Three Ideas for Gifting on a Budget

Gift-giving is often a source of stress—especially on a tight budget. At its core, exchanging gifts is about strengthening relationships and demonstrating how much two people cherish one another. Price is rarely a source of tension for a recipient.

Still, many want to give a gift that has a high value. Back in 2019, British consumers spent around £43 billion during the holiday season, according to Statista. Clearly, even if the concept is simple, like a tote bag or a pair of shoes, it’s common to look for the best option available. 

Still, budgets ebb and flow—especially during times like the holiday season. What was possible last year may not be possible this year, whether in the way of money, time, or ability to travel. Those looking to stay thrifty don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just keep these three tips in mind when in the market for a budget-friendly gift.

Give Classics a Twist

Most shoppers know what they’re in the market for but may feel discouraged from looking for a certain item if they know it’s over budget. However, one simple way to find an exciting and affordable gift is to stick to the classics… and switch it up a bit. 

For example, a poker enthusiast might expect something like a card shuffler or a new set of engraved chips. Instead of opting for a pricier piece of tech, why not opt for a deck of cards with a unique design?

Dating back to the ninth century, playing cards were once used for creative expression as well as playing games. Today, the focus tends to be on the game (and winning), but there are still plenty of affordable decks that have unique shapes, designs, and textures.

Look Online First

It’s no secret that deal sites like Groupon have revolutionized gift-giving. In fact, even those who aren’t on a budget tend to peruse deal sites before choosing a gift. Keep in mind that such sites are less likely to have competitive deals during the busy season; some choose to buy deals far ahead of time. Just be sure to check the time requirements. 

Another great idea is to find free experiences online. Each year, more and more companies are looking to launch online platforms—even if their product or service has nothing to do with the digital world. For example, a trip to the Louvre would cost thousands… but the museum offers a virtual tour for free online. 

And it’s not just the Louvre that’s on offer. There’s the British Museum in London, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and more. In other words, don’t just look for a deal online, but check out experiences, too. Though absolutely free to gift, a virtual tour of the Louvre is tough to beat.

The Gift of Time

There are fewer things as important as spending time with a loved one, but a close second might be learning a valuable skill. Those who are strapped for cash can fall back on a few timeless favourites, such as photos and food. Printing photos (especially older, nostalgic pictures) is a surefire way to put a smile on someone’s face. Food is just as likely to do the same. 

One truly memorable gift is that of time. Though the holiday season revolves around spending time with loved ones, one free gift that has emotional and mundane value is to teach someone a skill. It doesn’t have to be a dry or serious affair, either, like how to set up a banking account or how to drive (though both are great options). 

Learning life’s smaller tricks, like how to always get a good spot on the bus or where to find the best deals on a favourite food, are just as important. In fact, they’re gifts that keep on giving. Those who can’t find the right gift to purchase only need to think a bit harder about a skill or piece of knowledge that they can pass on.

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