. You just need to set aside some time and go on the hunt through your local op shops.
We know that some op shops are getting pretty expensive, so ask friends for some recommendations and check out reviews. Second-hand markets, independent thrift stores and church op shops tend to be on the cheaper side.
4. Plants
Plants are a simple idea for an affordable Christmas gift that won’t make you look cheap. Everyone needs a bit of fresh air and greenery in their space. Pick something that matches your recipient’s home or garden or fits their personality. Especially if you do a fruit tree or herbs, it will be the gift that never stops giving.
Even better, if you’ve got plants of your own, why not propagate a baby plant for your loved one for free? They’ll appreciate the care and effort you’ve put into it.
5. DIY Craft
If you’re a crafty person, nothing is more thoughtful than a piece of art specifically created for one person. Budget your Christmas shopping around craft supplies instead of presents or even use some of your own supplies. That way you’ll have a unique present and some materials left over after you’re done.
6. Personalised care package
There’s no need to go big and expensive on the Christmas gift just to show someone you care. Instead, you could build them a box of their favourite snacks, treats, and indulgences. You don’t have to be particularly creative to make a cheap DIY Christmas hamper. If you want to show how much you love and know your partner, this is a great cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift for them.
When worse comes to worst and you need a last minute present, you can always buy a premade Christmas hamper on budget.
7. Homemade goods
If you have a specialty like brownies or sourdough bread, making something to eat is always a cheap and thoughtful Christmas gift.
For those who love a bit of competition, make your own version of the Great British Bake Off with your family or coworkers. You can make your favourite Christmas treats and end the contest with a big feast.
8. IOU coupons
This is a nice cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift idea for couples. You can DIY it for free with some paper you have lying around the house or print a template. Some places also sell them for cheap and you can fill it out yourself.
Here are some cute ideas:
- Free massage
- Favourite home cooked meal
- A movie night
- Breakfast in bed
- No chores for a day
9. Mason jars
A simple, inexpensive Christmas gift that would be loved by anyone is non-perishable ingredients in a mason jar. Some mason jar contents ideas could be:
- Hot chocolate powder and marshmallows
- Ice cream sundae toppings
- Lollies or chocolates
- Dried chocolate chip cookie ingredients
- Homemade jam
- Brownie mix
This mason jar idea is a great way to make a practical, cheap, and thoughtful gift with a nice aesthetic.
10. Christmas getaway
This is a cheap Christmas idea for the whole family. Put all your money together for a holiday instead of buying a bunch of presents for everyone — and it doesn’t have to be anything crazy. You could plan a simple, affordable Christmas getaway camping in a national park (or in a cabin). If you have a lot of people, you can get a fairly large AirBnB with lots to do for a reasonable price per person.
If you choose a remote location you can avoid the temptation to splurge on those last-minute Christmas gifts. Instead, you’ll get some great memories and adventures.
Budget-friendly Christmas gifting tips
There are more ways to keep Christmas gifts thoughtful and cheap than simply presents with a lower price tag or DIY. These gifting tips are perfect for a tight Christmas budget.
1. Buy nothing Christmas
This is the cheapest Christmas you can do! A “Buy Nothing Christmas” is also thoughtful in the way that it’s considerate of everyone else’s financial situation.
This concept has been around since the 60s but has really grown in popularity in recent years. Aussies are opting to appreciate the simple joy of being with each other. Instead of swapping gifts with everyone this year, enjoy the festive season together with activities like games, photographs, movies, and storytelling.
2. Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a tried and true cheap Christmas gifting idea for the office but it’s the perfect minimalist gifting rule for the family too. . It’s particularly helpful when you have all the extended family gathering at Christmastime. You can focus on getting one nice gift for one person instead of something little for everyone. It’ll save time, stress and money!
3. Regifting
This isn’t about getting rid of a present you don’t like. It’s about taking a look around the house and letting go of quality things that could be used or appreciated more by someone else. Maybe you got into knitting during lockdown but lost interest – why not pass the supplies along to someone who might enjoy it? Or maybe gift some cookbooks you haven’t used in a while to someone moving out for the first time in the new year.
4. Giftcards
If you received some gift cards last year, now is the perfect time to use them before they expire! You can add it to your shopping budget so that you can still make Christmas special with little money.
5. Etsy
Buying from local businesses and artists is always a kind and meaningful way of doing your Christmas shopping. Etsy is the perfect place to buy cheap but thoughtful Christmas gifts under $20. You can find so many handmade or personalised items with cheap or free shipping.
Ideas include:
- Personalised mugs
- Custom plush toys
- Art prints and stickers
- Unique jewellery
- Embroidery
- Crochet
6. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
If you already have ideas for Christmas gifts, shop early during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. You can get some great deals in the last week of November and can help you stick to a budget.
Buying all your gifts early also eliminates the stress of last minute gifts on Christmas Eve — and overspending.
Cover any extra costs with a Christmas Loan
Even with all these cheap but thoughtful gift ideas, unexpected expenses are bound to pop up during the holidays. If you need some extra cash to see you through the Christmas season, you can get a quick Christmas loan today! Apply online to get the ball rolling.
