From creative DIY projects to budget-friendly ideas, there are countless ways to show thoughtfulness without breaking the bank. This is my guide to unique suggestions for your family or anyone on your list.
Experience Gifts
Minnesota Children’s Museum membership!
Give anyone including your own kids the gift of play with a membership to Minnesota Children’s Museum and SAVE with my discount code! They’ll get free admission to the museum all year, exclusive access to member perks and more.
This is the BEST deal you’ll find!
Use my code: TCFM to get $30 off a gift membership or $3 off gift tickets! https://mcm.org/gift
If purchased online, admission is regularly $16.00, or if purchased in person, it’s $17 on weekdays, $19.00 on weekends, per person ages 1-101.
Marcus Theatres Movie Club
The Marcus Theatres Movie club is an easy way for families to enjoy movie nights without breaking the bank.
For $9.99 a month, you get a free movie ticket each month that can be carried over if you don’t use it, discounts on concessions and other tickets for your family or group, no online booking fees and more.
One way to gift this membership is buying a whole year for $109.89 – plus this way you will receive one month free!
For Readers
Pioneer Press Newspaper Subscription!
Save on the Pioneer Press newspaper plus get free gift cards!
For Moms of Littles or Gym members
Portable Fan – Perfect for Strollers, the Gym
I highly recommend this fan! I bought it to use at the gym (which for me is never cool enough, particularly in the summer) and it’s great there, on strollers or anywhere. It can be secured on almost anything. It also is rechargeable and lasts a super long time. It’s regularly $29.99 but if you have Prime you can get it for $15.83! Otherwise, if you don’t have Prime, it’s $21.99.
For Exhausted Moms Who Can Use Encouragement
For Anyone with a Special Needs Child – or Wanting to Understand What Life is Like for Special Needs Families
For Anime Lovers
The Unofficial Genshin Impact Cookbook
Immerse yourself in the world of Genshin Impact as you bring your favorite attack-boosting and health-restoring foods from the game into the real world! The Unofficial Genshin Impact Cookbook features 60 delicious dishes inspired by the recipes you have collected from all over Teyvat, including Crispy Potato-Shrimp Balls; Spicy Cornbread Buns; Invigorating Morning Toast; Jade Dumplings; Strengthening Salad; Sweet Roasted Chicken; Warming Goulash; Sweet Almond Tofu; Crispy Lotus Flowers; and more!
Don’t have much of a gift budget?
Here are creative and affordable gift ideas to bring joy to families while staying budget-conscious:
For the Whole Family
- Game Night Kit
- Bundle a deck of cards, dice, or a budget-friendly board game. Add some popcorn or hot chocolate mix for a cozy family night.
- DIY Movie Night Box
- Include a DVD or a streaming service gift card (a month-long subscription), microwave popcorn, and a cozy blanket.
- Custom Calendar
- Create a photo calendar with pictures of the family or fun illustrations. Many online services offer affordable printing options.
- Adventure Coupons
- Make a set of “family adventure” coupons like a picnic, hiking day, or DIY pizza night.
- Puzzles or Crafts
- Choose a family-friendly puzzle or craft kit that everyone can enjoy together.
For Parents
- Homemade Coffee Sampler
- Create a small sampler with different coffee or tea bags, wrapped in a cute basket.
- Personalized Recipe Book
- Collect family-favorite recipes and present them in a handmade or printed booklet.
- Memory Jar
- Decorate a jar and include slips of paper for family members to write down happy moments throughout the year.
- DIY Spa Kit
- Include homemade bath salts, candles, and a face mask made from pantry items.
- Coupon Book for Chores or Babysitting
- A thoughtful way to offer practical help, such as babysitting or household chores.
For Kids
- Build-Your-Own Craft Kit
- Assemble pipe cleaners, googly eyes, construction paper, and glue in a fun, creative bundle.
- Nature Exploration Kit
- Include items like a magnifying glass, a small notebook for nature journaling, and a flashlight.
- DIY Superhero Cape
- Sew or repurpose fabric to make a cape, and let kids decorate it with felt shapes or markers.
- Personalized Storybook
- Write or adapt a short story featuring the child as the hero and print or illustrate it yourself.
- Sock Puppets
- Use colorful socks, buttons, and yarn to create puppets kids can use for storytelling.
For Teens
- DIY Photo Collage
- Use printed photos to create a collage or memory board.
- Custom Playlist
- Curate a playlist of their favorite songs or music you think they’d enjoy.
- Thrifted Fashion Finds
- Hunt for trendy accessories or clothing pieces at thrift stores.
- Creative Journal Kit
- Bundle a notebook with stickers, pens, and washi tape.
- Homemade Treats
- Bake cookies, brownies, or snacks and package them in a fun tin or jar.
Bonus: Gifts That Cost $0
- Skill Lessons: Offer to teach a skill like knitting, cooking, or coding.
- Shared Experiences: Organize a walk, bike ride, or a day at a free museum or park.
- Storytelling Night: Gather everyone for a themed story-sharing or talent show evening.
Other Frugal Gift Ideas
Make a DIY Gumball Machine Christmas Ornament
Make this Homemade Christmas Tree Pop Up Card:
Or these Peppermint Marshmallow Cocoa Spoons:
Also check out these 20 Tips for a Festive & Frugal Christmas (and Free Printable Gift Coupons!)!
These thoughtful gifts focus on creating memories and shared experiences, showing that the best presents don’t have to come with a high price tag! 🎁