10 Affordable and Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas

There are some of us who can afford to purchase expensive gifts for our loved ones and friends; and then there are others who simply can’t afford to splurge. Christmas is a time for giving but not at the expense of getting yourself into debt and being cash strapped come January.  Let’s face it this year has been tough on consumers.  But hey, don’t allow the economy to be the Grinch who spoils your Christmas. Giving doesn’t have to be extravagant and cost a fortune.  However do put some thought into your gift giving. Allow me to share 10 Affordable and Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas that won’t break your budget.

1. Gift of Time

If you have been busy the entire year and are enjoying a short break, then spend some quality time with your loved ones. Prioritise your family and friends. Go for a picnic in the park where there is a free concerts, spend a day at the beach or go for a hike. Be present in the moment, give them your undivided attention, create new experiences and make memories. 

2. Baked Gifts

People love to eat delicious treats. If you can bake then this is a great gift to give. Bake your favorite cake or bread and wrap it in a beautiful box. Fill a jar with delicious home baked cookies. 

3. Gift baskets

Gift baskets makes the perfect gift as it can be personalised. There are so many ideas for gift baskets, here are just a few. 

• Preserve gift basket with homemade fruit preserves, jams, honey, marmalade, pickles, chutney and relishes.
• Vegetable gift basket packed with vegetables harvested from your garden or bought at your grocer. 
• Spa gift basket containing facial sponges, tweezers, slippers, nail clipper, nail polish, essential oils, body scrub and lotion.
• Pasta gift basket, fill an inexpensive colander with different pastas, wooden spoon, a bottle of olive oil, homemade or shop bought pesto and marinara sauce. 
• Treat gift basket filled with fudge, candy, chocolates, biltong, chips, nuts and wine.
• Travel gift basket made up of a travel pillow, toiletry bag, luggage tags, inexpensive earphones, passport holder, travel size liquid containers, magazine and snacks. 

4. Plants

Give flower bulbs, seeds, potted herbs and succulents and wrap it beautifully with care instructions. You can purchase these at your local garden centre or use bulbs, herbs and succulents that you divided from your own garden. 

5. Gift of service

If you know of family and friends who are going away for the holidays offer to house sit. A friend or family member in desperate need of a date night, offer to baby sit. If you are a professional photographer, beauty therapist, florist or dj, offer a free service.  Alternatively teach someone a new skill you have. 

6. DIY Craft Gifts

If you are creative and talented then make your own gifts. Hand crafted gifts are special and meaningful because you have put in so much time and effort to create a specific gift for someone. Hand crafted gift ideas include:

• Embroidery pillow cases and hand towels.
• Hand crafted jewellery
• Handmade scented candles in a jar
• Handmade bags and purses
• Tile coasters
• Sew and knit items
• Wood crafted items 

7. Keepsake Gift Ideas

If you are wondering what to do with your child’s paintings and clay artwork then wonder no more. These make great gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles. Box the clay art and frame the paintings. Pass on vintage family keepsakes, which belonged to grandparents or great-grandparents and have sentimental value, to younger family members.  

8. Recipe Book

Create a recipe book with your favourite recipes. Pass it on to your family and friends. 

9. Photo Book

Let’s face it most of our photos are digital these days and we hardly ever print our memories. And when we run out of digital storage space, we often delete photos. Reminisce about the good times by creating mementos in the form of a photo book by pasting printed photos in there. This is a beautiful gift if someone lost a loved one or to give to your child where you document his/her milestones over the years. 

10. Letters

In the new age of social media, we have forgotten how to physically write letters. Write a meaningful letter on beautiful stationery and state how they have impacted your life, what you appreciate about them and what they mean to you. 

Put some effort and thought into your gift giving and stay within budget. I hope that this post gave you some gift ideas for Christmas.