Looking for cheap but thoughtful Christmas gifts ideas this year, so you can embrace the holiday spirit of giving without breaking the bank?

As Christmas is around the corner, giving presents will be on your mind and maybe even stressing you out for many reasons. What do I buy? How much do I spend? How do I show I care while staying within a budget? and How do I avoid the gift cards again?…

Before your stress spirals out of control, my friend, here is a little help for your festive season – 25 Cheap but thoughtful Christmas Gifts Ideas. In fact, they are perfect for any occasion needing a gift.  

Nothing on the list is above £20 / $20!!!

For me buying a gift for someone is only half of the equation of gift-giving. The other part is the thought process of coming up with the right gift for the right person. 

So here are 5 rules I go by, when it comes to cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift ideas:

• Add a little luxury. Buy something you know the person would love but is just a little too expensive for everyday purchase.
• Don’t buy what they already have! This makes complete sense when written down but how many times does this happen?
• Think about what the person really enjoys and relate the gift to that.
• Don’t buy cheap tat!
• Avoid humorous gifts. They stay humorous for a very short period, then what do you do with it?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

1. Power Bank

If you don’t have a power bank – why not? These things can be a lifesaver, and this twin pack is a great offering, being light, slim and super easy to carry around. Works for all devices due to having 2 x USB, USB C and Micro USB ports.

2-Pack Miady 10000mAh Power Bank

3. Meal Planning Tool Kit

For the moms who are constantly juggling, and struggle to put healthy food on the table for the family? This meal planning tool kit will turn a threaded weekly chore into a fun family affair.

This value-packed digital tool kit includes a weekly meal planning guide, a mini healthy slow cooker recipe book, a 4 meal prep in 1hr freezer cooking kit with a shopping list and so much more…

Use this special code Xmas30 to get 30% off.

4. Happy Socks

I first bought these for my husband as he was an early adopter of colourful socks.  These days all the family have them. I don’t know what it is, but they do make you happy!

Happy Socks

5. Briercrest Glasses

We bought these glasses, based on the look and the fact they matched our nice whiskey glasses.  The expectations were low due to the price, but when they arrived we both loved them, and they are now our go to glass for GnT’s. The best part?

They are dishwasher safe! 

Briercrest Glasses, Set of 6

6. Magnetic Tool Wristband

Annoyingly marketed as a tool for men (so must have been marketed by a tool :-/ ) but this handy invention is a must for those who love DIY and a gadget at the same time.

Magnetic Wristband Best DIY Gift

7. Handy Bike Tool

You would be amazed how many times you need one of these, for making adjustments to the kids’ bikes, or even fixing your friends pedal when it drops off.  This is a quality item from the renowned Swedish tool make Bacho.

8. Star Wars Patent Prints

We have several Star Wars lovers in the family. They all love these patent prints that even pass my test of artwork that can go up.  These retro line drawings of the machines are uber cool.

9. Face Roller Massager and Gua Sha Beauty Tool

Welcome to the latest crave for skin care – Gua sha. This affordable system will help to reduce puffiness around the eyes, improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, relax facial muscles and release stress.

Natural Rose Quartz Face Roller Massager and Gua Sha Beauty Tool for Skin Care

10. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The gift that’s good for the planet, stylish and if the person actually uses it, saves them money as they reduce the bottled water they buy.

From going through a few of these stainless-styled bottles as a family, simple design, no straw, and a handle are the must-have features to make a lasting choice.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Leakproof, BPA-Free, Insulated Flask

11. Mini Diffuser

The modern version of the oil burner tea light candle thing you had years ago.  This up to date tech version is a great addition for the bedroom.  I add a little lavender oil to help me sleep at night.

Essential Oil Diffuser

12. Face Mask Packs

Theses are perfect for a little home spa indulgence.  There are hundreds of options, but if you are willing and trust me… Go for these snail face masks from Korea.  The Korean’s take face products very seriously.  You will love the results.

Korean Face Masks Snail Jelly Face Mask 

13. Bluetooth Eyemask

Why not help someone in your life to have a perfect night’s sleep with this bluetooth eyemask? Yep, you heard me right. With this clever device, they can now incorporate relaxing music or meditation apps to help them drift off – without annoying their partners 🙂

3D Upgraded Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Eye Mask

14. Scented Candle

Ok here it’s all about quality and not size.  Quality candles are just a different league. I love NEST candles.

Nest Fragrances Votive Candle

15. A Digital Notebook

This is my absolute new obsession for 2021 – going paperless with my note taking and journaling.

I even created my own – this hyperlinked 10-subject digital notebook works for GoodNotes, Notability, Noteshelf, or any pdf annotating apps that reads hyperlinks.

10 Subject Digital Notebook

16. Lamy Mechanical Pencil

So many people write in pen, but there is something about using a pencil.  Any artists, designer, or technical person will appreciate this stylish gift.

Lamy AL-Star 1228018 Mechanical Pencils 0.7 Model 171 Black

17. Wine Opener

Never struggle with a cork again! Plus get a foil cutter, no-drip pourer, and a really useful vacuum wine saver (if you ever manage to not finish the bottle). 

Wine Bottle Opener Kit

18. Touchscreen Running Gloves

These lightweight gloves will become a staple for your running outfit. They are engineered to protect against odors, keep you warm, have grippers on the palms, and have the all-important touchscreen touch tip finger technology.

New Balance Touchscreen Running Gloves

19. Mambo Sauce

Quite simply Capital City’s two best sellers in one pack – Mild Mambo and Sweet Hot Mambo. These sauces can be used as a marinade, glaze, dipping, finishing or basting directly on the grill. Yum!

Capital City Mambo Sauce

20. Pass The Pigs

This is such a fun and underrated game that all the family can play. It even helps with improving maths, and small enough to take anywhere.  We love it. Our kids even talk to the pigs to try and get the pigs to bring home the bacon!

Pass the Pigs Dice Game

Socially distanced version – where 4 players get a set of pigs 🙂

Pass the Pigs Party Dice Game

22. Luxury Lip Balm

Know someone with constantly chapped lips? This has been my go-to lip balm for years. A little tube goes a long way.

Clarins HYDRA-ESSENTIEL BAUME LÈVRES RÉPARATEUR

23. Indoor Plant

Perfect addition to any home, bringing the outside in, and purifying the air in the house.

This is one of my fav. – String of Pearls. It’s perfect to drape over the shelf or hang, and it requires minimal care.

String of Pearls – Indoor Plant

24. Charging Station

Do you know someone with a kitchen corner full of charging cables for all the family devices? Of course you do. 

Well, here is a clever solution to help tidy that corner!

3 in 1 Aluminum Charging Station

25. Makeup Brushes Cleaner

Every beauty guru on youtube says that you gotta clean your makeup brushes often but who has time for that? Treat your girlfriends to this time-saving gadget to clean those dirty brushes in no time.

Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer-Fast Electric Brush Cleaner

Final thought on 25 Cheap but thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas Under $20 [2021]

So here you have it, 25 cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for this holiday season. Remember, giving gifts is not just about buying, it’s about making an effort into thinking what the person enjoys and needs.

A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but when you can put a smile on someone’s face with the right gift, that, is truly the joy of gifting.

Related reads:

• 50+ Christmas & Birthday Gift Ideas for Elderly People
• 17 Money saving ideas for this Christmas
• Make extra cash for Christmas with Matched Betting

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