Most of us have been there: Time is short, money’s tight and the holidays are fast approaching. The good news is, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of smart, thoughtful Christmas gifts that won’t break the bank.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are an obvious cheap idea because you can name your amount. The gift card page on Amazon is rife with suggestions for where to buy them.
Get one for the Apple App store, Google Play, your favorite local restaurant, a sporting goods store or a service like Uber or Lyft. With Uber, they can purchase a ride or some food through Uber Eats.
Something From the Buy Nothing Project
There’s nothing cheaper than free. Per its web site, the Buy Nothing Project “offers people a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide network of hyper-local gift economies in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people who are real-life neighbors.”
Download their app to start searching for quality things people are giving away in your area.
Personalized Playlist
Create a personalized playlist from a streaming service such as on iTunes or Spotify. (Be sure to ask which service they’re using first.) Or, go old school and make them a mix CD they can listen to in the car on their way to work. Include songs that remind you of times spent together, some new tunes you think they’d enjoy, or a nice mix of both.
Assortment of Air Plants
Air plants are hardy bromeliad plants from Central and South America that don’t require soil to grow. Just soak them in water for 20 minutes once a week and let them dry out. They require indirect but bright light. Use them in containers, globes, terrariums, displays and vertical gardens, or as party favors for weddings or events.
Echo Dot
Who couldn’t use a personal assistant? At only $25 (and maybe less on special sale days), Amazon’s Echo Dot is the perfect way to bring Alexa into your home. Get answers to just about anything, order food, supplies, listen to music or get the weather simply by uttering the wake word, “Alexa.”
C.H. Hanson Stud Finder
We can’t hype these things enough. Nor can we underestimate the need for a good, quality stud finder. You’ll need one for myriad projects around the house, not just hanging pictures.
Trust us: Just buy this one from C.H. Hanson. You won’t regret it — and the 27,000 mostly positive Amazon reviews bolster our opinion. For less than $8, you can’t go wrong!
Anker Soundcore Earbuds
Everyone can use a nice pair of earbuds. These Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are among our favorites.
At only $45, they offer amazing sound, bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to talk and answer calls or listen to your favorite jams. Anker continues to pump out amazing products and these earbuds are no exception. Read some of the more than 88,000 Amazon reviews and judge for yourself.
Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable
You can’t ever have too many charging cables. We’re going back to our love for Anker products with the USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable.
With USB C quickly becoming the go-to charging standard, there never seem to be enough ways to plug them in. If you’re like us and still have a bunch of older USB A chargers or vehicle ports, this cable won’t let you down. The braided construction won’t break or fray after a few uses. We plug ours into a power bank when we’re out and about.
Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable, for Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / S8 / S8+ / S9 /S10, Sony XZ, LG V20 / G5 / G6, Xiaomi 5 and More (3ft)(Red)” product_price=”15.99″ product_category=”Personal Computer” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /]Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable, for Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / S8 / S8+ / S9 /S10, Sony XZ, LG V20 / G5 / G6, Xiaomi 5 and More (3ft)(Red)” product_price=”15.99″ product_category=”Personal Computer” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /]
Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable, for Samsung Galaxy Note 8 / S8 / S8+ / S9 /S10, Sony XZ, LG V20 / G5 / G6, Xiaomi 5 and More (3ft)(Red)” product_price=”15.99″ product_category=”Personal Computer” product_retailer=”AnkerDirect” content_rating=”” /]
Magazine Subscription
This is the perfect time to introduce your loved one to a magazine you think they would enjoy, and of course we know of a great one! One year of Family Handyman is just $10!
The lucky recipient will get expert advice on everything from DIY plumbing and electrical to DIY tips, kitchen and bathroom remodels, car care and gardening. It’s also a great option for any new homeowner on your gift list. Here’s how long Family Handyman has been doing its thing!
Magnetic Wristband
The magnetic wristband is another great affordable yet useful gift idea. The wristband helps keep screws, drill bits, nuts and nails at hand so you won’t have to go back and forth to the tool box. Here are 20 more gifts under $20 DIYers will love.