Plan ahead
Buying last-minute gifts in a panic can be expensive. With a bit of forward planning, you can spend a bit more time to find something perfect that is within your budget. You can also find some great deals in the sales and put them away (labelled with who the gift is for) until the big day.
DIY gifts
A homemade gift can be a less expensive alternative. If you love to cook, you could bake something special or make some pickles and preserves. If you sew you could make a beautiful cushion; or put a treasured photo in a frame. The options are endless.
Here are a few easy-to-make foodie gifts:
Dukkah – nutty, mildly spicy and very very versatile!
Chilli tomato chutney (make it as mild or as hot as you like)
Pistachio and cranberry shortbread
Crispy and delicious roasted chickpeas
Gift your time
Think about the tasks that you can do for someone. Gifting babysitting or child-minding time will always go down well. Vouchers for gardening, washing the car or handyman sessions would also make a great gift. You probably have skills you haven’t even thought of, and this makes a thoughtful gift rather than more ‘stuff’.
Garden gifts
If you are a gardener, you have a huge range of gift options sitting there. You could pick flowers from your garden to make a beautiful bouquet. Take cuttings from your favourite shrubs and put them in a pretty pot. You could also gift home-grown produce in a basket.
Buy from op shops or local markets
Second-hand doesn’t mean second-rate. You can often find quality books, puzzles, board games, vintage homewares or barely used toys at a fraction of the price. Local markets are also great for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts that won’t break the bank.
Regift (the smart way)
Let’s be honest – we’ve all received lovely things that might not get used. If you have unused gifts tucked away (still in great condition), think about whether they might be perfect for someone else. Just make sure you remember who gave it to you, so you don’t gift it back to them!
Digital gifts
Plenty of great digital gifts cost little or nothing. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Make a digital photo album or slideshow with music.
- Create a custom playlist of songs with meaning.
- Record a birthday-message video with friends or family.
- Design printable artwork that can be hung on the wall.
Set spending limits or do a group gift
If you’ve got a big family or friends’ group, suggest setting a budget limit for birthday gifts or doing a Secret-Santa-style draw for the year. Another option is pooling together with others to buy one thoughtful gift instead of everyone buying smaller things.
Give experiences instead of stuff
You don’t need to buy physical gifts – experiences can be more memorable and often more affordable. Ideas include:
- A homemade picnic at the park.
- A movie night at home with snacks and a favourite film
- A walking tour of your city (you can lead it!)
- A borrowed-book-club night featuring a title they’ll love.
