Christmas Gift ideas that don't break the bank! About This Page:

[FanOfMickey]

I have been racking my brain trying to think of low cost present ideas for Christmas this year. Gifts that cost little or even nothing. So far I have a few ideas.

For my Nephew and his girlfriend: Free Babysitting for so many hours/nights. Have not decided which way to do it yet.

My Sister is actually in the same boat, so I am going to suggest to her we just don't exchange gifts, instead we can just hang out together a night or 2 and maybe just make a nice dinner together or maybe do a puzzle or craft we like to do together. More just make time to spend a night together. We have not really done this in a while.

I have been trying to think of something for my 20 year old niece, but have not thought of much. I have also been thinking of suggesting to the rest of the family that we all just do something together instead of buying presents for each other as we are all struggling a bit financially.

Anyone else do gifts like this where they do something for someone or offer a service instead of a gift? Anyone have any ideas on alternatives to exchanging gifts?

Of course I was thinking we would do gifts for the kids, this would just include the adults.

[KimbalovesDisney]

I make a coffee fudge wreath ring. It is easy to make, doesnt cost much at all for ingredients, and people love it. Fudge is expensive to buy, and a treat loved at the holidays. Also thrift stores can be a great place to find unique gifts and packaged nicely (four wine glasses in some tissue paper and a nice box), no one ever needs to know! Best of all, its a green gift!

[Ceara's mawmaw]

I have gone to the Dollar Tree where everything in the store is one dollar each. Found candy dishes filled with candy with a bow.....made themed gift baskets using things I found there......made coupon books for different family members.....clean a specific room, babysit, take window shopping one afternoon....

[lukeandbrookesmom]

I think the trading off services idea is a great idea! There must be something for your niece that you can do for for a trade off. Maybe get suggestions from everyone as to what they would like done, draw names and whatever you draw you need to trade services for? Seems like your on the right track!

[wheatenwalker]

Originally Posted by FanOfMickey

I have been racking my brain trying to think of low cost present ideas for Christmas this year. Gifts that cost little or even nothing. So far I have a few ideas.

For my Nephew and his girlfriend: Free Babysitting for so many hours/nights. Have not decided which way to do it yet.

My Sister is actually in the same boat, so I am going to suggest to her we just don't exchange gifts, instead we can just hang out together a night or 2 and maybe just make a nice dinner together or maybe do a puzzle or craft we like to do together. More just make time to spend a night together. We have not really done this in a while.

I have been trying to think of something for my 20 year old niece, but have not thought of much. I have also been thinking of suggesting to the rest of the family that we all just do something together instead of buying presents for each other as we are all struggling a bit financially.

Anyone else do gifts like this where they do something for someone or offer a service instead of a gift? Anyone have any ideas on alternatives to exchanging gifts?

Of course I was thinking we would do gifts for the kids, this would just include the adults.

Nice ideas, Janine! Maybe give your niece a coupon for a night out with you- to a movie or dinner ( someplace not too costly)


I would love to do this with my family but I am the only one who has financial 'issues' so they dont get it- I may bring it up again this year and see what happens- I may only buy for my great nephews ( and my sons, of course)

[rescuesk]

My family is a pain in the you know what about gifts. If it's not expensive and useless, then it's not really a gift.

We have cut way back on gifts, more so this year, and have gone to alot of gift cards. I love the idea of exchange of services, but sadly, my family would never go for it.

I am thinking about making little mini scrapbooks for some of my friends, just add pictures. One friend just had her first grand-baby, one just gradauted from nursing school, so I think themed books might be nice. I have most of the stuff, just need to get some stickers and the little books at the dollar store.

I also like the idea of theme baskets.

[wheatenwalker]

I was thinking of making mongramed note cards for my niece and my S-I-L's- they may think they are tacky but I have all the stuff here already- do youthink that would be a nice gift? I make nice cards and have good quality card stock....

[disneymom9092]

Dh and I are both only children so we don't have many to buy for but I have friends who come from large families. The adults put their name in a hat and you pick a name and buy a nice gift for only that one person. Has really helped them keep spending to a minimum.

Love the free babysitting idea Janine!

[disneymom9092]

Originally Posted by wheatenwalker

I was thinking of making mongramed note cards for my niece and my S-I-L's- they may think they are tacky but I have all the stuff here already- do youthink that would be a nice gift? I make nice cards and have good quality card stock....

I think that is a real good idea Sheila

[disneymom9092]

Great forgot about this

Have you ever gone to Restaurant.com - Deals on neighborhood restaurants. $25 Restaurant Certificates for only $10!? Sign up for their mailing list. I have gotten many restaurant gift certificates that were worth $25 for 80% off! (Twice I even got them for 90% off ). There are often restrictions like "only good Sunday through Thursday", but hey! I give them all the time and often buy them for us to use as well. Don't rush and buy them for half off unless in a bind because believe me they will go lower often. :yes They will send you an email letting you know the percentage off.

I also have founf the Entertainment Book at The 2010 Entertainment® Book - Great Savings on Dining, Shopping, Travel, Attractions, Movie Tickets & More! is a great gift. If you get it on sale or free shipping. It gives them loads of discounted items they can enjoy for the whole year

[Tigger71]

Have you thought of "coupons" for you to spend an afternoon gardening, washing cars, ironing, helping with a school project or looking after a pet when the owner is on vacation? When I give these coupons I wrap them in something to do with the gift. Eg wrap lawn care coupon in a pair of gardening gloves.
I have also given an IOU gift of scrapbooking vacation photos after the next holiday (supplies provided). My work mates have received home made baked items (packaged on a christmas plate from the $ store), lolly filled coffee mugs and homemade soaps/bath salts & photo frames. There are plenty of ideas on the internet for crafty cheap gifts...I value these gifts above store bought stuff because I know firsthand the time and effort that goes into making them.
Good luck!

[FanOfMickey]

Originally Posted by wheatenwalker

I was thinking of making mongramed note cards for my niece and my S-I-L's- they may think they are tacky but I have all the stuff here already- do youthink that would be a nice gift? I make nice cards and have good quality card stock....

I think it is a wonderful idea!! It is an even better idea cause you are making them.

[FanOfMickey]

Everyone is giving great ideas, I know I will be using at least a few of them. Thanks everyone!!!

[Griffin]

All great ideas! What we are doing this year is kind of like a Yankee Swap. Basically everyone picks one name out of a hat and we only get one gift for that person. This way everyone still gets something, but it is only one gift each. Not including the kids...

[FanOfMickey]

Originally Posted by Griffin

All great ideas! What we are doing this year is kind of like a Yankee Swap. Basically everyone picks one name out of a hat and we only get one gift for that person. This way everyone still gets something, but it is only one gift each. Not including the kids...

Yankee swap is a great idea too!!