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5 Budget Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect holiday gifts while sticking to your budget isn’t easy. Roughly 51% of Americans feel pressure to spend more than they would like to on holiday presents.

But ’tis the season for cheer, not stress! Is it possible to find great gifts on a budget? Absolutely!

There are plenty of unique holiday gift ideas that are also affordable. You just have to get a little creative. Let’s explore five fun holiday gifts that won’t clean out your bank account.

1. Pet-Themed Ornaments

If you’re looking for unique holiday gift ideas for the pet lover in your life, consider personalized pet-themed ornaments. Not only are these an inexpensive gift, but customizing the ornament based on your friend’s pet makes it a unique present that your loved one will appreciate.

This Frisco Personalized Plaid Metal Ornament is in the shape of a bone, so it’s ideal for your dog-loving friends. It’s double-sided, available in red or green, and has a high-gloss finish. Pick a photo and provide custom text to personalize the ornament. It’s priced at $14.99 and comes with a red ribbon for easy hanging on the tree.

For your cat friends, go with the Meowy Catmas Christmas Ornament.

Select up to two cat breeds to feature (there are 20 breeds to select from) and personalize the ornament with the felines’ names. The ornament is three inches tall, comes with a ribbon for hanging, and is priced at $19.99. If you have multiple cat-loving friends, you can purchase the products in packs of two, three, five, and ten. 

2. One Night of Babysitting

Holiday gifts don’t have to be material objects like candles, blankets, or wine glasses. Instead of buying something that might clutter your loved one’s home, give the gift of time.

Create a coupon or card for one free night of looking after their little ones. Offer to come to their home so you can put their kid(s) to bed. This way, the parent can enjoy a bonus gift at the end of their evening: some peace and quiet.

Giving the gift of babysitting is a kind gesture because it gives someone the chance for an evening to themselves. For you, the giver, the gift is both thoughtful and inexpensive. Talk about a win-win.

3. Recipe Book and Holder

If you’re looking for a handy (and affordable) gift for the aspiring chef in your life, create an original recipe book. Kitchen supplies can add up, but a customizable cookbook won’t break your bank.

First, purchase recipe cards. These blank (but well-decorated) cards provide ample space for your friend to jot down their favorite recipes and keep them on file.

This set includes 50 recipe cards and a wooden box holder to store them. It’s priced at $19.98 and available for delivery.

Once your gift arrives, personalize it by jotting down a few of your favorite recipes on the cards. Was there something you and your friend ate together? Is there a recipe you love that you want to pass on? Or perhaps there is a festive drink you think your friend would enjoy?

Adding a few recipes to the collection is a thoughtful gesture. Your friend will appreciate the extra effort, while you can enjoy giving a great gift for under $20.

4. Personalized Coffee Mugs

‘Tis the season for hot beverages, so how about giving the gift of personalized coffee mugs? Turn photographs into coffee mugs, so every time your loved one takes a sip, they are reminded of their happy memories.

Where can you create a personalized coffee mug? We recommend Shutterfly, as they offer a variety of designs and prices.

This Simple Plaid Mug features three photos. Choose between an 11oz mug ($9.87) or a 15oz one ($11.43). It has customizable color schemes and is specially crafted for holding hot beverages.

The Messy Beautiful Crazy Life Mug is perfect for your bestie who gets you through tough times. It features six photos and comes in two different sizes. The 11oz mug is priced at $12.99, while the 15oz one is $26.99.

Personalized coffee mugs can also be turned into heartfelt holiday gifts for him or her. The Joy Love Family Mug includes up to six photos of you and your special someone or beautiful family shots. It comes in 11oz ($12.99) or 15oz ($26.99).

5. A Trendy Tote Bag

A new tote bag is one of the best holiday gifts for her you can find. Why? Tote bags are multipurpose. They can be used for anything, whether it’s transporting groceries or packing supplies for a day at the beach.

But don’t just grab the first one you see. Shop around to find a tote bag that fits your loved one’s personality.

Does your special someone have a sense of humor? If so, she might like this Emotional Baggage Tote Bag available on Etsy. It’s funny, has a variety of colors, features a long or short handle, made from 100% cotton, and comes from the UK. Best of all, it’s priced at $10.94.

Does your loved one have a passion for cats? Then she might enjoy this Cat Tote Bag, which is guaranteed to turn a few heads. The bag comes from the US and is available in small, medium, or large. The tote contains 100% polyester, and prices start at $13.59.

If you’re looking for cute, go with this Bee Kind Tote Bag. The gift features customizable style and print colors. It comes from the UK and is a vegan-friendly product. Prices start at $17.51 but may increase based on style.

Find More Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are about love and cheer, not stress. The most thoughtful gifts don’t have to come with high price tags.

From a free night of babysitting to trendy tote bags, there are plenty of affordable holiday gift ideas to choose from. 

Are you looking for more gift inspiration? You’ve come to the right place.

We have a wide collection of gift ideas featured on our blog. From handmade soaps to presents for wine lovers, there’s a gift for everyone. Start exploring now.

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