Great and Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas That Are Affordable and Yet Sure To Please
Posted: Sunday, November 29, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
For many years, I tried to buy the perfect Christmas gift for the people in my life. Most every year I fell short of perfection. As the years have gone by, I have realized perfection in gift giving can be quite elusive. Consequently, I no longer attempt to attain that perfect or somewhat expensive gift; instead, I simply strive towards buying a useful and worthwhile gift. You may think my style of gifting may be cheap or unexciting; however, that is not the case at all. There are many great gift ideas that will not break the bank yet be appreciated much more than you might have thought.
- Gift certificates to restaurants-from a ten-dollar certificate to a one-hundred dollar one-take your pick. Strive to pick a restaurant the person has mentioned that they enjoy.
- Gift cards for McDonalds, Starbucks or similar places where a person can simply use their drive-through service and pick up a quick cup of coffee or a little more. Some of these cards go for as little as little as five dollars and are great for casual friends or co-workers.
- Food Baskets that have a variety of meats, cheeses and other treats that people can munch on for months can be inexpensive and a great gift for singles or college students.
- Spa type treatments that can be a combination of facials, massages, hair coloring, nail treatments, haircuts and in some cases make-up applications are outstanding gift options.
- Movie theater tickets are also a good option for gift giving. A generic theater gift certificate that can be used for the movie of their choice at the time of their choosing can be a worthwhile and fun gift for some on your list.
- Subscriptions to magazines that cover the person's hobby or interests can be an enjoyable gift option.
- Cash-this one is controversial and some say lacks any thought or personal touch. I personally am always glad to accept cash and I immediately slip it into my pocket with a wide smirk on my face. Cash is good; at least for me!
- Books: Join Borders Rewards Club, it is free and they offer frequent coupons on best selling books, some as high as 30% off the regular price. Books can be an inexpensive gift that only takes a little thought figuring out the person's likes, dislikes, and interests.
- A personally written note/letter (at least a couple of paragraphs) in addition to a generic Christmas card where you explain what you truly feel about your friend or relative. This can be a little mushy for some; however, it can be a cherished lifetime memory for many.
Let the mad shopping rush begin!
This Article has been viewed 1,625 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Very helpful tips for guys like me. Thanks, Steve. ~mogama~You are welcome my old friend!
All good suggestions Steve. Any one of them would put a smile on my face! Happy shopping.Thanks Brianna and happy shopping to you too!
In the past, I have not been successful in choosing merchandise that people like as gifts. On a few "day after Christmases" I would look into the Salvation Army Donation bag on our tree lawn and find the shirt I gave to my cousin or the Candyland game I gave to my 12 year old nephew (I still think of him as a 4 year old.) Now I sing a special song or send a card as a gift. Though I still plan to give my nephew the Zoo Game this Christmas. Happy Holidays.Wow, never actually heard of anyone finding what they gave as gifts in the garbage! Cards can be fine I think as long as there is a little personal writing in it other than just a signature. I hope the Zoo game doesn't end up on the curb on garbage day! Happy holidays to you Michael.Steve
Great ideas - and some don't even need much packaging and wrapping! MarijoThank you Marijo and I never though about wrapping. I am the worst wrapper in America; God created gift boxes with strictly me in mind! Thanks for writing.
Great article; I know people who would appreciate many of those, including me.Thanks Jim. I hope one or even more of the ideas make your shopping a little bit easier this year. Merry Christmas!
Well done. The best gifts are usually the most simple. Thanks for the reminder.Good point Mike--thanks for writing.
Great ideas and nicely original. My daughter has devised a fantastic gift idea that costs hardly any money. It involves giving hand made vouchers for treats, such as a voucher for a back massage, one for a home cooked meal including washing up duties, one for a morning lie in (with child care included if appropriate), and one for a mystery treat. Try getting her car cleaned and refuelled/do the shopping without being asked/do the washing/get a babysitter and take her out to see the sunset with a bottle of wine.You have no idea how touching and wonderful this can be especially for busy working mothers. You will also gain many favour credits for being such a sensitive and imaginative man.What a great idea regarding the vouchers. Smart daughter! Thanks for reading and taking the time to write.Steve
Great article. Well done.You've got some interesting ideas. I like the idea of giving people a gift that gives them choice.Thanks Connor. By the way, feel free to send me a gift from across the Pond--maybe some yummy Hagus!
Wish I had read your article before Christmas. You've got some terrific ideas. A few years ago I went the gift card route for just about all of the adults on my list - they seem to be well received. The older kids love getting cash I think. PS. I like gift cards or cash myself. Thanks for writing and the suggestions.Thanks for writing...this year I received tons of gift cards to the places I frequent...I love em. Can't go wrong with cash either in my book...or gold, or silver or......
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.