More Thrifty Christmas Gifts - Under $5

 

Last year I shared with you a list of gifts to give that cost less than $5.  I thought it might be fun to come up with another gift list for this year.  With the rising prices of pretty much everything holding steady I don’t want giving gifts at Christmastime to be stressful or unaffordable.  This is what I came up with.

 

Spices – a collection of spices from the bulk foods department of your grocery store can be dressed up with a homemade label.  If you have extra jars you can make up a nice spice blend.  Trader Joes has seasonal bottles of spices to give or give the Everything But The Bagel spice.  If you have a particular favorite Google a copycat recipe to make your own, divide it into jars from the dollar store, make a label and add a bow or ribbon.

 

Candles – Dollar Tree has a nice assortment of candles and candle holders as well as seasonal cellophane treat bags and spools of ribbon.  Place a pillar candle into a holder and slip it into a treat bag.  Tie the bag with a length of ribbon and you’re all set.

 

Note Cards – a nice assortment of note cards can be purchased at the dollar store, thrift stores or make your own with craft supplies you may already have on hand.  Include a few postage stamps too.  Maybe even a pen.

 

Warm Hands – magic mittens are only a few dollars a pair, even less at the dollar store.  Include a tube of dollar store hand cream (often found two in a box) for those dry chapped winter hands.

 

Assorted Nuts – nuts often go on sale at the holidays and can also be found in the bulk bin section of the grocery store.  Place some in a recycled jar and tie with a ribbon.  You can spray paint the jar lid to dress it up a bit.

 

Pasta Dinner – pair a box of bow tie, fettucine or penne pasta with a jar of Alfredo sauce.  Orzo and a jar of pesto is also nice.  Trader Joes carries a dry cheese tortellini pasta that would go well with a marinara.

 

Pizza Night – make a ball of fresh dough, add an 8 ounce packet of grated mozzarella and a small jar of pizza sauce.  Jiffy pizza dough mix is a good alternative to fresh dough.

 

Popcorn & A Movie – have a DVD sitting around that you no longer watch?  Consider gifting it to someone else and add a bag of popcorn or a box of microwave popcorn.  Bottled water or soda is good to help wash it down and a theater size box of candy is a nice touch as well.

 

Craft Set – consider going through your own supplies such as yarn and a crochet hook, embroidery thread and some transfers on fabric or beads and some string to create a craft set for someone else to enjoy.  Even better, include a coupon for time to spend with that person teaching them how to use it.

 

Heirlooms – sometimes the most precious gift is to pass something down to someone who you know will really enjoy it.  Old photos, vintage linens, china pieces, one of Grandpa’s tools.

 

Be sure to look at last year’s list again to for more inspiration and remember you’re not being cheap, you’re being thoughtful and resourceful.  Make memories and share experiences this holiday season.