Gift-giving occasions come up all of the time. Whether it’s a birthday, thank-you, anniversary or other kind of gift, traditional gift-giving can get pretty darn expensive. But in a lot of cases, there’s no reason to spend more than $5. Check out some of The Simple Dollar’s best ideas:
1. Coffee Mug with Hot Cocoa (or Teas or Coffee)
You should be able to find a cute mug at the dollar store. Then you can spend the rest on a couple of packs of good hot chocolate for some nice teas to put in the mug.
2. Playing Cards with Rules for Games
Instead of getting someone a ready-made board game, get them a regular deck of cards. Then include a sheet detailing the rules of your favorite game. A nice deck of Bicycle playing cards should only cost you about $3.
3. Homemade Cookies
The recipient will appreciate that you took the time to make them something yummy. And it’s really easy to wrap a few cookies up nicely in some cellophane with a little ribbon. or you can pack a larger amount of cookies into a nice tin.
4. A Candle
These are little gifts that can make a big difference in the recipient’s house. Choose a nice, $5 candle to fit in a specific room for the person you’re buying for.
5. A Framed Photo
Grab an inexpensive frame from the store and have a nice photo of the two of you printed out for the frame.
6. A Blank Journal and a Pen
A journal can be a great gift for anyone because it can be the canvas for just about anything. It can serve as a diary, a recipe book, a place to hold grocery lists, a sketchbook, etc. And it’s all made possible by an inexpensive journal and pen.
7. A Puzzle Book
Something as simple as a book full of Sudoku puzzles can keep a person entertained for many hours.
8. Crayons and Coloring Books
Here’s a great, frugal gift idea for kids. Give the gift of some art supplies and the possibilities are endless, just like with a journal for adults.
9. A Classic Book
You can grab a nice, classic book from your local thrift store for just a dollar or two. Grab a book that you love for your recipient and write a nice note in the inside cover.
10. Seeds
This is a great gift for any friend of your that gardens or wants to start gardening. Give them a gift that will grow into something beautiful and/or useful.
