When my kids were little, we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spare.
I remember my first baby’s first Christmas, we had a “$10 Christmas.”
That year we really couldn’t afford Christmas gifts because I had quit my job to be a stay-at-home and we weren’t very good at living on one income just yet, so we had to keep our costs low.
We bought a little gift for our baby and put her under the tree as our gift to each other for the year.
I’ll never forget that Christmas!
From Strictly Budgeting to Overspending on Christmas Gifts
Little did I know that year, but once we started making more money (I started this blog & my husband got raises & promotions), we slowly let lifestyle creep up on us.
We now have 3 kids and find ourselves spending way more than we ever imagined on Christmas gifts for them.
Mainly because we have more discretionary income.
Let’s just say we spend way more than $10 for Christmas now!
Can you relate? Have you let your Christmas gift spending get out of control in the past?
Finding Cheap Christmas Gifts for My Kids
After several years of blowing our budget out of the water, we’ve decided that enough is enough and our kids don’t really need any more “things.”
We’re getting our kids one “larger” item and then a couple smaller ones.
That seems way more reasonable.
I find that kids don’t really care what a gift costs – as long as they like it, it’s a great gift.
I decided while I was doing my research that I could put together a handy list for the blog of a handful of the inexpensive Christmas present ideas I found.
Let me know if you have any other low-cost ideas….I’m sure everyone reading this could use even more low priced options to consider!
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Kids
Last time I checked, each of these toys cost less than $20 before tax.
I think they’re pretty great!
1) Real Binoculars
My 8-year-old is literally obsessed with all things binoculars and magnifying glasses right now!
This is a great gift in my book because it’s not electronic and can be taken everywhere.
2) Set of 550+ Stickers
If your daughter is a crafting NUT like mine, she will LOVE this huge pack of stickers.
It’s a great steal of a deal and really is a legitimate Christmas present for the right kid.
3) Walkie Talkies
When my youngest was 6 years old, we got these walkie talkies for his birthday.
He STILL plays with them when his friends or cousins come over to play.
It’s a great for kids of all ages….my son still likes them at 8 years old, and my daughters who are 10 and 12 also play with them.
4) Rock Painting Kit
Painted rocks are the coolest thing to leave for others to find.
It’s non-gender specific because I know many little boys AND little girls who like painting rocks. A great option for any child.
5) Gratitude Journal
My oldest daughter who is almost 13 years old loves writing down things about herself and her friends.
They quiz each other over Zoom. 🙂
I think that makes a Gratitude Journal a great low price range present for a tween girl.
6) Outdoor Adventure Pack
This outdoor adventure pack has many items to keep an active kid enthralled for hours. It’s a big fun gift for a small price.
7) Rainbow Scratch Notebook
If you need a small gift idea that can be taken in the car for a road trip, this Rainbow Scratch Notebook is perfect for that.
My daughter has one and has scratched off EVERY SINGLE PAGE in hers! It’s really fun. I’ll admit I also did a page or two myself. 🙂
8) Bow & Arrows with Suction Cups
This is a safe gift of battle! I love that you can get something this cool on a strict budget.
9) Paint by Sticker Book
Paint by Sticker is really time consuming and done quietly. A parent’s dream! LOL
This is an under $10 gift, so it’s awesome in many ways! It’s dirt-cheap for the hours of use your child will get out of it.
10) Personalized Water Bottle with Sequins
Thrifty and beautiful describes this gift!
My daughter got one of these from a friend on her 9th birthday and it was the first gift she used!
If you need an economical choice that’s guaranteed to be a hit for girls, this is it.
What Other Kinds of Presents Would You Like to See on This List?
I know some people might think I didn’t keep the budget low enough at $10-20 per gift, but I wrote this from the perspective of someone who has spent $100+ on an individual Christmas gift before and REGRETTED IT big time.
I think everything in life is best done in increments so this is an improvement for me for a budgeting perspective.
If you don’t want to spend even $20 or $10 on a gift, you could totally find something cool on mark down if you start searching long enough for a bargain.
OR you could even make a homemade gift that has lots of meaning yet costs only a few dollars.
Maybe I’ll write a post on the topic of thrifty homemade options soon!
You can really make great gifts that cost basically next to nothing.
More Christmas Gift Ideas You Might Like:
- Top 10 Gifts for Super Smart Kids – If you have a little one who is rather advanced for their age, you don’t want to miss this list…I got my son one of these small drones last year and he LOVED it….until it got stuck in a tree! 🙂
- 30 NON-TOY Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids – If you’re like me and think your kids just really don’t need another toy in the house, you will love this list of non-toy gifts to consider!
- How to Make a Real Money Notepad for a Gift
- What To Do if You Can’t Afford Christmas
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