Hi everyone! Can you believe it’s the last Monday before Christmas? I certainly can’t, and I am frantically going out this week to buy the remaining Christmas presents that I need to get. Okay, let me self-edit that. I am frantically going out this week to buy a majority of Christmas presents that I’ve really neglected to buy so far.
If you read my post last week, you’ll know that I don’t exactly have a huge cash flow this year, and Christmas is honestly one of those times of the year that can make anyone’s bank account cry. Instead of bringing you a very lavish Christmas Gift Guide, I thought I’d share a couple of ideas for gifts that are still useful and meaningful to the recipients, but won’t completely blow a tighter budget. Let me also add, that clearance racks and sale racks are a great place to shop when your budget is small, but your heart is big.
Christmas Cake Pops
If you have a bit of spare time and a knack for baking sweet treats, try making some festive cake pops as a gift for someone with a sweet tooth . There are tons of cake pop recipes on the internet, which means you have a good variety to choose from in terms of flavours and decorating. Once your cake pops are fully decorated and set, place them in a mason jar and wrap it up with some cellophane gift paper. Perfectly delicious, and gives the recipient a jar they can reuse!
This year, I will be making Christmas cake pops for family and friends, which I’ll be sharing later this week on the blog, so keep an eye out for that. Here’s the recipe I’ll be using, with a couple of tweaks to suit my needs.
CDs and Movies (Not New Releases!)
CDs and Movies are easily found in most department stores and definitely in entertainment stores. Instead of getting the entertainment buff the latest release, you’ll find that older releases and quirky movies that aren’t necessarily everyone’s favourite–but is probably something that they’ve heard of and like–are much less expensive than buying the latest titles. Places like Walmart or Sunrise Records are great for these gifts as they have overflowing bargain bins, and deals when you buy multiples like 3 for $15, 2 for $20, or 2 for $30. And because you’re buying older releases, chances are, you won’t be duplicating a new-release title that someone else will inevitably gift them, because that always happens! Bonus idea: If you do want something that’s a bit less expensive but newer, you can always check your city for a second-hand entertainment store. These places take used CDs and movies that range from old to new, and can be bought for a fraction of the retail price!
Stationary and Paper
Stationary is perfect for anyone who enjoys writing, sending cards, or keeping paper on their desk for last minute writing needs. There are a variety of places you can buy stationary, with a range of prices. Chapters/Indigo, Winners or Marshalls, and Michaels all have stationary that is relatively cheap if you look around and shop their sales. If you’re also lucky, you may also have a stationary store in your city. Places that specialize in stationary usually have cardstock and writing accessories that are perfect for the stationary lover on your list.
PJ Pants and Loungewear
Everyone loves to have a comfy night in, lounging around in clothes that you wouldn’t dare to wear in public. But as many PJ pants and loungwear items one owns, there’s always a need for a new cozy pair of joggers or a sweater. PJ pants and loungewear can be purchased at most stores, but I find that the cheapest places to buy them are at Old Navy, Walmart, The Bay, and sporting goods stores if you sift through the discount racks. And let me stress…get a gift receipt just in case the sizing is off!
A Warm Cup of Tea or Coffee
Virtually everyone loves to drink tea or coffee every morning. Whether you buy someone a new mug, their favourite blend, or a small gift card to their beverage place of choice, you’ll be giving them something useful and enjoyable. A handy tip for mugs: They can be found anywhere, and if you do want to get crafty, I’d suggest buying a plain mug from the dollar store and decorating it with sharpies, or with ceramic markers.
And lastly, but perhaps the most important and most cost effective…
The Gift of Time
This sounds corny, but hear me out. If you’re low on money, but need a meaningful gift, time is probably one of the most precious things you can give. Your friends and family who may not see much of you all year, would probably love to spend more than 5 minutes with you. If you can set aside a day for people who you don’t see often, they’ll remember it and enjoy the time you spend together. You can always go out for coffee, drinks or to a movie if you do still want to spend a bit, but the main point, is that you’re spending time together.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed these simple ideas for affordable Christmas Gifts. Let me know what you think down below in the comments!
-Vanessa
