Inexpensive Gift Ideas

How to spread holiday cheer for a low price

Stephanie Schefer, Staff Reporter

With the lights hung on the tree and the ornaments glistening in the light, the only thing missing are the presents under the tree.

Americans tend to buy gifts for all their friends and family around the holiday season, and unfortunately, the cost of these presents can add up quickly. This leads to spending massive amounts of money around the holidays on gifts alone, so inexpensive gifts are key in making the holiday season easier on the wallet.

No matter what holiday is being celebrated, they are a time of gathering together and spending quality time with friends and family. It has become a custom, especially for those celebrating Christmas, to give presents in order to show your kind heart and love towards others around you.

While presents are not the most important part of the holidays, they have become a major symbol for the season.

According to whychristmas.com, “One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.” Making DIY gifts are one way to save money around the holidays.

This can seem like it would take a lot longer than just buying something from a store, but for many, including Junior Abby Schefer, they are always the way to go.

“I like making DIY gifts for people because I enjoy it,” Schefer said. “They also show that you cared about the gift because you put time and effort into it.”

Homemade gifts always seem to stand out. Ashley Jeffers remembers receiving one and still has it to this day.

“One time I got a canvas with a melted crayon design on it. I put it in my room and it looks beautiful,” Jeffers said.

If you are interested in making a homemade gift, but do not have any ideas, look on Pinterest. Simply search for DIY holiday gifts, and the list of suggestions will be overflowing with great ideas. These gifts range in price, so you will be sure to find a gift that fits your budget perfectly. Many gifts are as simple as putting a few little things together to make one nice gift. In this present you can put your friend or family member’s favorite stocking stuffers together.

The packaging is what makes these gifts special. You can place the stocking stuffers in a stocking, or depending on the size of the items, mason jars and mugs could also be used. Simply arrange the gifts in the container and add festive decor such as bows and ribbons. You can be as creative as you would like. This gift is also an easy way to stay on your budget because they can be modified to fit your money needs. Making ornaments, and other festive decor, is another fast gift idea.

You can pretty much use any craft supplies for this project; many of which, might already be lying around at home. The traditional ball ornament is a common shape, but you could also experiment and make your own shapes out of baking clay. This is very cheap and can be made into practically anything. One fun spin on the traditional ornament is filling them with hot chocolate ingredients. Fill it with crushed candy canes, hot chocolate mix, and marshmallows.

Some other gift ideas include snow globes, movie packets, decorated mugs, jewelry, food, and holiday decorations.

Handcrafted gifts are easier than they look. They are one of a kind, and are a great gift option to save money. You can take any idea and turn it into your own. The only limit in this is your imagination.