Finding the perfect gift can often feel like a stressful and challenging task, but it’s important to remember that the thought and effort put into the gift is what truly counts. With the 2025 holiday season coming upon us very soon, to show our appreciation, we need some gift ideas for our loved ones, whether its something expensive or something inexpensive and homemade.
If you are on a budget or don’t have much or any money to spend, here are some cheap gift ideas you can DIY because it’s the thought that counts. A handmade gift makes someone feel extra special because rather than giving a store-bought present, you choose to put your time into creating something. Undoubtedly, the person who receives your DIY gift will know you appreciate and love them.
10 Handmade DIY Gift Ideas that are Budget-Friendly
- Handmade Cards: Personalize a card with a sweet message or a poem. Handmade cards can mean a lot to a person.
- Photo Album: Compile your favorite photos of or with the person into a small album. This is a good gift to show how much you love and care about them.
- Customized Jar of Memories: Write little notes about favorite memories on slips of paper and fill a jar.
- Home-Baked Treats: Bake cookies or treats and package them nicely. These are a yummy gift idea and are best when made with love
- Knitted or Crocheted Items: If you knit or crochet, consider making scarves, dishcloths, or blankets.
- Personalized Mug: Decorate a plain mug with paint or markers. Personalized mugs are an excellent way to showcase your loved one’s personality.
- Instant Hot Cocoa and Marshmellow Mix: This is a yummy and cute gift idea for anyone who likes hot drinks.
- Coupon Book: Create coupons for chores, fun activities, or quality time together.
- Personalized Keychain: Use metal stamping or wood to create a meaningful keychain they can put anywhere.
- Friendship Bracelet: Make matching bracelets to symbolize your bond and appreciation.
10 Gift Ideas for Mom
- Spa Day at Home: Create a basket of scrubs, soaps, and other self-care items you can find.
- Recipe Cookbook: Delicious recipe books found online or at Michaels.
- Candles: Found at Target, Dollar Tree, or Fred Meyer.
- Framed Family Photo: Print photos at Walgreens and find a frame at Dollar Tree.
- Body Lotion: Found at Fred Meyer, Target, or Dollar Tree
- Slippers: Found at Kohls or Target
- PJ Sets: Fred Meyer, Target, Kohls, or Walmart
- Jewelry: Found at Claire’s or Target
- Robe: Found at Amazon or Target
- Weighted Blanket: Found at Target, Fred Meyer, or Amazon
10 Gift Ideas for Dad
- Coffee Mug: Found at Fred Meyer, World Market, or Michaels
- Tools: Found at any hardware store
- Back Massager:
- Water Bottle: Found at Dick’s Sporting Goods or Target
- Card Holder: Found at Amazon or Fred Meyer
- Watch: Found at Fred Meyer or Best Buy
- Cologne: Found at Ulta or Target
- Popcorn Kit: Found at Amazon or Fred Meyer
- Shoes: Found at Famous Footwear
- Socks: Found at Amazon, Target, or Fred Meyer
Gift Ideas $5-$10
- Coloring books and Markers: Found at Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree
- Bath Bombs: Found at Amazon, Target, or Ulta Beauty.
- Lip balm: Found at Fred Meyer, Target, or Dollar Tree.
- Microwave Popcorn Maker: Found at Amazon, Fred Meyer, or Target
- Candles: Found at Target, Dollar Tree, or Fred Meyer
- Mugs: Found at Fred Meyer, World Market, or Michaels
- Socks: Found at Fred Meyer, Dollar Tree, or Target
Gift Ideas $10-$20
- Books: Look for a bestseller or a book in their favorite genre.
- Board Game: A fun game for family nights.
- Potted Plant: A small plant or succulent can brighten their space.
- Fluffy Blanket: Everyone loves blankets; they’re a great way to get cozy and relax.
- Beanie: A beanie is a good way to keep your head warm and look cool.
- Tumbler Mug: Good to keep your drink hot or cold while on the go while being stylish.
Gift Ideas$50-$100
- Quality Headphones: Great for music lovers or podcast enthusiasts.
- Cooking Class: A fun experience you can share, learning new recipes.
- Fitness Tracker: Help them stay fit and healthy with a stylish tracker.
- Gift Card to a Nice Restaurant: They can treat themselves and their family to a nice meal.
- Gift Card to get a Massage or a Spa Day
- Small Kitchen Appliances: Found at Home Depot, Target, or Fred Meyer
These ideas can help you find the perfect gift while staying within your budget!
