Affordable Christmas gift ideas that won’t hurt your wallet
The Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without the traditional gift-giving. It’s one of the most enduring Filipino customs as our way of showing appreciation to our loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
For most of us, buying gifts is a tough chore and part of the struggle is finding the right holiday present. Because let’s be real: you want to spend your hard-earned money on a purposeful gift – one that will bring joy. At the same time, you don’t want to leave your wallet empty with gifts that would force you to dip into your savings. Yikes!
Thankfully, there are alternative gift options that have a fine balance between affordability and functionality. And we’ve curated a list just for you! Read on:
1. Handmade crafts & goodies
If you’re looking for affordable gift ideas this Christmas, DIY gifts are one of your fail-safe options. Regardless of the type of gift, handmade presents carry a more personal touch that is unique to the relationship you share with the recipient. Best of all, DIY gifts won’t cost you much compared to buying an item from the store!
In case you don’t have the luxury of time to create something from scratch, some shops specialize in handmade presents, which also allows you to customize your gift to your specifications.
Here are some handmade crafts & goodies you can try:
- Home-baked cookies, cakes, or cupcakes
- Crochet sweaters, embroidery ornaments
- Customized pens, notebooks, mugs, or tumblers
2. Gift cards or vouchers
We’ve all been there: the anxiety-fueled process of picking the right gift—unless you already have an idea of what your recipient wants. But that’s not always the case. Purchasing unwanted items is inconvenient and a waste of time and money.
You can avoid making poor gift choices by being more practical. Solution? Opt for gift cards or vouchers instead!
Contrary to the idea that gift cards are too impersonal, it’s the opposite. They are the pinnacle of conscious gifting. With gift cards or vouchers, you empower your recipient to choose the perfect present they need.
Pro tip: Gift cards or vouchers differ in value, ranging from ₱100 to ₱5000. Only select the denomination based on your set budget.
3. Self-care essentials
Everyone deserves to pause and relax after a year of hard work. And Christmas is the perfect season to surprise someone with a thoughtful wellness gift because of the great deals or discounts you can get!
Whether it’s to support a friend who’s a health enthusiast or a loved one who needs a little nudge for some quality “me-time,” there are tons of wellness gift ideas to choose from!
Check these best picks:
- A treat to a spa massage
- Meditation session
- Yoga or Pilates class
- Skin-care products
- Aromatherapy kit
4. Anything green & sustainable
Did you know that gift-giving generates millions of garbage that harms our environment? Most of these came from the wrapper we use (e.g. ribbons, foils, glitters), which are often non-biodegradable.
Perhaps you heard of sustainable gifting and how it can help reduce your carbon footprint while maintaining the holiday spirit. The key idea here is to recycle whenever possible, especially with your gift packaging. Among the popular alternatives are paper, fabric, or even reusable bags.
Aside from the packaging, you can also help the planet by buying resource-friendly gifts. An organization such as World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines sells affordable eco-conscious merchandise items – perfect for someone searching for Christmas gifts on a budget.
Here are some sustainable gift ideas to explore:
- Indoor plants and pots
- Biodegradable phone case
- Tote bag
- Bamboo-made homewares
Giving to others brings great joy and spirit to the season. But remember, it’s not always determined by the size and cost of the gift. It’s the thought and heart that went to it.
Surprise your loved ones with something nice this Christmas! Get quick and reliable funds with SAVii if you need a boost to your budget. Click the button below to apply.