Christmas Gifts Under $15 Help!!

[RockAndRollBallerina]

I'm on a very tight budget this year and I'm only buying for a select few family members this year. I need some ideas for gifts that cost less than $15.00.

I will be buying my...

dad/stepmom something to share

mom/stepdad something to share

and my sister something as well

 

[cbg1027]

How about a homemade food gift? I think they're nice because anyone can just go buy something, but a gift you made says you care enough to spend the time cooking and putting things together.

One of my favorite items are Rosemary Roasted Cashews. I find pretty old jars and make tags and use some ribbon to decorate. It looks pretty, and tastes great, and will keep you under $15 a person.

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

* 1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts
* 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
* 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated.

 

[neatokimmo]

Do they drink coffee? Grab two bags of starbucks from Walmart & a container of toffee creamer. That is right at $15 and useful.

 

[kaytieeldr]

First things first - do you have anything you can 'regift'? There's nothing wrong with doing that as long as (a) the gift(s) didn't come from any of the people present and (b) you know the new recipient will appreciate what you're giving them and (c) you never used the gift .

Second: if you're at all creative, look for the homemade gifts thread on this board. Heck, there are suggestions on that thread I think I could make!

Finally, plants should be in your budget.

 

[neatokimmo]

Finally, plants should be in your budget.

What herbs grow fast, like in 3 weeks? For the parents could you make an herb pot for their kitchen?

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Maybe a gift card for dunkin donuts/starbucks or a book store?

 

[dixonismydog]

Maybe a movie night? Get a couple of microplush throws (right now on walmart.com free ship to store $5 each).....Jiffy pop (or microwave popcorn).....bottle of soda.....and a $5 DVD.....even a couple of votive candles or some hot cocoa, and put it in a big bowl from the Dollar Tree. If you have any $$ left over get some popcorn seasoning!!

People sometimes have the idea, that all gifts need to be possessed for long periods of time......make it more of an experience gift! Do they need another blanket? Maybe not but what a nice way to snuggle up with a loved one, with everthing on hand!!


** Edited to add....if this doesn't sound like they're thing...........I agree, get them a nice big pointsettia from H Depot or Lowe's and give it to them now, so they have the season to enjoy it.

 

[bucket o' butter]

Not sure if you have ever made the tie blankets, but those are very easy and everyone I have made them for loves them. You can buy fleece with a pattern that pertains to the person's interest (sports team, character, color, etc) so it is personalized. Fleece is $7.84 a yard at Walmart. Buy 2 yards for each person and you will have a blanket roughly 52x68 inches. There are easy instructions on the web if you have never made them.

 

[DawnM]

Did you see the thread here on the budget board with the Kohl's blankets for $3 each? I bought them yesterday for those people you have to or want to buy for but don't want to spend a lot.

They are normally $15 each.

The thread had codes for discounts and free shipping.

Dawn

 

[hsmamato2]

matching gloves for winter..... travel mugs for coffee.....new towels for the closet...... there are lots of things to get on sale or at Marshalls....a new scraper set for the cars...... an emergency car kit in a little box....... I bought my mom a photo calendar with pics of family in it for next year,she loves that stuff

 

[swilshire]

My family member's favorite gifts are photos of the kids. I'm signed up for every website (Walgreens, Shutterfly, Winkflash, etc) and take advantage of all the free deals they offer. You pay only shipping and it is usually under $10. I've got two books and four collage prints for gifts this year.

I just need to find frames for the prints.

Sheila

 

[Tinkerbell58]

Borders has a nice selection of books in their Bargain Book section. Perhaps a "coffee table" type book to share. There are also all types of books for all types of interests in this section.

 

[solfan68]

I bought my mom a photo calendar with pics of family in it for next year,she loves that stuff

Second the photo calendar. Has been a big hit with my folks the last several years(with pics of the kids, the spouses, and the grandkids !) Family pets, vacations, customize a month to a holiday, birthday, or anniversary. A fun gift that doesn't have to cost a lot ! Vistaprint looks like they now have them for about eight bucks ! Maybe a calendar AND cocoa/coffee ?

 

[browneyes106]

Not sure if you have ever made the tie blankets, but those are very easy and everyone I have made them for loves them. You can buy fleece with a pattern that pertains to the person's interest (sports team, character, color, etc) so it is personalized. Fleece is $7.84 a yard at Walmart. Buy 2 yards for each person and you will have a blanket roughly 52x68 inches. There are easy instructions on the web if you have never made them.

That is a good suggestion. My mom makes those often to give as gifts and sometimes fleece at store like Joann's or Hancock's Fabrics is only sale for $5 a yard.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

joanns has fleece on sale 50% off right now. Sale is until the 11th I think.

I received one of those fleece blankets one year and it wa sthe most useful gift ever! I loved it and still use it all the time.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't think you could go wrong with a food gift. You could make up a basket of ingredients, a cookbook, and/or tools, or a serving dish needed for things like breakfast, baked goods, pizza, mexican, italian, indian, whatever kind of foods the recipient likes.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Movie passes, gift card to any store you think they may like, restaurant gift card (even if it will only partially cover their bill, it helps) slippers, nice bottle of wine, case of beers, box of fancy chocolates, for your sister a gift card to her salon, christmas decoration, coffee or tea gift basket or for the parents the makings of a fancy dinner for two like steaks or fish.

 

[Tinkerbell58]

I don't think you could go wrong with a food gift. You could make up a basket of ingredients, a cookbook, and/or tools, or a serving dish needed for things like breakfast, baked goods, pizza, mexican, italian, indian, whatever kind of foods the recipient likes.

That reminds me....last year I made breakfast baskets. I included pancake mix, maple syrup, coffee, tea, honey, biscotti, oatmeal, english muffins, jam, and a few other things. It was a hit!

 

[Happiest mommy]

dixonismydog thanks for the headsup on the Walmart throws I bought 4 and am doing one each with movie/cocoa/book bundles for gifts

 

[crazyme5kids]

You can't go wrong with giving a Cd. After all, who doesn't like music? You can always find them on sale, or you could make a Cd of your favorite songs.