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Budget Friendly Gifts

Holiday gifts don’t have to break the bank.  There are many gifts and gifting methods to make the holidays meaningful and fit your holiday budget. For example, giving thoughtful homemade gifts can be a wonderful way to show family and friends you care about them, without the stress of overspending.

Home Crafted

Home crafted presents can be made with found and/or inexpensive materials. These gifts might become the most treasured items someone receives, particularly if they remind the recipient of the occasion and thoughtfulness of the giver.

  • Ornaments
  • Decorations
  • Jewelry
  • Cards

Artisanal Delights

Gifts of food can be enjoyed immediately and/or in the near future.

  • Baked Goods
  • Candy
  • Mixes – to make baked goods, beverages, soups, spice blends, etc.

Activities as Gifts

A gift certificate can be customized to match your skills and budget while keeping in mind the recipient’s interests. Many presents are exchanged during the holiday season. Therefore, a coupon for a future activity is a great way to extend the joy of giving over the upcoming weeks or months. To find out what activity would be meaningful to the recipient you could play a game of “would you rather” to get ideas.

Homemade certificates for future activities to do with the recipient:

  • Trip to the local zoo or museum
  • A stroll through a botanic garden or nature hike
  • Sports or movie watch party, compete with snacks
  • Picnic in their favorite park with handmade, or custom selected foods and beverages
  • Day of sledding or ice skating
  • Tea party or game night with snacks
  • Personal or family photo session- where you are the photographer

Meaningful Gifts

Who said a cherished gift had to be expensive? Some of the most meaningful items you can give or receive are low in cost, while rich in thoughtfulness and create lasting memories.

Live Smart feature articles, brought to you by CSU Extension experts, deliver science-based, practical knowledge that encourages lifelong physical, financial and emotional health and well-being to Coloradans.