Your 2020 Christmas shopping budget might be a little bit tight this year. Maybe you got laid off or you’re experiencing financial hardship due to the current economic crisis. Sometimes the best gifts are the thoughtful ones made with extra love and effort. Making easy, affordable, and personalized Christmas gifts are the perfect way to the hearts of your loved ones.
Affordable Christmas Gifts Ideas
We’ve compiled a stellar list of our favorite DIY gifts for all the special people in your life. From grandma to your boss, these homemade gifts will bring the holiday cheer this year! And if you shop at Macy’s and Best Buy in November with a RoarMoney account, you’ll get 2% cashback!
One Gift for the Whole Family
Consider giving a family gift instead of individual gifts. A movie night loaded with snacks or a board game allnighter filled with fun, both are sure to bring memories to last a lifetime!
Movie Bundle
Fill up a large popcorn bowl with an Amazon gift card, popcorn, drinks, and assorted snacks for a movie night in for the whole family.
| Item | Where to Get it | Price |
| Gift Card or Movie Pre Order | Online | $15 |
| Popcorn Bowl | Dollar Store | $1 |
| Popcorn | Grocery Store | $3 |
| Sodas / Sparkling Water | Grocery Store | $4 |
| Assorted Candy | Grocery Store | $5 |
| Total Price: $28 |
Game Night
These games will have the family entertained for hours and years to come! Don’t shy away from looking locally – we’ve seen these same games new or like-new on Marketplace for under $5!
| Item | Where to Get it | Price |
| Game of Life Junior | Macy’s | $14.99 |
| Don’t You Forget It | Macy’s | $8 |
| 60-Second Slam | Macy’s | $9.99 |
| Trivial Pursuit | Macy’s | $19.99 |
| Total Price: $52.97 |
Cheap Gifts for Couples
Give the gift of a date night (or day) for your favorite couple! Find some things they love or activities they enjoy doing together for the perfect day.
Picnic Date
Your favorite couple will look forward to day dates in the sunshine once spring returns with this gift. Browse the local market for gently used (or new) picnic baskets, cutlery, wine glasses, and blankets. You might luck out and find a basket that includes everything. Keep an eye out for a sturdy vintage wicker picnic basket and falsa blanket- those are timeless gems!
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Cooler Tote Bag | Macy’s | $22.95 |
| Blanket | Macy’s | $19.99 |
| Plates (2) | Target | $1.18 |
| Cutlery Set | Ikea | $1.29 |
| Stainless Steel Wine Glass Set | Macy’s | $21.43 |
| Wine Bottle Opener | Target | $1.50 |
| Bottle of Wine | Grocery Store | $7 |
| Cheese | Grocery Store | $5 |
| Crackers | Grocery Store | $3 |
| Fruit | Grocery Store | $3 |
| Total Price: $86.34 |
Dinner In A Box
Going to a fancy restaurant isn’t the only way to go out for a romantic meal. Put together a gift box with all the ingredients needed for a delicious dinner to enjoy in the comfort of their home. Make it even more special by sourcing local ingredients for them to enjoy.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Pasta | Grocery Store | $2 |
| Pasta Sauce | Grocery Store | $4 |
| Baguette | Grocery Store/Local Bakery | $4 |
| Champagne | Grocery Store | $10 |
| Chocolates | Grocery Store | $8 |
| Candle Sticks (2) | Dollar Store | $2 |
| Candle Stick Holder | Dollar Store | $2 |
| Total Price:$32 |
Paint a Portrait
Gift two canvas’, paint, brushes, and aprons and have the couple to paint each other’s portrait (no peeking). Once their masterpiece is complete they can hang them up and marvel at their artistic abilities – or have a good laugh.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Aprons (2) | Amazon | $9.99 |
| Canvas (2) | Amazon | $7.19 |
| Acrylic Paint | Amazon | $11.78 |
| Paint Brushes | Amazon | $5.99 |
| Paint Palette (2) | Amazon | $8.99 |
| Total Price: $43.94 |
Unisex Christmas Gifts
If you’re doing white elephant, pass around or raffle games, you’ll want to keep the gift unisex. Especially in the workplace, this can be tricky because you don’t know who will end up with the gift. Below are our two favorite unisex gifts.
Coffee Lover Basket
Who doesn’t love a warm cup of joe on wintery mornings? Heat up the cold winter season with a curated box of coffee goodies perfect for anyone. For the extra wow factor, head over to their favorite coffee shop, scoop up a bag of fresh ground beans and make homemade syrup.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Basket | Target | $6.99 |
| Pour Over with Mug | Macy’s | $21.70 |
| Coffee | Grocery Store/Local | $4 |
| Syrup | Grocery Store | $5 |
| Total Price:$37.69 |
Pancake Breakfast Bundle
Give the perfect Christmas morning breakfast with this sweet gift.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Pancake Mix | Target | $4.99 |
| Maple Syrup | Target | $6.99 |
| Measuring Cups | Macy’s | $11.20 |
| Whisk | Macy’s | $15.14 |
| Spatula | Macy’s | $8.99 |
| Mixing bowl | Macy’s | $21 |
| Total Price: $68.31 |
DIY Secret Santa Ideas
Get creative and make your secret Santa’s Christmas extra special. Personalized their gift specific to their likes, hobbies, and interests.
Coffee Body Scrub
Simply mix up the ingredients, place in a mason jar, and let the magic happen. New year, new skin. Need we say more?
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Large Mason Jar | Dollar Store or Recycled | $1 |
| Coffee Grounds | Grocery Store | $4 |
| Sugar | Grocery Store | $2 |
| Coconut Oil | Grocery Store | $4 |
| Total Price:$11 |
Holiday Tumbler Bundle
Fill a reusable tumbler with little essentials for the person always on the go.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Tumbler | Amazon | $11.99 |
| Chapstick | Target | $2.99 |
| Hand Sanitizer | Target | $0.99 |
| Giftcard | Online/In-store | $10 |
| Total Price:$25.97 |
Experience Christmas Gifts
Material gifts are great, but your memories are priceless. Instead of buying tangibles considering creating experiences for a loved one that they’ll never forget.
| Item | Where To Get It | Price |
| Drive-In Movie | Local | $12/per person |
| Museum Tickets | Local | $22/per person |
| Ice Skating Passes | Local | $5/per person |
Homemade Christmas Gifts On A Budget
Christmas savings account running low this year? Consider a Credit Builder Loan from MoneyLion. You could receive up to $1000 with ultra-competitive interest rates and pay your loan back over 12 months. Let us help you bring in the holiday season with less stress and more joy – get a no credit check loan today!
