Ideas for gifts that cost $20 or less
Not every meaningful Christmas gift has to come with a big price tag. In fact, sometimes the most thoughtful presents are the simplest ones. Whether you’re on a budget, shopping for a co-worker, or just need a little something extra for a stocking, here are several affordable gift ideas – each for $20 or less – that still carry heart and meaning.
Eventually I’d like to have links to specific online recommendations for each section, but for now we’ll stick with these ideas to get you started. I’ll update the post as I find items I feel are worthy of recommendation.
Cozy throw blanket
A soft fleece or microfiber throw adds instant comfort and is perfect for chilly nights. Affordable but thoughtful, it’s perfect for movie nights or simply to say, “I want you to feel warm and cared for.”
Gourmet chocolate or holiday treat tin
Chocolate is almost always a hit. From specialty-shop chocolates to homemade goodies, sweets are a universal way to spread love and joy. Package them in a pretty tin or jar with ribbon to make the gift feel extra special. Many specialty shops have small tins for under $20.
Hot cocoa kit
Pair a cute, festive mug with hot cocoa packets and marshmallows, and you’ve created a cozy winter treat. DIY it for even less (in other words, make your own hot cocoa mix), and add a candy cane stir stick or a chocolate-coated spoon for fun. (If you have an awesome homemade-cocoa recipe, please let me know by leaving a note on my Contact page. If it’s good, I might even publish it here (with your permission, of course).
Other food-related gifts
Let your imagination run wild. Great food-gift ideas include seasoning or spice mixes (either homemade or store bought), homemade bowl cozy, mug cozy (aka coffee-mug sleeve), pancake mix in a jar … does this get your creative juices flowing? I’m always looking for ideas. Let me know what you come up with!
Puzzle or board game
Games like Uno, Spot It! or small jigsaw puzzles (300-500 pieces) encourage family togetherness. At Christmas, the gift of time spent together is often more valuable than the gift, itself. (I cannot tell you how many jigsaw puzzles my family has put together at holiday time. We absolutely love them, and the varieties, piece-counts and difficulty levels are seemingly endless.) Here are a few game options I found at Walmart.com.
Insulated travel mug or tumbler
Practical, stylish, and budget-friendly, these mugs are great for commuters, coffee drinkers, or anyone who likes to keep drinks warm on the go. You can find double-walled stainless steel options under $20. Here are a few at Walmart.com to get you started.
Devotional or pocket scripture journal
Affordable and meaningful, these compact books encourage reflection, prayer, and time with God. A simple gift with eternal value.
Christmas ornament
Choose a unique ornament or even personalize one, if possible. This could become a keepsake for the recipient. Every year when it comes out of the ornament container to be hung on the tree, the recipient will think of you.
I’d love to make some DIY ornaments, but that takes time, so I don’t have any of my own examples to share with you. If you’d like to make your own, YouTube is your go-to spot for tutorials. If and when I create some originals, I’ll be sure to update this post with pics and/or links to videos. Feel free to send me pics of your projects!
Succulent or small potted plant
Cheerful and low-maintenance, plants brighten any space and are a gift that keeps giving long after Christmas. If you’re blessing a plant lover with this type of gift, chances are she (or he) will know what to do with it. If not, include instructions on how to care for the plant.
A good resource for plant care (and chickens, if you’re into that, LOL) is P. Allen Smith. I’ve personally visited his Moss Mountain Farm twice and experienced his hospitality many times. (He used to put on events for bloggers, and I got invited to several of them.) If you’re older, you may remember Allen’s TV show called “In the Garden.” You just can’t beat this gracious Southern gentleman for gardening, decorating, entertaining and hospitality advice. (He’s better than Martha, in my opinion, but I’m partial to Southerners. 😁)
Scented candle in a jar
Seasonal scents such as pine, cinnamon, or vanilla can add instant holiday warmth and bring Christmas cheer into any home. A candle is small, but it sets a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. NOTE: Because I’m extremely sensitive to scents (lifelong respiratory problems, allergies, you name it), I urge you to know the recipient before you give a scented candle. It may not be the ideal gift for that person.
Handmade soaps or bath bomb set
Luxurious yet affordable, these add a spa-like touch to everyday routines. Look for festive scents such as peppermint or cranberry.
Bottom line: You don’t need to spend a fortune to give something meaningful. Each of these gifts under $20 is thoughtful, practical, and full of holiday spirit. Remember, the true heart of Christmas isn’t in the dollar amount of the gift – it’s in the love behind it.
