10 Tips And Tricks To Holiday Shopping On A Budget
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Tips And Tricks To Holiday Shopping On A Budget

Don't let money deter you from emersing in the holiday spirit; follow these tips/tricks to save money on presents this year.

17
10 Tips And Tricks To Holiday Shopping On A Budget
Pexels

As exciting as the holidays might be, there’s no denying the inevitable dread that comes in anticipation of all the money that is soon to be spent. Whether you’re an adult with four kids or a broke college student doing a Secret Santa exchange, finances shouldn’t get to suck the fun out of gift-giving! Here are some creative, low-cost ideas on presents that your friends and family are sure to love.

1. Socks

Nothing says "winter" like a nice, fuzzy pair of socks. With a variety of colors, lengths, fabrics and patterns, this present allows for the creative-freedom to truly make it personal.

2. Candy Baskets

Who doesn't love candy? Compile three or more different chocolates, sweets or gummies into one cute basket for a unique but well-appreciated gift! Pro tip: add wrapping paper and/or tinsel to add to the aesthetic factor.

3. Scented lotion

There's no better time of year to buy scented lotions than during the holiday season. This is when the window of opportunity is opened to gain access to "special addition" scents that are only available now. Surprise somebody with a unique moisturizing fragrance they won't find anywhere else!

4. Candles

Set the mood with a colorful array of candles! They don't have to be Yankee, they just need to smell good. To add to the holiday spirit, select winter-based scents like peppermint, frosted sugar cookie, warm vanilla and more.

5. Uber gift cards

Although they don't sound like much, this can prove to be extremely useful, especially for students in high-school and college. Even $10 can go a long way-- for all you know, your gift card could be what sends someone home safely one night.

6. Blankets

What better way to end the night than to be snuggled up under the comfort of a warm, soft blanket? Whether it's thick or thin, fluffy or knit, has a custom image or just a plain color, this really is the gift that keeps on giving-- one simple purchase results in a lifetime of uses and memories.

7. Phone case

Let's face it: phones and other electronic devices have become the center of the human-world. The only problem? Things break, and are not so easy to fix. Give someone a gift they won't forget with this idea; that way, every time they look down at their phone (often), they will be reminded of you!

8. Car decor

How many cars do you see with some kind of gimmick or air-freshener hanging from the rear view mirror? A lot, right? Jump your friend/family member on that band-wagon by giving them something small but meaningful to hang in their car. (For example, an freshener with their favorite scent, a rosary, cutout of a character from their favorite movie, or something to represent an inside joke.)

9. "Reasons Why I Love You" jar

Although the least expensive, this is probably the most thoughtful. With pieces of colored paper or Post-it notes, include one reason per note why you love that person. To get extra creative, another possibility is to color-code the papers into categories, like blue for reasons why I love you, red for memories, purple for inside jokes, etc; the potential for this fun gift is infinite!

10. Customized glassware

As someone who hates washing dishes, it's a safe assumption to say this: one can never have too many cups. Contribute a unique addition to the collection with a name/initial print on a coffee mug, water glass, or wine glass.

In addition to these ideas, be sure to take advantage of sales and coupons! Check your mail frequently for discount options in business catalogues, as well as Groupons. Plus, don't be afraid to check out Walmart, thrift stores, or dollar stores. You never know what you might find!

Happy holidays, and happy shopping!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47089
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29842
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954002
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

168305
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments