Low cost Christmas present ideas

This time of year can be tough; you want to spoil your family and friends with extravagant presents – yet your bank account says otherwise. But just because you’re strapped for cash this Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t show your loved ones how much you care.

Creating something yourself not only demonstrates the extra thought and care you’ve put into the gift, but it also adds a personal touch—and it’s budget-friendly too!
Explore some of our favorite budget-friendly DIY Christmas gift ideas…


Homemade baked Christmas presents.

It’s Christmas, which can only mean one thing; it’s acceptable to indulge in your favourite treat. So, if you know a family member or friend has a soft spot for a certain snack, why not bake up a batch and present them with a festive decorated jar, box or dish full of their much-loved treat?

From cookies and brownies, to cupcakes and gingerbread men, the options are endless.


Photo gifts for Christmas.

You may have gone your separate ways to university, but it doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten about your oldest and closest friends from back home.

Make sure they know that by capturing some of your best memories over the years and putting them together in a multi-pocket frame, clipping them to photo clip stands or pinning them to a cork board for them to hang in their room.


Festive ornament ideas for Christmas.

Nothing says Christmas more than novelty, festive ornaments to brighten the place up. Whether it’s decorated candles and candle holders, or handmade snow globes and Christmas tree decorations, dig out your arts and crafts box and show off your creative streak.

Plus, this special festive gift means the recipient can put it on display every Christmas for years to come and be reminded of you.


Sweet jar Christmas gifts.

Cheap and cheerful, this gift idea is perfect for those people in your life with a sweet tooth. Simply fill a mason jar or similar with a mix of sweets.

Whether you’re filling them with chewy love hearts and rings for the love in your life, bonbons and pear drops for the nostalgic family member, or pic ‘n’ mix favourites for everyone to enjoy, customise the jars and give a gift with a personal touch.


Personalised gift set Christmas present ideas.

If you’ve had your eye on that expensive beauty gift set for someone but really can’t afford it, then why not make your own? Sometimes pre-made gift sets aren’t all that great; they can be more expensive, the products inside can often be smaller and sometimes you end up with items you don’t really want.

So, buy your own beauty bag or even just a simple paper gift bag and then hand pick individual items to go inside. You’ll likely find full size products for a similar price – if not cheaper, than the convenient travel sized items.

So, you’ll be getting more for your money and you can tailor the products you put inside to each individual instead of a ‘one fits all’ pre-packed gift set.


 Student discount.

Many online and instore businesses offer student discount. Make sure that you remember to check for student discount codes when shopping online and ask sales assistants about discounts at the tills.


Hopefully some of the above low cost Christmas gifts ideas will take the pressure off thinking of what you can buy for everyone this Christmas, and of course save you spending those extra few pounds in the process!


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