It’s my favorite time of year!  Where people are frantically searching for the PERFECT holiday gift.  I enjoy being out and about enjoying the holiday festivities but what I most enjoy about the holiday season is time spent with family.  For many years I would shop until I dropped, spending in some years waaayyyy over budget.  I say budget but truthfully back then I didn’t have a budget.  I know I know; how did I know what money I was available for gifts and what money was for bills???  I really didn’t, I kind of just hoped for the best. (THE WRONG WAY TO APPROACH HOLIDAY SPENDING.) Fast forward a few years, once I knew better I did better. (Honestly, I knew better then but didn’t hold myself accountable.)  It’s so easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season thinking that buying expensive gifts is the answer to making people happy.  Let me just say, THAT IS NOT THE ANSWER.  There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday season WITHOUT spending a lot of money.  So here are 4 budget friendly holiday gift ideas:

A Gift Basket

I love the idea of a gift basket because it can be customized to match the person’s unique interests or tastes.  Here are a few of my favorite types of gift baskets:

  • Things to learn about next family vacation destination such as items unique to the destination or a book about the destination.
  • Ingredients for a new meal, this a great option for someone to try a recipe that they’ve been putting off.  Get all of the non-perishable items and arrange them nicely in the basket and throw in a gift card to get the other perishable items.  Make sure you include a recipe card! 😊
  • Spa treatment- this one can be customized with unique soaps, lotions, body scrubs, loofahs or massage oils.
  • Game Day treats- for the sports fan in your life fill up their basket with all of their favorite game day snacks and beverages.  For any perishable items, get them a gift card.  Be sure and include a team item such as a mug.

A Recipe Book

Know someone who is just learning to cook or enjoys trying new recipes or enjoys some of your favorite recipe dishes?  Create a book of recipes for them!  Create a special theme such as Easy Quick Weeknight Dinners or 30 different chicken recipes.  Be creative in making a unique cover and compiling the recipes. 

Photo Gifts

Not sure what to do with all those great photos in your phone?  Create a unique photo gift!  I gave this gift a few years, especially when my son was younger.  😊

  • Photo Mug- Personalize a mug with a family photo or a photo from one of the great shots from a recent vacation.
  • Photo Album- Be creative with the layout.
  • Photo Calendars- This was my favorite because I could put a different picture for each month.

Day/Night out on the town

A gift of time together is always a great gift.  It doesn’t have to be expensive.  Try searching apps such as Groupon to get discounted prices to:

  • Events
  • Dinner
  • Movies

I always search for my movie tickets on Groupon and I usually get them for $5 apiece.  It’s a great theater and the only restriction is usually you can’t go on opening night.  Also check with your employer to see if there are any employee discounts.  I recently scored a $5 gift certificate for $0.60 to one of our favorite pizzerias!

This Holiday Season make it easy and budget friendly by focusing on family and friends and unique gif ideas!  Grab a copy of the Holiday Checklist I’ve created to help you stay on track. 

Let me know in the comments, what are some of your budget friendly gift ideas.

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