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7 Ideas for Inexpensive Christmas Gifts [Ian's Messy Desk]

I know, you’re probably not ready to be thinking about Christmas just yet. Still, in less than three months, Christmas will be here. People will be giving gifts and wishing each other happy holidays. If you’re looking to simplify your approach to gift giving, you need to get started early.

Christmas doesn’t have to be a spend-fest, despite what retailers might have you believe. There are many free and inexpensive ways to give to people. Instead of getting something from a store that is done every year, the person can try something different like giving something more personal which the receiver will get to appreciate more.

Here are seven ideas for simplifying your gift giving:

Buy a plain shirt and print on it. You can create a design on your computer or use a favourite picture and then use transfer paper in your ink jet printer and iron it on to the shirt for a one-of-a-kind gift.
Have bath towels monogrammed with the recipient’s initials. You can find places that will create one-off monograms at a reasonable price.
Give home cooking or baking. Buy seasonal containers—boxes, tins, etc.—and package your home-made comestibles.
Host a Christmas party. Invite neighbours or work mates to enjoy the dishes and pastries prepared for this special occasion.
Give a gift card. Many stores offer a gift cards as a “discount” on certain purchases. E.g., the IKEA Kitchen Event gives back 10 percent of the value of your purchase, in gift cards. If you’re planning such a major purchase, hang on to the cards and give them as gifts at Christmas. Give cards are also good thank-you gifts for the postman, delivery person, etc.
Give back to the community. A simple gift is to make time for people who can’t get out to enjoy the season. Perhaps there is a care home in your neighbourhood. Get a few friends or family together and set up a time to have a carol sing with the residents in the home.
Make a donation in someone’s name. If the person you would buy for has plenty and does not need or want more, give a donation in their name. Don’t limit your giving to Christmas charities, but look at those organization that are doing work year round.