100+ inexpensive Christmas gift ideas

An illustration of several different Christmas icons, including a stocking, a snow globe, a gingerbread house, a fruitcake, a wrapped gift, candy canes and a Christmas ornament, laid out in a grid presentation.

I was a Christmas-gift-giving cautionary tale. It was the last day I could hand off a gift in time for the holiday. It was freezing outside, and I needed a thoughtful yet inexpensive Christmas gift, so with warmth in mind as the theme, I chose a packet of hot chocolate and a packet of instant handwarmers to use inside gloves. 

I felt proud of it, but the presentation went awry. It was so last-minute, I ended up putting the items in a clear sandwich bag and labeled it with a plain-white sticker tag so I could leave it on a desk for them. 

But your inexpensive Christmas gift giving story will end like it should because you’re already doing the pre-planning. All you need are some helpful ideas and a smidge of personalization to help even the most inexpensive Christmas gift bring comfort and joy—and I’ve got tons of inspiration right here.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Husband or Wife  

This is a special person in your life, so show them just how special. The good news is, they of all people will understand the budget. Let’s home in on moments, memories and personal favorites and turn them into thoughtful, inexpensive gifts. 

  • Swag from a place with meaning, like the chopsticks from date #1 or ticket stubs from the first concert you went to together in a frame.
  • An item from a favorite television show or movie from their childhood. 
  • A heartfelt, handwritten letter on nice stationery.
  • Matching scarves and/or gloves. You can look “made for each other” while you take walks or go out.
  • Favorite teas or packages of coffee to warm their heart and their hands. 
  • Photo keychain
  • Cologne or perfume sampler to keep them smelling as wonderful as they truly are.
  • Stress-relieving shower steamers
  • Toiletries bag
  • Party games. Think situation cards or word games to play as a couple or with friends.
  • Socks! It’s hard to go wrong with a pair that truly says “You get me.”
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STILL can’t find a gift that’s a perfect fit? Get them exactly what they want with a Hallmark + Venmo Card! It’s a fun way to send a thoughtful holiday wish along with a little spending money.

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No need for a gift but still want to send some holiday cheer their way? Design your own holiday photo cards. Add your favorite moments from the past year and your own special message. Envelopes included—and we’ll print your return address on the envelopes for free!

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Boyfriend or Girlfriend  

For new (or not-so-new) love, here are some gifts to keep things fun and fresh while still honoring your Christmas budget.

 

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Family  

A big family doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank at Christmas. Use gift giving to infuse nostalgia or built-in family time on the cheap.

  • Board and trivia games 
  • Matching T-shirts with a family slogan 
  • Family trip nostalgia, like mugs or knickknacks from a national park you visited together.
  • Playlist of songs with meaning—the Gen-Now version of a mixtape!
  • Clear-jar scented candles—personalize these by printing personal messages on festive adhesive labels.
  • Birthstone jewelry: bracelet, necklace or single stone in a decorative box
  • Puzzles! To take it up a notch, make a homemade puzzle from a family photo.
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • Simple gear for the family athlete. Think muscle-relaxing gels for runners or multi-tools for cyclists.
  • Phone case

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Grandparents  

Grandparents love to be the givers of treats, so when it’s their turn to receive, it’s only natural to want it to be extra special. 

  • Recordable storybooks are a great way to read a bedtime story to a child. But imagine grandma’s surprise and delight to receive a book read by their grandchild!
  • Christmas ornaments. OK, any type of Christmas decor will do the trick of reminding them of family every year they set it out.
  • Jumbo container of cookies or popcorn.
  • Handprint art—by the kids or grandkids, of course!
  • Homemade treats
  • Keepsake box
  • Keychain
  • Back massager
  • Cozy blanket
  • A month’s subscription for books on audio
  • Herbs and spices 
  • Festive socks or slippers
  • Pot holders
  • Small succulent
  • Password-keeper book

Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids  

Christmas is a special time of year for many, but giving the kids in your life an extra sprinkling of magic is a true gift. It can be easy to do. Think like a kid to give them the things they truly want and leave your wallet intact. 

  • Bag-o-treats: Think Halloween, but for Christmas! Fill small bags with toy cars and candy.
  • Temporary tattoos
  • itty bittys®! They’re small enough to be a stuffed animal companion for their favorite “squishie.” You could introduce a story about it being a cousin or an old classmate to make your gift extra special.
  • Crayons. Today’s crayons go beyond familiar favorites with awesome special effects like glitter, metallics and neon!
  • Disposable cameras. Encourage little ones to capture candid family holiday moments while adding a bit of old-school suspense from getting the photos developed!
  • Origami paper
  • Lego sets
  • Slime 
  • Silly Putty® and modeling clay can combine Christmas magic with the wonder of a child’s imagination.
  • Play-Doh®
  • Bath bombs
  • Invisible ink pen and paper
  • Vinyl decals for notebooks and tablets
  • Night light
  • Gift card for the movie theater. Sometimes kids can get in cheap, and you might be able to add enough for a box of candy from concessions!
  • A Hallmark + Venmo Card for whatever they want, with a sweet holiday wish from you.
  • Individually wrapped homemade brownies
  • Did someone say Disney? Someone is always saying Disney! 
  • Fidget toys, plush characters and lip balms will always land you on the nice list.

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Friends  

You know them so well, and that’s going to work in your favor while selecting cheap Christmas gifts that still feel oh-so-personal to your besties and those in your close circle. 

  • Pizza and a movie. This can be done with place-specific gift cards.
  • Journals with blank pages. Add a personal touch by writing prompts or sentiments on random pages inside for extra surprises throughout the year.
  • Pet treats for their best furry friend
  • Thrift store paperback books. The worn pages add character, and finding a copy of an old book tied to a special memory will make this gift just as special. Don’t forget to write an inscription!
  • Picture frames—plot twist—with no photos in them! It’ll encourage them to print out some of those digital moments and set them out as reminders of their important relationships.
  • A Hallmark + Venmo Card that lets them get whatever they want!
  • Vintage shirts featuring their favorite music groups or bands
  • Crystals or worry stones
  • Vinyl, for record enthusiasts
  • Makeup brushes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Earring tree

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Coworkers  

For the non-family you see so much and who turn work into joy, check out this list of inexpensive gifts for coworkers that show your appreciation. 

  • Facial sheet masks
  • Stationery
  • Desk calendar
  • Lip balm
  • Hand cream
  • Cell phone stand
  • Coffee gift card
  • Crystals or worry stones
  • Customized name plates
  • Camera cover for their laptop
  • Organize an office outing! Everyone handles their own tab, and you’ve given the gift of connection. Cheers to that!
  • Eyeshadow palettes
  • Reusable water bottle

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Neighbors  

Even when out of sight, good neighbors are always there helping to make the neighborhood feel like home. Here are some ideas to make sure it doesn’t feel like Santa skipped their rooftop. 

  • Inexpensive cider or wine with some mulling spices
  • Tea towels
  • Chocolates or nuts
  • Gingerbread house kit
  • A visit!
  • Invitation to Christmas dinner
  • Christmas cookies
  • Framed old photo of the neighborhood
  • Homemade cat toys or dog treats
  • Coupons for free babysitting
  • Small succulent
  • TSA-friendly containers for liquids
  • Essential oil diffuser 
  • Sewing kit
  • Pot holders

 

Here’s hoping you found the perfect idea and inspiration to express yourself through giving, be it with a gift, time spent or a handwritten note. Merry Christmas!

 

Need more gifting inspo? We’ve got it right here: