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Has that “to buy” list started haunting you yet? This year, I thought I may help the other budget-conscious mamas out there by laying out 23 inexpensive Christmas gifts that will save the day (and your pocket book!)
Gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank. It just takes a little creativity and foresight. Let’s get you started:
- Make your giant list of people to shop for. (Be sure to check it twice!)
- Jot down a quick note on what you think each person might like.
- Set a budget. Think about how much you can afford total and then break that down between each person based on how close they are to you and how much you want to spend.
What’s that? Stuck on #2 already? Here are some inexpensive Christmas ideas to get that brainstorm thundering. Even better, these are cheap Christmas gifts that don’t actually look cheap. #MindBlown
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Tip #1:
Gift the Whole Group
It’s hard not to think about giving every single person on your list their own, individual gift. But the best way to knock out your list quicker and cheaper, is by giving a gift to the group!
Think about which people on your list could share a gift. Finding something that everyone would love or could do together will make gift-giving that much easier. I mean, what couple doesn’t like cozy movie date nights? What family can’t use a quick grab-the-can game night?
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Tip #2:
Gift an Experience
Why not gift your loved ones a memory? Not only will you avoid the mall crowd, they fit nice and neatly into your traveling suitcase.
Get creative and think about places or things to do in their area that would make a fun (but inexpensive) Christmas gift!
- Zoo Pass: This is a great option for families! Often an annual zoo pass is much cheaper than even just 2 visits and may include parking.
- Waterpark: Pick up a waterpark day pass to give to young families who could enjoy a fun summer day out!
- Concert Tickets: There are plenty of different indoor and outdoor venues for concerts all year round! (Pro Tip: Local Park Districts often have concerts for better prices!)
- Restaurants: Food always wins! Restaurant gift cards are always a great gift. Find unique restaurants nearby your loved ones that may provide a fun dining experience!
- Museums: This is a great experience for couples, families, or co-workers!
- Better Naps: Do you know someone who has a child that doesn’t nap very well and it’s causing a lot of extra sleep headaches? $14 gets both parents into the Napping Know-How Webinar, a class taught by Certified Gentle Sleep Coach Heather Taylor, available on demand.
- Soothing Tips: Do you have a friend or family member who is either expecting a baby or has a difficult-to-soothe newborn? There are several soothing tricks Certified Gentle Sleep Coach Heather Taylor can teach them that go beyond the standard veteran-parent advice. $14 will give them the soothing secrets the professionals use.
Gifting experiences is the gift that keeps on giving. Bring a smile to your friends or relatives by giving them something they will always remember. It’s an easy way to earn some seriously awesome friend-cred.
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Tip #3:
Gift Your Time
The holiday season, while exciting and fun, can get very busy. Why not offer the gift of your time? (They should know you well enough to know how priceless that gift is!)
I know that might sound hard for you during the Christmas season because you have so much to do, but slowing down to enjoy the wonders of this season with someone special may be just what you need too.
Try these great ways to give the gift of your time:
- Free Babysiting: Every couple needs a date night! Offer to babysit for free. Bring a copy of the best Christmas movie ever, pop some popcorn and have fun with the kiddos!
- Mother’s Helper: Offer to help a young mother watch her kids while she runs errands or takes a nap.
- Visit: Spend time visiting with an elderly relative or dear friend.
- Lunch or Dinner: Invite a girlfriend out for shopping and treat her to a holiday lunch.
The best part about giving the gift of your time is that it often blesses you just as much as someone else, and that is what the Christmas season is all about. 🙂
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Tip #4:
Gift Your Talents
Have you ever thought about using your talents and skills for gifts? There are all kinds of ways you can give the gift of your talents.
Get creative! Think about what you love to do, your hobbies (besides getting babies to nap) and ways you can use those things to give to others:
- Photography: Offer to give a family a complimentary photo session.
- Organizing: Offer your skills to help a friend organize a room in her house or closets.
- Sewing: Make homemade festive Christmas ornaments that you can hand out to coworkers.
- Hand lettering: Use your talent for fun holiday signs or cards.
Even if you aren’t super crafty (ahem…*raises hand*) or think you don’t have any skills, why not rope the kids in for some non-messy crafting?
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Tip #5:
Gift Some Yummy Food
Who doesn’t love food?! Baking or cooking (even something simple) is a perfect way to give inexpensive Christmas gifts anyone will enjoy! You can even get the kids involved by letting them bake with you!
Maybe you bake a simple homemade bread or use your amazing Instant Pot to make a cheesecake to share with friends. Of course, one of the most fun food gifts this time of year is all those yummy Christmas treats or Holiday pies!
Make Gift-Giving Priceless
The giving of gifts is one of the best parts about the holiday season, and, what’s even better, now it can be easy because you are a clever mom on a budget.
Now, when you look at your list of gifts, you have so many gift-giving options:
- Give group gifts
- Give experiences
- Give your time
- Give your talents
- Give homemade treats
Your friends, relatives and co-workers will absolutely love these inexpensive Christmas gifts because they are so creative and thoughtful, and you will love gift-giving because your wallet is still intact come January!
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