Printer
Friendly Version
63 Gift Ideas for Under $10
Copyright
2001 by Michelle
Jones
Stop! Before you go out and spend hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars on presents, don't forget our favorite list of inexpensive gift ideas! For the last two years, this column has been a favorite among our readers and I've pulled it out of the archives just in time. (By the way, many of these make great hostess gifts too.)
* * *
The best part is, the earlier you start gift planning, the more money you can save and the more you can sit back and actually enjoy the holidays with your family.
These frugal gifts are not only great for Christmas, but for all throughout the year. Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversaries and more. You can find or create a very special gift for just about any occasion, for everyone on your list.
Did you know that there are even hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $10? Gifts that are both thoughtful and frugal at the same time. Put them in an inexpensive basket or wrap them with a pretty ribbon and voila, you have a wonderful gift that didn't wreck your budget!
It's really true that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone, just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received. Here's a few of my favorites...
1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. A pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustards
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbeque or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sourwood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. Makeup brush set
61. Expensive socks, still under $10
62. Special soaps and bath puff
63. and don't forget my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!
I wrote this list very late at night, and that's why it ends at #63, it sounded like a good number to me! I hope you will be inspired by this list, after all, it's not the amount of money you spend for a gift that matters the most, but that you cared enough to give something special.
Copyright 2001 by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.
Michelle is the founder and editor of the money-saving tips site, BetterBudgeting.com