We’ll never forget the story of the practical gift that saved a family — literally. A young man’s gift to his parents — a smoke detector — sat under the tree when a fire broke out in the house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the giver had put batteries into his gift. Even though it was wrapped and under the tree, the smoke alarm did its job, and the family escaped unharmed.
We doubt most practical gifts will have so dramatic an outcome, but the truth is people want and need practical gifts. If you or your loved ones are on a budget or a fixed income, ignore the inclination to exchange unnecessary sweaters and ties, and make over your holiday gift giving with practical presents. Even better, these useful gifts can be inexpensive to buy.
To make your practical Christmas, birthday or holiday gift a winner, choose something that’s a special treat that people on a budget wouldn’t buy themselves or a way to help offset the cost of something they enjoy or need.
Here are some affordable, practical gifts to consider this year.
You’re sure to find a cheap Christmas gift for everyone in your list.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Gifts on a budget
This guide is designed to help you explore the realm of meaningful and affordable gift-giving, ensuring that you can delight your loved ones without financial strain.
Whether you’re searching for the ideal present for a holiday, birthday, or just because, we’ll provide you with creative and diverse options that cater to every occasion and personality.
Practical health and safety gifts
Photo: Deposit Photos
Sticking with the safety theme to start, you can find plenty of safety items and kits that your friends and family have been meaning to purchase but never get around to buying. Practical holiday gifts are perfect! (and everyone on your list will be grateful for practical Christmas presents!)
Fire extinguishers are something many people don’t think to replace, but they do have expiration dates. Replacements aren’t expensive, which makes them a perfect practical — and thoughtful — holiday gift for our list. You can find various types of fire extinguishers online, ranging from the traditional metal canister to the aerosol sprays that are easy to use and easy to store in the kitchen.
A fireproof document box is a great place to store valuable documents and items so that they are easy to grab during an emergency. Include a money gift inside to add to the surprise.
Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased as a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector, or separately. These start at very affordable prices, so you can get one for everyone on your list, or add one to a gift with other safety items.
Electric toothbrush. A thrilling gift? No. Something they’ll use at least twice a day? Probably (at least, their dentist hopes so). My dental hygienist says that electric toothbrushes keep your teeth cleaner and are less likely to damage gums and enamel. Whether you get a basic no-frills model or a fancy option with a water flosser, it’s a gift that will keep them buzzing. (The fancy ones are a staple at membership clubs like Costco, or check your pharmacy and use your rewards from its loyalty program.)
Emergency road kits. Everyone should have an emergency road kit and first aid kit in the car. It’s a great practical gift for folks who commute long distances, live in snowy climates or enjoy road tripping. Throw in a warm throw blanket or sweatshirt to complete the gift. While you’re thinking about cars, consider a gas card. Gasoline is definitely expensive, which is why someone with on a limited income might appreciate filling up the tank for free.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Entertainment gifts make some of the best practical gifts
When it comes to practical Christmas gifts, activities are always a good idea. People love to get out and about and have fun!
Movie theater and/or restaurant gift cards. When people cut back on spending, often it’s recreation like dining out or going to the movies that’s the first to go. A night out without having to hit the ATM would be a welcome gift for a special couple in your life.
This doesn’t have to be a fancy restaurant; pick up a gift card at their favorite local chain, coffee shop or ice cream shop. Plus it’s a great time to buy these, as there are tons of gift card bonus offers available in November and December that can benefit you, too.
Membership to a local zoo, museum or botanical garden. Membership to a local museum or zoo can drastically reduce admission pricing for families who love to go on educational outings. You can often purchase gift memberships at galleries and other places of interest. These practical gifts can also be a great way to support local institutions.
Subscriptions. A magazine subscription is a gift that can be enjoyed all year, and will save the recipient from making impulsive newsstand purchases at higher rates. If your loved one is always running out of free articles for online newspapers, buy them an online subscription; some are just a few dollars per month. TV and movie lovers might enjoy a subscription to a couple of months of Netflix or Hulu Plus, while readers may enjoy a subscription to Audible or Scribd.
The Entertainment Book. For those who hate paying full price for their entertainment, this giant coupon book includes deals for thousands of area businesses, restaurants and attractions. Or for a modern spin on local discounts, a Groupon gift card lets the recipient keep watch for local deals that are too good to pass up.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Practical gifts for the home
Coupons or gift cards for a service. For example, the parents of young children would be thrilled to receive certificates from you that entitle them to a few hours of babysitting. You could also offer pet-sitting or walking services. Other options are for yard work, meal delivery, car detailing or oil changes — whether you can perform the service or purchase a gift card for them. Be sure to include an expiration date, so they’ll redeem the coupons promptly.
- Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
- Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
- Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
- Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
- Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
- Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
Rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries eat money because you constantly have to replace them, making rechargeable batteries a gift that will save your friends and family money month after month. Rechargeable batteries are more expensive than disposable ones, so many people don’t think to buy them for themselves. But with many people receiving electronics for the holidays, they’ll be grateful for such a practical gift. Combine with a battery charger for a thoughtful touch.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: 24-pack of AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (2,000 mAh)
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for remote controls, flashlights, clocks, and more
- LONG LASTING: Can be recharged up to 1000 times with minimal power loss
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: 8-pack of AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (2,000 mAh)
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for remote controls, flashlights, clocks, and more
- LONG LASTING: Can be recharged up to 1000 times with minimal power loss
Electric blanket. Know someone who is always cold? They’ll be thrilled to curl up under a toasty blanket on a chilly evening.
Photo calendar. A calendar personalized with photos of family and friends will brighten up anyone’s kitchen or office. It’s an especially nice gift for older relatives who don’t get to see their younger family members all that often. Or pick a calendar/planner that works with your loved one’s organizational style or personality. You’ll find tons of colorful designs to choose from, as well as more professional-looking versions.
New pillow. If you’ve read anything about pillows, they are gross — filled with skin cells and dust mites. Basically, these need to be washed and replaced way more than most of us do it. Yes, pillow comfort is a personal thing, but more than 200,000 people gave this hotel collection pillow good reviews, so we think it’s a safe bet.
School care package. For those students already in college, create a care package for them to take back to the dorms. A practical gift could be a themed “cram session kit” stocked with snacks, a coffee mug, index cards and a pack of highlighters.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Money-saving gifts
Creative cash gifts. Give rolls of quarters to college students and apartment dwellers who may need to feed the washer and dryer and urban dwellers who need to feed the parking meter. Buy videogame-obsessed kids Robux or currency in their favorite game. A small financial gift on your end can be a big winner.
Book of stamps. Yes, there are still folks who use stamps. Think of your Aunt Tillie and other relatives who don’t pay their bills via the Internet and who still like to send old-fashioned greeting cards by snail mail. But instead of buying that big roll of flag stamps, get creative. The USPS has holiday stamps available in the forever stamp. Is your grandmother a history buff? Buy a sheet of commemorative stamps. Check out all the special stamps for enthusiasts.
A Costco, Sam’s Club or Amazon Prime membership. Belonging to a warehouse club like Sam’s or enjoying free shipping and other benefits of Amazon Prime can add up to tons of savings for savvy shoppers, especially if the membership fee is taken care of by a thoughtful gift giver.
A contribution to a child’s 529 plan – Saving for college sometimes falls to the back burner for those paying off debt or saving for retirement. That’s why this is a good gift if you have grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, and contributions can be as little or as much as you’d like.
Cheap family gifts
These cheap Christmas gifts are perfect for a family! Don’t miss this list of cheap gifts for family for your next holiday gathering. These are great inexpensive family gifts!
Board Games: Choose classic board games like “Uno,” “Jenga,” or “Monopoly” that cater to different age groups and provide hours of fun for the entire family.
SaleBestseller No. 1
USAOPOLY The Original TAPPLE, The Fast-Paced Family Board Game,Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player,Learning Word Game for Ages 8 & Up, 2-8 Players, 15-20 Minute Play Time- The Original and Authentic Version of the Sensational Party Game
- Get ready for the award-winning fast-paced word game that gives family game night a rush of excitement as players compete to beat the timer!
- HOW TO PLAY - Choose a card with a category, press the timer, and shout out words related to the category that start with a certain letter. Once the related word is announced, press the corresponding letter tab.
SaleBestseller No. 2
USAOPOLY BLANK SLATE, Where Great Minds Think Alike, Fun Family-Friendly Board Game, Word Association Party Game, Easy to Learn, Fun to Play Family Game Night, 3-8 Players, Ages 8+- The game where _______ minds think alike!
- Prepare yourself for Blank Slate, a game of addicting predictions! How well can you put your finger on what everyone's thinking?
- Pick a Word Cue card, write the word you think best completes the phrase, and try to match it to anther player's word without giving a single hint
Puzzle Sets: Opt for a large jigsaw puzzle that the family can work on together during the holiday season, encouraging teamwork and patience.
Bestseller No. 1
Ceaco - National Parks Map - 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle- HIGH QUALITY JIGSAW PUZZLE: Our 500-piece jigsaw puzzles are crafted using quality, sturdy puzzle board with interlocking pieces that snap together for a secure fit. This Puzzle feature avibrant high-resolution artwork. Finished puzzle size is 24” x 18”.
- FUN AND RELAXING ACTIVITY: Puzzling is an excellent activity that promotes focus and relaxation. Whether puzzling solo or with friends and family, cozy up for an engaging and serene activity that is great for mental health, relaxation and quality time.
- FULL-SIZED POSTER: Ceaco’s 500-piece puzzles include a large, full color, reference poster to assist with assembly.
SaleBestseller No. 2
PICKFORU Stained Glass Puzzle Tree of Life Puzzles for Adults 1000 Pieces, Impossible Hard Difficult Challenging Puzzles for Adults, Colorful Mosaic Tree of Life Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Pieces- Tip:This puzzle features a unique mosaic design style, showcasing rich colors and intricate textures. Please note that it is not a true stained glass mosaic but is designed to create a visually artistic effect for an enjoyable puzzling experience
- 1000 piece puzzle for adults Tree of Life: Finished Size: 27.5*19.7* in / 70*50 cm.. The packing box is sturdy and exquisite with a high-resolution tree of life poster to provide reference for the tree of life puzzle art
- Mosaic tree of life puzzle: Bring vibrant beauty into your space with our Stained Glass Tree of Life Puzzle.The impossible puzzle depicts a tree extending its branches.Hard jigsaw puzzles evoke the essence of life's vitality and growth
DIY Craft Kits: Purchase a family-friendly DIY craft kit, such as a gingerbread house kit or a pottery painting set, perfect for sparking creativity in everyone.
Bestseller No. 1
Dan&Darci Arts and Crafts Vault - Craft Supplies Kit in a Box - Christmas Gift for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 & 12 Year Old Girls & Boys - Crafting Set Kits - Gift Ideas for Kid Art Activity Gifts- Unleash & Spark Your Creativity: Your complete arts and crafts supply set with arts & crafts supplies for kids to create and craft. Packaged and stored in a beautiful 2-drawer case.
- Premium Value: Kit includes Pipe Cleaners, Fuzzy Sticks, Pom Poms, Wooden Pieces, Felt Strips, Craft Sticks, Sequins, Wooden Discs, Wooden Beads, Plastic Beads, Sticky Gems, Googly Eyes, Scissors, Sewing Needles, Glue, Glitter Glue, Feathers, Buttons, Thread.
- Unlimited Uses: Make jewelry by adding beads to the thread or pipe cleaners. A windcatcher by gluing sticks together into a shape, decorating them, and then tying beads to hang down. Using as many of the different supplies as possible, make the world’s strangest-looking monster. Create an animal that’s a mix of animals … the feathers of a bird, a tail like a monkey, and the trunk of an elephant. You get the idea... the possibilities are endless with this mega kit!
SaleBestseller No. 2
Air Dry Modeling Clay Kit - 24 Colors with 3 Sculpting Tools - Magic Foam Clay for Kids & Adults - DIY Molding Gift for Boys & Girls- 【Super Clay Set】- 24 Different Colors Air Dry Clay with 3 sculpting tools, 24*PP Bags ( 13g/0.46 oz each color, 312g/11 oz in total ). Keeping kids obsessing with crafting clay and staying away from electronics.
- 【Safe & No-Baking】 - The modeling clay kit is made of 100% safe and high-quality material. Non-toxic, environmentally friendly, odor-free, non-sticky hands. Strictly complies with the ASTM D-4236 and CE (EN-71) standards. Air dries completely in 24 hours. Can't be Baked in the oven!
- 【Imagination and Creativity】- Our kids slime clay is easy to shape, bend and stretch. Start with simple shape, expand your child's senses with bright colors, exercise hands-on coordination, boost your kids's creativity.
Family Movie Night Package: Create a movie night bundle with a selection of family-friendly DVDs, popcorn, and cozy blankets for a fun night in.
SaleBestseller No. 1
Movie Night Basket Gift Set – with Candy Variety Pack, Movie Trays, Movie Snacks & Popcorn Set – Gift Baskets For Families by Cheshire Gifts- 📽️ PREMIUM MOVIE NIGHT KIT – Includes 2 Easy to Assemble Movie Night Snack Trays, 2 Retro Popcorn Bags, and an Extensive Theatre Candy Assortment Gift Box to Improve Your Movie Night Decorations
- 👪 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - Go Beyond Your Typical Movie Night With Our Ultimate Gift Baskets For Families Which Include Popcorn Containers, Movie Night Popcorn Gift Set, Movie Night Accessories and Candy Care Package
- 💝 DATE NIGHT BOX – The Date Night Box Idea That Will Perfectly Complement Your Most Exciting Moments Together. This Popcorn Gift Basket Comes With Popcorn Trays, and Movie Night Supplies
SaleBestseller No. 2
Movie Night Supplies: Candy Variety Pack – Movie Gift Basket Includes Theatre Candy Assortment, Snack Trays, Popcorn Buckets – Date Night Kit & Housewarming Gifts by CraveKraft- 📽️ HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT KIT – Includes 2 Easy to Assemble Halloween Movie Night Snack Trays, 3 Halloween Popcorn Bags, and an Extensive Halloween Treats & Halloween Candy Basket Assortment
- 🎃 HALLOWEEN SNACKS & HALLOWEEN FAVORS - Go Beyond Your Typical Trick Or Treat Bags With Our Ultimate Halloween Basket Which Include Cute Halloween Gifts, Halloween Bucket and Halloween Candy Care Package
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Subscription Box: Consider a subscription to a service like “KiwiCo” or “Universal Yums,” which delivers monthly science kits or snacks from around the world, offering new experiences every month.
SaleBestseller No. 1
International Snack Box, Universal Exotic Candies and Treats from around the World, Gift-Ready Foreign Foods, Unique Experience with Packages Inspired by Japanese, Korean and European Cultures- Unique Gift: A thoughtfully curated assortment of global snacks designed to impress and elevate any gifting occasion with a distinctive international touch
- Cultural Exploration: Each selection offers a refined taste of world cuisine, delivering authentic cultural discoveries and unique Asian inspirations in every bite
- Holiday Ready: Beautifully presented and ready to gift, providing a meaningful way to share flavors from around the globe during the festive season
SaleBestseller No. 2
International Snack Box, Universal Exotic Candies and Treats from around the World, Gift-Ready Foreign Foods, Unique Experience with Packages Inspired by Japanese, Korean and European Cultures- Unique Gift: A thoughtfully curated assortment of global snacks designed to impress and elevate any gifting occasion with a distinctive international touch
- Cultural Exploration: Each selection offers a refined taste of world cuisine, delivering authentic cultural discoveries and unique Asian inspirations in every bite
- Holiday Ready: Beautifully presented and ready to gift, providing a meaningful way to share flavors from around the globe during the festive season
Outdoor Game Set: Encourage some fresh air with an outdoor game set like badminton, bocce ball, or a frisbee, perfect for backyard entertainment.
Bestseller No. 1
GoSports 6 ft x 3 ft Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set - Indoor/Outdoor Portable Table Tennis Game with Net, 2 Table Tennis Paddles and 4 Balls- COMPLETE SET: Includes a mid-size 6 ft x 3 ft ft Table Tennis table with 2 paddles, game net and 4 balls
- MIDSIZE TABLE: Table surface measures 6 ft x 3 ft ft, large enough for competitive games, but small enough to store anywhere
- INSTANT SETUP: Folds out for play and folds up for storage in seconds and is easily carried by one person using built-in carrying handles
Bestseller No. 2
GoSports 4 ft x 2 ft Regulation Size Wooden Cornhole Boards Set - Includes Carrying Case - Full Regulation Size Bean Bag Toss Boards- 100% SOLID WOOD: Premium handcrafted regulation size 4 feet x 2 feet boards made using pine wood frames and featuring mitered corner joints for authentic gameplay
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION: Easily paint on the boards for added personalization
- PREMIUM STAINED FINISH: A professional light brown stain finish gives this set a stylish look that captures the timeless fun of playing bean bag toss with friends and family
Cooking Class Experience: Gift a virtual or local cooking class that the whole family can enjoy together, learning new recipes and cooking techniques.
Family Photo Book: Compile a personalized photo book with family memories from the past year, which can be enjoyed by all and cherished for years to come.
Storytelling Card Game: Choose a storytelling card game like “Rory’s Story Cubes” to inspire creativity and imagination during family gatherings.
Plant Growing Kit: A family-friendly indoor herb or vegetable growing kit can provide a fun and educational activity that continues to yield benefits throughout the year.
These gifts are designed to foster togetherness and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
For more great holiday tips, read these articles:
- Kitchen gifts under $25
- Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget
- Homemade food gifts
- Free cheap and homemade gifts for pets
- Homemade soup gifts that will warm the heart
- Save by shopping early
My favorite practical gift to give was a battery-charger that came with rechargeable batteries. I bought several and gave one to each of those very hard-to-buy-for people in my family. It was economical, practical, everyone loved it, and I’ve had a hard time topping it since.
I bought throw blankets one year for my sister and husband. Loved them and can use them year round.
Last year for Christmas, I hired carpet cleaners to deep clean my brother’s carpets. It was such a great gift and something he wouldn’t pay for himself, but this year, I’m totally stumped. I love your idea about buying a Costco membership! Thank you for sharing such great ideas!
People think about smoke detectors, but totally forget WATER detectors. Under each sink, dishwasher, by each toilet, and shower, the water heater, … any water-using item that could leak where you don’t want it to. There are different types: ones that blast a sound right there at the source, to electronic ones that text you, and everything in-between. Prices start around $10, so it’s worth getting one for every spot you might need it. Be alerted to the leak while it’s still small.