Are you already counting down the days to Christmas? Probably. Do you have all your gifts ready? We guess not.
Christmas is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The calm atmosphere, the lights and maybe some snow bring families together. In the end, what matters most is being with the people we love, in good health.
That is why we want to inspire you with some inexpensive Christmas gift ideas to take the pressure off: stress less about money and enjoy more time with your loved ones. As a bonus, we kept our picks as eco-friendly as possible, so your gifts are meaningful too.
A simple tip before you start: decide on a total gift budget and a rough amount per person, then keep track as you buy. It is the easiest way to avoid a January surprise on your bank statement.
Photograph by Jeshoots on Unsplash
Homemade DIY gifts
Who doesn’t love a present made with love? Here are some gifts you can make in batches and give to most of your family and friends.
Food gifts
You can make so many tasty things that keep for months. How about homemade ginger shots, jam or syrup? A friend who bakes might love homemade vanilla or peppermint extract. Food gifts are practical, because nothing goes to waste.
Beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly way to store food, and you can make them in different patterns to suit each friend. They keep bread and leftovers fresh for longer, and they are handy for taking snacks to work.
Candles
You can make candles in a single day. Save old glass jars to use as holders and make each candle unique.
Bath bombs
Just make sure you don’t give bath bombs to someone who only has a shower. That would be awkward. If you like making toiletries, try soap instead.
Lip balm
Let’s be honest, everyone needs lip balm in winter. And you can create your own favorite flavor.
Photograph by Freestocks on Unsplash
Inexpensive buys
Reusable produce bags
Everyone goes grocery shopping, but not everyone has their own bags for fruit and vegetables. Be the one in your family who changes that with a small, meaningful gift. It makes a difference for the planet and for their wallet.
Houseplants
Plants are the secret to making any home cozier. The best ones to give are easy to care for, such as a cactus, a monstera or a spider plant. And it is a living reminder of you in someone’s home.
Learning
Give an online course. Courses don’t have to be expensive and can be very valuable, especially for a beginner. It can motivate your friend to finally learn something they have always wanted to, and you support independent creators. Not a fan of courses? A good book works just as well.
Charity gifts
These are fun and they help make the world a little better. You can make a donation to people in need in someone’s name and give them the certificate, or symbolically adopt an animal at a zoo or shelter. The options are endless, and they remind us that many people can’t live the way we do.
Subscriptions
Plenty of digital services can make your loved ones happy. Whether it is streaming or music that makes life more fun, or a practical app for tasks or better habits, you can pay for a year of it.
Photograph by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas. You deserve a good rest. Happy holidays!