20 Meaningful Christmas Gifts That Don’t Break The Bank

20 Meaningful Christmas Gifts That Don't Break The Bank
As your focus turns towards the upcoming holiday season, commit to giving with more intentionality, gifts that truly do celebrate the person receiving the gifts. It is the thought that counts. Put thought into your gift-giving and you will win every time!

  1. Time. Yes, that’s right- the gift of time. Set up a coffee date, dinner date, or a day out together. It doesn’t matter what you do during the time, as long as your phone is silenced and put away, being present with those you love is the best present of all.
  2. A Letter About Your Love For Them. This is special for anyone- parents, children, spouses, friends- we crave to know that our loved ones do value us. It doesn’t have to be perfect prose, just heartfelt thoughts.
  3. Acts Of Service. Know something they need done? Mow their yard, clean the house, cook a meal for them- even running errands is a huge blessing in the lives of others.
  4. A Simple Care Package. Get things that you know will pamper them- their favorite beverage and snack, a movie to watch, or a book to read. Keep it simple, think of them enjoying a night in and what would work well for that.
  5. Yoga Mat and DVD. Choose a high-quality eco-friendly yoga mat and if you know the person’s lifestyle, pick out a Yoga DVD to go with it. (Be sure that the person is interested in fitness and yoga, avoid giving this type of gift if the receiver will take it as a hint they need improvement.)
  6. Babysitting. If you have parents with little ones on your gift list- this is one of the best gifts you can give. Offer to go to their home, so you can get the kids to bed in their own beds and the parents can come home to a quiet house, completing their evening off-duty.
  7. Massage or spa day. This works for your spouse, daughter, or girlfriends. Do it yourself- having a mother/daughter day or girls-night-in is a great time to give mani-pedis, indulge in special foods, and visit.
  8. Mixed CD. Music is a great gift- pick a theme; motivation, encouragement, prayer, peace. Being able to pop a CD into the car stereo on the way home from work or if a mom just needs a break and going for a drive is the easiest way to keep the kids contained (a friend told me recently: a car seat is as close to putting our kids in a straight jacket as we can get!) and indulging in “pick-me-up” music is a great way to help gain balance and perspective.
  9. Moleskine Notebook. Most people love these high-quality journals or notebooks. For writers, get a ruled notebook, for artists get plain-paper.
  10. Baked Goods. If you love to bake- everyone else loves to eat it! A nice box of homemade cookies, cupcakes, or quick bread is always pleasant to receive.
  11. Plants and Flowers. Most people feel that buying flowers for themselves is a form of spoiling and very seldom does it happen, but flowers go a long way in making someone feel special and treasured.
  12. Books. Books are wonderful gifts- there are some awesome children’s books, self-help books, inspirational and fiction- pick something based on the person you need to gift to. If they are an avid reader, books will be very meaningful to them.
  13. Fruit Basket. Simple to do, but beautifully consumable- fruit baskets can be quick snacks and help alleviate some stress of the typical habit of not eating healthy during the holidays
  14. Hobby Supplies. Buying a coloring book for the colorist, or a quality tool for the craftsmen is always appreciated. It doesn’t matter if it’s one “small” item, oftentimes having someone splurge on something very high quality is a big deal to the gift-receiver.
  15. Fresh Herbs. If you have a chef on your gift list, consider an herb garden- having fresh herbs to put into culinary creations, especially homegrown, seem to taste so much better.
  16. Cookies Of The Month Club. There are clubs you can pay for, but it will mean a lot more if you make them and deliver them yourself. Gift them their first box for Christmas and let them know that 11 more will follow.
  17. Celebrate Their Heritage. There are many different ways to do this, from finding specialty foods and beverages, putting together a basket of cheese and sausage, or some difficult to find ingredients to cook with.
  18. Plan An Experience Together. Having experiences to look forward to is one of the joys of life. Whether they enjoy a sports game or comedy night, make it a priority and anticipate enjoying it together.
  19. Write A Story Book. Take some time to write a simple (or detailed, if you love to write) story about how you met and what your relationship has been like over time. Many online photo places make it easy to create albums that include photographs and narrative or create it in a handmade journal with simple illustrations.
  20. Create A Tribute Video. This is particularly special for those people in our lives that tend to have everything they need- like our parents and grandparents! Gather friends and family together and put together a beautiful video gift full of appreciation, encouragement, and admiration.

In need of more gift ideas? Check out:

About Rachel Jones

Hi there! I’m Rachel Jones, and I founded Nourishing Minimalism in 2012 at the beginning of my minimalist journey. If you're looking for encouragement in your journey, I created a FREE Facebook Group - feel free to join me there: Nourishing Minimalism Facebook Group and I share videos each week on YouTube

5 Comments

  1. Gabi on 10/16/2015 at 8:44 pm

    This is such an amazing list, thank you so much for writing/sharing it! I usually give books for christmas (and other occasions), but I love the other recommendations of giving time and planning an experience. I’d also add DYIing something simple, like a lip balm or knitting a scarf. Those can be made for cheap as well 🙂

    • Rachel on 10/17/2015 at 12:53 am

      Thanks Gabi- DIY is a good idea. 🙂

  2. Sarah @ Sarah on Purpose on 10/16/2015 at 8:37 pm

    I especially love #2, 16, 18, 19… great list! I am going to link to it in my favorite reads of the week.

    • Rachel on 10/17/2015 at 12:53 am

      Thanks Sarah!

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