Christmas gift giving can be expensive. We often think of giving extravagant gifts to the ones we love. Or we just want to give things to so many different people that it adds up.
It doesn’t have to be that way! There are lots of inexpensive *cough* cheap *cough* gifts that are actually nice without costing your first born. I’ll prove it.
If you’re not completely broke for Christmas and able to scrounge up a few bucks, this list of gifts under $5 can help you get a little creative and pull together some lovely gifts.
Here’s a list of 25 gifts under $5 each to get your creative juices flowing:
- A book. Whether be from the Dollar Tree (books for a buck!?) or Walmart, there are plenty of good books for $5 and under.
- Seeds. Just right for the gardener and if you buy at the end of season, you can get tons of packets for spare change.
- Ear Buds. I’ve seen these at dollar stores too, but you can get a fun colorful pair at Walmart for $5.
- Homemade Cookies. Don’t cheap out on a ready mix packet, or do it if you want I guess, but from scratch is best.
- Coffee Mug & Hot Chocolate. Splurge on the name brand hot chocolate that is $1 a pack, it’s worth it.
- Measuring Cup. A nice Pyrex one will cost ya a few bucks. I’ve seen Betty Crocker brand at the dollar store too.
- Playing Cards. Print up out instructions for a few games so they aren’t stuck with Go Fish.
- Collectible Cards. I don’t know what the kids collect these days, is Pokemon still cool?
- Candles.
- Handmade Soap. Whole Foods, Market District, Lush and local mom & pop shops are a great place to look.
- Crayons & Coloring Books. You can get a nice adult coloring book (advanced level coloring)
- Nail Polish. Either one nice bottle or a couple of the cheapies.
- Local Food. Maybe a jar of preserves or locally brewed root beer. #Yum
- Soup Mix In A Jar. Fill a mason jar with dry ingredients and tie a recipe card to it.
- Bag Of Coffee Beans.
- Snack Stash. Get a tin and fill with snacks and treats.
- A Cup Of Coffee. If they don’t brew coffee at home, get them a $5 gift certificate to their favorite cafe.
- Jigsaw Puzzle. It will entertain them for hours too!
- Fruit Basket. Put it together yourself. Reuse an old basket and pick out fruit at the local grocer.
- Recipe Box Filled With Recipes. Fill it with classics or collect old family recipes.
- Fast Food Dinner. A $5 gift certificate to a fast food chain. I remember loving the Mcdonald’s $1 bills back in the day.
- A Journal.
- Tea. Loose leaf or boxed.
- Crossword Puzzle Book. Or Sudoku. Your call.
- Pet Treats. Pick up some nice ones at the pet store, or make your own.
- Sidewalk Chalk. I know some young adults who would love this. Yep, young adults lol.
- Candy Or Chocolate.
Eileen
January 4, 2016 at 12:26 amThese are some really great suggestions. I never thought of seeds, great idea
Cara (@StylishGeek)
December 21, 2015 at 8:07 pmAbsolutely wonderful list…can’t believe it’s only $5! Thanks for sharing! Will definitely get some of these fab ideas!
Rosey
December 20, 2015 at 6:31 amI do need a new measuring cup. And pyrex is always a good way to go.
tiarasandtantrums
December 20, 2015 at 12:46 amThese are some great suggestions for families on a budget. I really like some of your ideas, thees are great for some smaller gifts that I would need
Jolleen
December 20, 2015 at 12:26 amGreat ideas! Christmas can get so expensive. But I love these options to keep the spending down π
Liz Mays
December 19, 2015 at 11:53 pmMy son goes through ear buds like they’re water. He’ll definitely be getting a pair of those this year.
Margarita Ibbott
December 19, 2015 at 11:39 pmI am finding that I am short a few gifts so you’ve made some great suggestions. I think I’ll pool a few together to make a bigger gift. Thanks
OurFamilyWorld
December 19, 2015 at 10:45 pmThis is a great list. These are just simple gifts, but a lot of people will appreciate this.
Marielle Altenor
December 19, 2015 at 10:09 pmAwesome list! I still need to get a few items for the the stockings.
Chanelle
December 19, 2015 at 9:42 pmI love going video nag and receiving homemade gifts like salt scrubs and cute original DYI crafts. I love this list.
Claudette
December 19, 2015 at 8:20 pmI just got home from doing my gift shopping and I set a budget and kept to it – $40. It just makes sense to me not to overdo it – there is still birthdays, etc to buy gifts for throughout the year.
mya.k
December 19, 2015 at 6:43 pmThat is such a great list.
Natalie
December 19, 2015 at 6:42 pmGiving everyone we know gifts all at once can really add up. I LOVE getting seeds as a gift because I like to garden. But I appreciate them more when they’re for unique or rare plants that I would like to add to my particular garden.
michelle
December 19, 2015 at 4:58 pmi think doing the pre made cookie mix is fine especially if you make it really cute by getting an oven mit for cheap and maybe frosting and sprinkles. you can dress it up a bit
Miles L.
December 19, 2015 at 11:14 amWith so many people to give gifts and limited budget, this list is really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Jenjen
December 19, 2015 at 11:05 amGreat tips especially if you are thinking for to save up to give more gifts this holiday season! $5 will go a long way ^_^
Jaime Nicole
December 19, 2015 at 8:07 amThese are great gift tips – especially for office situations, or even as stocking stuffers. I love the idea of soup in a jar.
victoria
December 19, 2015 at 12:22 amWow this is absolutely a great tips. I think playing cards was perfect gift to my nephew.
Angie Scheie
December 19, 2015 at 12:09 amGreat list! I really like the local food suggestion!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer
December 18, 2015 at 7:58 pmWonderful gift ideas. I think something fun to do would to be to buy one of the cheap mugs and decorate it – would make for a nice and personalized DIY gift!
Melissa
December 18, 2015 at 7:08 pmThese are all great gift ideas and very inspirational. My wheels are turning and I think I am going to pick up some of these ideas.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
December 18, 2015 at 4:43 pmThese are great gift ideas. I’m always looking for more gift options that are cute and affordable. This list will come in handy for sure.
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy
December 18, 2015 at 4:12 pmGreat list! I would be buying candles, jig saw puzzles and of course chocolate.
Claire
December 18, 2015 at 3:32 pmThese are great gift ideas and for an affordable price too π Thank you for the inspiration x
angie
December 18, 2015 at 3:12 pmgreat list of ideas so very useful for those we don’t know what to give
Travel Blogger
December 18, 2015 at 2:39 pmGreat gift ideas! I have so many people to buy for and I don’t want anyone to feel left out. Even something small is still nice. It says you were thinking about them.
tara pittman
December 18, 2015 at 12:23 pmCoffee is what I give to others. I send them a blend that is unique to New Mexico.
Ana De- Jesus
December 18, 2015 at 11:26 amI like the sound of a hot chocolate and mug a gift worth buying.
Mardene Carr
December 18, 2015 at 10:13 amThis list makes a lot of sense. I think too many people are in over their heads when it comes to Christmas gifts
Jessica Harlow
December 18, 2015 at 9:06 amThese are great under $5 gift ideas! I know I’d love to get a new Pyrex measuring cup!
Mistee Dawn
December 18, 2015 at 7:21 amThis is a great list, I will keep it in mind when I am doing all of my last minute shopping!
Alli
December 18, 2015 at 5:54 amI didn’t realize how many great items you could get for $5.00. Some of these would make great stocking stuffers, too.
Lori
December 18, 2015 at 12:52 amWell, it looks like people are getting organic soups in a jar from me this year! π
Jessica
December 18, 2015 at 12:30 amThose are some great ideas! A few I wouldn’t have thought of for a gift, but you explained them very well!