$10 Budget | Frugal Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Christmas is just days away, and if you’re struggling with finding the time or the budget for last minute Christmas gifts to fill in the gaps, I have a few ideas that will fit within a $10 budget, and can be under the tree in time!

Last Minute Christmas Gifts with $10 Budget

Handmade or Homemade Gifts

Now, to suggest something hand made or homemade might make some people {shudder}, but think about that one thing you make that everyone asks for the recipe for – let’s say it’s zucchini bread. Make up a batch, wrap it in a new kitchen towel, hand write the recipe onto a recipe card and tie onto the gift with ribbon.

Or, measure out the dry ingredients in a Mason jar, and include the recipe card tied with ribbon. Simple, thoughtful and affordable. There are many Mason jar recipe ideas on Pinterest!

Is your favorite recipe a casserole? Make a freezer version as a gift!

For the non-baker or non-cook, there are many simple handmade DIY gifts that are lovely and affordable, with supplies from thrift and dollar stores!

Here are a few ideas:

• sugar scrubs, hand soaps and bath bombs
• picture frames and dry erase boards
• no-sew blankets and pillows
• string art wall decor
• jewelry and keychains
• Need inspiration? Check out 100 Handmade Gifts under $5!

The Gift of Time

Another idea that literally won’t cost you a dime, is your time. It could be watching your friends’ children so they can have a date night – doesn’t cost you a dime but you saved them $30 or more!

Think about the things that people hire out, and offer that – if you’re capable and willing. Shoveling snow. Cleaning house. Changing out a light fixture. (Seriously, that’s a gift I would love to receive!)

Themed Gifts

I love themed gifts, and you can bundle smaller things together that make a really WOW gift.

One idea is pick up a bag of gourmet popcorn from (around the Indy area, check Taylor’s Bakery, Just Pop In or Inga’s Popcorn), and you can purchase Redbox codes online to give as a gift – even just 5 codes plus a bag of gourmet popcorn and you have a fun movie night gift for $10.

Coffee and alcohol themed gifts may seem passe, but judging by the last white elephant gift exchange I attended … they’re anything but!

Here are some beverage themed gift ideas to fit the budget:

• Bag of gourmet coffee with an appropriate (or inappropriate!) mug
• Gift set of non-alcoholic drink mixers
• Set of specialty glasses like Mason jar drinking glasses or Irish Coffee glass mugs (mine are from Crate & Barrel for under $4 each!)

No matter if your last minute Christmas gifts are from a fancy store or from your kitchen, you can be sure they will be received with love and gratitude!

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