Give a Cheap Christmas Gift That Doesn’t Look Cheap
November 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Christmas Gifts
This is a very delicate subject as nobody wants to appear cheap. We’ve all gotten a tasteless cheap Christmas gift that is clearly something that was picked up at the last minute without any thought, and obvious that the giver did not spend much money. The situation was even portrayed on the NBC television show "The Office", where in an office gift exchange a giver gave the ultimate cheap Christmas gift. So how can we be frugal without appearing cheap?
It is completely understandable that there are situations where a gift giver does not want to spend much money on a gift, whether it be because of an occasion like an office gift exchange where you don’t know the recipient that well, or because of our budget for all gifts for the year. We have all been in a situation where we have wanted to give a relatively inexpensive Christmas gift and have ended up frustrated beyond belief because we haven’t been able to find something that didn’t look like it cost five dollars.
Inexpensive Does Not Mean Scrooge
There are ways to give a cheap Christmas gift without coming off looking like a holiday scrooge or a cheapskate. One recommendation to give a cheap gift that doesn’t look cheap is to dress it up in fabulous wrapping. Presentation is everything, and if you put some time and effort into the packaging you will be surprised how much better that cheap Christmas gift will look. Using things like paper mache boxes and thick ribbon can make all the difference in the world.
Everyone always appreciates homemade goodies and food during the holiday season as well. Make up a batch of spiced nuts, chocolate covered pretzels or your best banana bread (and include the recipe) and package it in a gift box with some raffia and the recipient will think it looks like it came from a specialty bakery, but with the great taste of something homemade.
I like to attend the Christmas Craft Fairs and over the past couple years have managed to do most of my Christmas shopping through craft sales. Most Christmas crafts these days are not tacky as they have been in years gone by. It amazes me at the talent that some people have. I find it very easy to find a cheap holiday Christmas gift at a craft show that doesn’t look cheap in any way. I have picked up beautiful glass candle holders, tree ornaments or body care products such as handmade natural soaps or lotions. And if you buy from local artisans you are also supporting the local economy.
A favorite for a cheap Christmas gift for couples (or singles) are movie gift bowls. Buy a big popcorn bowl from the dollar store and throw in a bag of popcorn, soda pop (or beer), a DVD and candy. You could make up a bunch at the same time. The gift receiver will be guaranteed to love it.
Of course when giving a cheap Christmas gift, it is usually helpful to know the recipient. In those cases you can usually know of something that is under ten dollars that they really would want and use, whether it be their favorite scented lotion or a box of their favorite golf balls. Giving a cheap Christmas gift is not the easiest task in the world, but when done with caution it can turn out fabulously!
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