15+ Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas You’ll Love For Friends & Neighbors
As the holiday season approaches, your gift list seems to grow! Give your budget a breather with these creative and affordable gift ideas.
These cheap Christmas gift ideas are great for:
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Teachers
- Coworkers
- Volunteer workers
- Host/Hostess
- Caretakers
- Service workers
Stay on budget this holiday season by combining a little creativity with these cheap Christmas gift ideas.
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Top Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
1. Christmas Snack Mix
This Christmas Snack Mix is salty, sweet, colorful, and easy to throw together with budget-friendly pantry staples. The free printable tag turns this snack mix into a ready-made holiday gift.
2. Holiday Scent Mix Jar
Mix up this stovetop potpourri in a jar to spread the smells of Christmas. These simple recipes come with a free printable label with simple instructions for the recipient.
Related: Top Christmas Crafts To Make & Sell
3. Nacho Average Friend Christmas Gift
If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, easy, and guaranteed to make someone smile, this Nacho Average Gift Basket is it! It’s exactly what you need for anyone who deserves a little extra “cheesy” love.
And it can be customized for just about anyone or any occasion.
Related: Top Cheap Christmas Gifts For Coworkers
4. Hot Chocolate Kit
One of the simplest gifts for a neighbor, friend, or family is a DIY hot chocolate kit. Just include a mug or disposable cups, hot cocoa mix, and a handful of mini marshmallows.
To make it even more budget-friendly, whip up a big batch of easy hot cocoa to divide into multiple gifts.
The bonus? Your family can enjoy the leftover mix all winter long!
5. Baked With Love Granola
Last holiday season, a family in our neighborhood gifted homemade granola with fresh berries. It was a delicious snack or healthy breakfast treat we loved.
The recipe is super versatile and can be easily modified with items you already have in your pantry. Grab the free printable tag there too!
Related: December Savings Challenge Printable
6. Freezer Meal
This is my go-to gift because I get tired of the question “What’s for dinner?”
So, I began doubling recipes to make my own freezer meals and eventually started doing freezer meals as gifts.
The best part of prepping a freezer meal is that it can go right into the freezer if they aren’t ready to eat it. Then it’s easy to pull out on a busy day.
My favorite easy meals to use are southwest chicken and rice, taco soup, and homemade spaghetti sauce.
7. Festive Holiday drink
Spread holiday cheer to a neighbor or friend with a bottle of champagne (or sparkling wine) and a set of plastic flutes.
Add in additional items to make it a holiday mimosa kit:
- cranberry, orange, or pomegranate juice
- cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a garnish
For a more budget-friendly option, gift a mini bottle of champagne with a small bottle of juice like in this diy mini bar in a jar gift idea.
Pro Tip: Choose a gift idea that works for multiple people on your list. Buy the items in bulk to save both money (and extra trips to the store)!
8. Paperwhite flower Blooms
Gift a paperwhite bulb tucked in rocks inside a jar. These beautiful paperwhites will bloom just in time for the holidays and make a thoughtful, fragrant, and unique gift.
Related: Best Gifts in a Jar Ideas
9. DIY Spa & Bath Gift
*Perfect for a friend, mom, or teacher
Create a simple DIY gift for an at-home spa experience during the busy holiday season. Make them in bulk and divide into relaxing presents for multiple people.
- Homemade budget-friendly soap
- Gingerbread sugar scrub cubes
- Honey and Lavender Milk Bath
- Bath salts- mix Epsom salt, baking soda, and calming essential oils
- Foot soak in a Jar- mix Epsom salts, baking soda, and peppermint oil
Add an ice roller or a cozy pair of socks to any of these simple ideas.
10. Movie or Game Night
*Great for a budget-friendly family gift
Create an affordable movie night gift box with popcorn, fun popcorn seasoning, candy, and soda. Personalize it by adding a list of your favorite recent movies or a holiday film your family enjoys.
For a unique twist, swap out the microwave popcorn for corn kernels and a reusable microwave popcorn popper.
Throw in a card game to turn it into a game night box.
11. Homemade Vanilla Extract
Last year, a friend gifted me a bottle of homemade vanilla extract, and I’m still using it!
This thoughtful gift only requires two ingredients but packs a flavorful punch. Just be sure to make it before Christmas to allow time for the vanilla to fully infuse. (Or add the beans to the bottle to continue infusing with your gift recipient.)
12. Personalized Cheap Christmas gift Ideas
Add names or initials to small affordable items for a thoughtful touch.
Here are some unique favorites for under $10:
13. S’more Holiday Joy
This S’mores in a Jar gift idea is the perfect blend of thoughtful and delicious! Layer classic s’mores ingredients in a mason jar, tie it up with a festive ribbon, and top it off with one of our free printable gift tags for an extra dash of charm.
14. Friendship Soup in a Jar Gift
Nothing says homemade love quite like a jar filled with cozy, hearty soup mix!
This Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar is easy to make, affordable, and the perfect gift to warm hearts (and bellies). It’s a thoughtful way to show someone you care.
And don’t just make one! Keep an extra jar or two in your pantry. It’s great for busy nights or those “I forgot a gift!” moments.
15. Homemade Seasoning Mixes
These mixes come together in minutes using everyday pantry ingredients. From festive spice blends to everyday kitchen staples, you can mix up a variety of homemade seasoning gifts for under $5 each.
16. Punny & Cute Saying Gift ideas
We whisk you a Merry Christmas!
A little gift for your mistle-toes!
Find more inexpensive, easy, and cute gift ideas perfect for anyone on your list. Add the punny printable Christmas gift tags that go along with each gift idea!
More Ways To Save This Christmas
- Things I Quit Buying At Christmas
- Minimalist Christmas Gifts
- Best Christmas Savings Challenge
- Best Christmas Budget Planner – for all your gifts this year!
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