Buying presents for loved ones is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but it doesn’t mean you have to go broke doing so. You can give meaningful gifts to everyone on your list and still keep your budget intact.

Just because a Christmas present doesn’t cost much money to buy or make, doesn’t make it any less heartfelt. Some of the most thoughtful gifts anyone can receive are relatively inexpensive. Here are some of the low-cost presents you can give that people will love. 

1. Baked Goods 

Who doesn’t appreciate the gift of baked goods? It’s a good way to show someone you’re thinking of them during the holidays while also showing off your baking skills. There are many different treats you can give as presents.

Traditional holiday cookies like gingerbread, shortbread, or sugar cookies are always popular. For those in your life who enjoy cakes, instead of giving them a fruitcake that they’ll probably never eat, try out different holiday cake recipes. 

2. Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a nice relaxation gift that will delight anyone who uses them. When they’re added to a bath, they fizz and add color to the water. Bath bombs come unscented or scented, and are available in different shapes, designs, and colors. 

These bath additions aren’t only for adults; kids can also get in on the fun. For Christmas, kids of all ages can enjoy a jolly Santa Claus or a cute snowman in a snow globe bath bomb. They’re reasonably priced enough to give someone more than one.

3. Books

E-readers and tablets are a common way of reading books, but there are still plenty of people who enjoy the printed versions. Even if you don’t know the specific genre of books the recipient likes to read, there are several options out there.

Coffee table books or classic literature like the plays of Shakespeare or Victorian-era poetry make cool gifts. You don’t even have to buy them brand new. There are unique books to be found at vintage and used bookstores. 

4. Candles

When you have no idea what to buy someone, it’s hard to go wrong with candles. You can either buy them from a store or make them yourself if you’re feeling crafty. From votives to full-sized pillar candles, the varieties are endless.

Not everyone tolerates scents very well, so unscented candles are the way to go unless you know for certain that they like a particular scent. Soy candles don’t generate soot, which is a nice touch for candle users. 

5. Candy 

Candy is a popular holiday gift because, like candles, many people enjoy it. Chocolate lovers would appreciate a sampler box. Not everyone likes chocolate, so there are other types of candy you can give to them.

Mints, especially the soft ones, are almost universally liked. Hard candies or jelly beans also work. Placing the candy in a decorative jar or holiday-themed tin tied with a ribbon or bow gives it a special touch. 

6. Coffee, Cocoa, and Tea Samplers

Do you want to put a smile on the face of a coffee, cocoa, or tea drinker? Gift them with a sampler or variety pack of different flavors of the hot beverage. The coffee can be whole beans or ground in different strengths and flavors. 

Cocoa and tea both come in different flavors. All of them can be purchased as a premade set, or you can buy individual packs to make it more personalized. Place them in a reusable container or a specially selected coffee mug. 

7. Coupon Books

A truly personalized and inexpensive Christmas gift is a coupon book. This is a terrific method of providing the recipient with something that they need or could use but can’t necessarily buy in a store. This gift works best with people you’re close to.

Some ideas for gifting a coupon book include offering free babysitting services for a set number of hours, free car washes, doing household chores for a day, or a date night at a favorite restaurant. Use your imagination!

8. Homemade Crafts

A gift of a homemade craft is a fine selection for family, friends, and coworkers. There’s something about the gift of handcrafted projects that people truly appreciate. It shows them that you put time and effort into making their gift. 

There are several forms of do-it-yourself crafts, such as artificial or dried flower arrangements, ceramics and pottery, wood carvings, macramé, embroidery, and handmade soaps. You don’t have to be an experienced crafter to create a one-of-a-kind gift. 

9. Journals

Journals are an all-purpose gift because they can be used for anything. People can write down their thoughts, they can sketch in them, list reminders, or use them as a ledger to keep track of financial transactions. 

What makes a journal a wonderful present is that it comes in all sizes, colors, and materials. Some journals have paper or plastic covers, while others are leatherbound. They’re a useful gift for anyone who’s on your Christmas list.  

10. Photo Collages

Family and close friends may find photo collages to be a touching, timeless gift. A collage board can be made into any shape and can be general photos that are connected to the recipient, or have a theme to them.

A photo collage from their wedding and reception is ideal for newlyweds or a long-married couple. A school-themed photo collage for a teacher or a college student is perfect. It’s a thoughtful gift they’ll cherish.

11. Slippers or House Shoes 

There’s nothing like slipping into a comfortable pair of slippers or house shoes at the end of a long day. They’re a small but substantial gift that will make the receiver think of you fondly every time they put them on. 

There’s a difference between slippers and house shoes, even though the names are used interchangeably. Slippers are a more lightweight type of indoor footwear, while house shoes, which are also worn indoors, are more sturdy like a shoe. 

12. Throw Blankets

If you absolutely, positively have no idea what to give someone for Christmas, you can rely on the timeless gift of a throw blanket. Have you ever heard of anyone rejecting a throw blanket? You probably haven’t.

Throw blankets come in different materials and sizes, and they also have different themes and patterns. You could give a football fan a throw with the logo of their favorite team or a patterned throw in their favorite colors.

Remember, no matter the size of your budget, the holiday season isn’t about how much you spend, but about how much you care.