=Frugal gifts can solve a multitude of problems. It is a dilemma to be generous and stay within a budget. These gift ideas will solve that problem for you.
I don’t want to be paying for Christmas in July and I am sure you don’t either. It takes all the joy out of giving to be saddled with debt for months on end.
Then there is the shopping in packed stores, which can be stressful both because of the crowds and all the time it takes.
How Can I Be Frugal at Christmas?
Start by signing up for Ebates here. I have an Ebates extension on my browser so anytime I shop online it automatically checks to see if I can get a discount.
This is the easiest way I’ve found to save on online shopping whether I am buying Christmas presents, birthday presents or just getting things I need to run my home and business.
Another great tool to save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you is Groupon
Christmas Ornaments
Giving Christmas ornaments is a tradition in our family. Even if it is not a tradition in your family 2020 is a year like no other and there are at least 3 things that mark it as a year to remember the pandemic, the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and electing the first woman VP in the USA.
Give an App
Headspace is an app that will increase your joy, decreases your stress, and improves your sleep. Your loved one will use it everyday.
Do It Yourself Gift Ideas
Making these DIY Christmas gifts can be part of the fun. If you want to be really frugal you might even try selling some of your creations so other people have homemade gifts to give.
- Homemade Soap is easier than you think. Here is a book on soap making or you can get a kit here.
2. Candles you make There are many options to use for the containers. You can use mason jars or check out garage sales and thrift stores for pretty glasses or bowls that are unique.
You will need wicks, wax, and something to melt the wax in like an old pot (which you can also pick up at the thrift store or this metal pitcher. Essential oils add a nice scent if you want to use those and the receiver is not sensitive to scents.
If you want colored candles take the paper off of broken crayons and add them to the wax while melting it.
3. Photographs are an especially good gift for grandparents and you can get a collage frame, make a calendar at a photo processing lab or enlarge a favorite photo and frame it. A canvas wrap photo also makes a lovely gift and can be done at most photo processing companies.
4. Build Something sometimes stores with lumber yards will have Saturday classes where kids and parents work together to make simple projects like bookends, bird feeders or other small projects. These are great experiences and the children can gain confidence in making simple projects with minimal tools.
This book also has some ideas. The bird feeder looks very doable and useful. If you want a kit the one below has everything you need to make 3 projects.
Build these with your children and the gifts will be especially cherished. The toolbox also makes a great napkin holder or container for picnic silverware or supplies for grilling. You can spiff them up a little more by painting them or leave them as is depending on the style of the receiver.
Related:
31+ Easy Crafts That Make Money
How to Make Ends Meet with Frugal Living Tips
How to Have a Magical Christmas on a Tight Budget
Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts
Here are a few last-minute ideas, because let’s face it, if you are like me I always mean to get done with Christmas gift making and buying early, but December 23 finds me with a few things left to do.
Try Ebates and save money when you shop online.
5. Homemade Coupons for babysitting, a home-cooked meal, manicure given by you, back rub or some other skill you have that you are willing to share. Maybe you can give a few music lessons or knitting lessons.
I made some Christmas coupons for you to fill out and have a few more ideas on what you could use them to give. Get the coupons in my free resource library when you subscribe to my newsletter.
6. Gifts from your kitchen bars, cookies, homemade candy are traditional gifts during the holidays, but why stop there? Most people consider homemade bread a special treat.
Another idea is to make a double batch of a meal that freezes well and give the other half away as a gift. To get you started chili, beef stew, meatloaf, and lasagna all freeze well. For something different, you could try this or make a favorite appetizer and give that as a gift. This dip is on my menu for the holidays and I am making a double batch, so I can give some as a gift.
What are Good Frugal Gifts to Buy?
Related: Family Christmas Traditions to Start for $5 or Less
Ship gifts for free with Amazon Prime and save more money.
Need more ideas on crafting with repurposed items? Here are some more ideas.
If you are looking for good cheap gifts for friends these ideas are for you.
7. Books are a frugal gift. I am listening to this one now on Audible my favorite way to “read books”. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible for your self and get 2 books free.
You can make the book more meaningful with a little extra thought. When you give something you have enjoyed write a note saying why you think the receiver may enjoy it.
Many people like to read a book set in the location they will be taking a trip or set near where they live. This is one of my favorite series that takes place near where I live.
A coffee table book that inspires
Related: Kids Books You Will Enjoy Reading As Much As They Do
Best Books to Build Confidence
8. Fun socks are one of my favorite things. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
9. Local specialties are another great idea. You could give a gift card to a favorite local restaurant to in town friends or family.
Do you have a unique specialty store nearby? We have a great specialty oil and vinegar store. Local specialty gifts are extra special for out of town friends or family. Some ideas from where I live are a local winery, a local brewery, local wild rice, and the local woolen mill.
What are some special things made or harvested where you live?
10. Fun Wine Glass
18 tools in one the size of a credit card. This is a great stocking stuffer for everyone on your list. Your mom can fix her glasses or open a package with this ninja tool. Your sister or brother can tighten a screw. People I’ve given it to usually use it the first week they have it.
12. Meal Planning Service
The hardest part of cooking for me is figuring out what to make. Having a meal plan makes that part easy. There is a classic and gluten free option with the$5 Dollar Meal Plan. The meals are healthy, simple, and inexpensive.
13. Virtual Assistant–Echo Dot Play music, make calls, send messages, set alarms, read books and so much more.
14. Lighted Hats
LIghted hats make walking or running after dark safer and some of them are just plain fun.
Quick, easy, inexpensive recipes for your frugal friends.
16. Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial you get free shipping to send all those gifts to out of town family or avoid the stores and have everything shipped to your house.
17. Coupons for something you can do for them like make a meal, a special dessert, babysitting for parents, or helping with a home improvement project.
Here is the Pinterest pin. Pin it to your Christmas or Gifts board for later.
What are some of your favorite frugal gifts to give or receive?
Related Posts:
20 Calming Gifts for Anxious People
Best Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Hi, I’m Tamara the creator of Empowered Single Moms, a single mom, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and the author of Thriving a Single Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Positive Life and Thriving a Single Mom Journal. I have a solo private psychotherapy practice where I treat anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
As a member of the Empowered Single Moms community, I believe you can stop carrying the weight of the world alone and build a life you love. Join my mailing list and get 5 Keys to Single Mom Success.
Amber|Pen and Parent
Wow, some really great frugal gift ideas. I totally needed these because we are in super saving mode right now, and already Christmas is starting to give me the willies. I had already planned on making picture collages for the grandparents, but I think I’ll add a batch of homemade cookies and throw in some socks to fatten it out. Since I’m a writer, what would you suggest as a frugal gift for a writer? The first thing that comes to mind is a poem or clippings of your favorite articles or stories. We just had a post on our website pen and parent that gave suggestions for gifts for writers and we should have included some more frugal ones. Thanks again for the AWESOME suggestions!
parenting2homekids.com
Amber, I’m glad you enjoyed them. For a writer maybe a nice pen, journal or small moleskin books to catch those ideas. I’ll check out your gift suggestions too.
Jennifer
This is a great list, I’d be stoked to receive any of these!
parenting2homekids.com
Thanks
Melissa (Pen and Parent)
I loved these ideas. I admit that we do give some giftcards and I love giving books but don’t know many people who love to read as much as I do. Socks are also a great idea. I recently wrote a post about gifts for writers and wish I’d included a few of these ideas:)
parenting2homekids.com
I’m glad you enjoyed them. We are a family of readers, so books are always a hit.
Brennan @ Our Home on Purpose
Love these ideas! Books and homemade coupons are always so thoughtful. Thanks for sharing!
The Salted Mint
I’m always a fan of fun socks!
Rainy Days Fun
Really love the idea of DYI gifts – you can also make some with the children and they will be so much more precious!
parenting2homekids.com
I agree!
Roamy
I really enjoyed your post,Some of these tips do not even have anything to do with being frugal, I like making presents for friends and family, and the reason I like it most is that i like doing it, when I give it, I feel the pride knowing “I created this gift with my own hands”
Buying is to me not always the best option, buying is quick and “cheap emotionally” making any kind of gift, i know I have to spend minimum 30 minutes doing it so it`s to me much more than money can buy.
Brilliant post for people like me who like saving, thanks for sharing.
parenting2homekids.com
Glad you enjoyed it. I think made by the giver gifts are more than money can buy too. Good for you!
Casandra
Socks are a great cheap gift idea. They’re low cost and you can get designs that are personalized to the recipient
parenting2homekids.com
Yep socks are a favorite
Haralee
Great suggestions. Book store gift card, Amazon gift card, are all good. You got to put time into knowing your receiver. Last year a work friend made her own bark candy and although I loved the thought, I started dieting giving up sugar! She didn’t know My company makes moisture wicking pajamas and I am prejudiced but I think they make an extremely thoughtful gift for someone who travels or someone who sleeps hot.
parenting2homekids.com
PJs are a traditional gift in our family. We give lots of PJs at Christmas
Shelley | A Woman in Her PRIME
You had me at books! I’m sharing this in a roundup post to publish on 12-9-17
parenting2homekids.com
Yes books are my favorite gifts.
Hailey Holland
A great list of frugal gifts! I love that you included so many homemade gift ideas. Those always mean so much, knowing that someone put in the time the make something so personal. Thanks for sharing!
parenting2homekids.com
Hailey, I am glad you enjoyed it.
Laurie Mecham
Practical gifts are my favorite! I love your ideas and also love receiving homemade gifts. Everything you listed is affordable, but also something that is useful.
Suzanne
This is a good list. Soap is a great way to be creative and practical!
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! I love to give books to people I know well. They are often something people don’t buy for themselves.
Texas Nana
I like gloves . I am often missing mine so a pair of inexpensive gloves with socks would be a great gift.