Thrifty Gift-Giving: Delight Without the Debt

Thrifty Gift-Giving: Delight Without the Debt


September 20, 2023 | Allison Robertson

Thrifty Gift-Giving: Delight Without the Debt


Delight Without the Debt

Cash and thrifty gift idea split image

Advertisement

Hey there, money-conscious gift-givers!

Ever feel your heart sink at the sight of price tags while shopping for gifts? Or ever wonder how you can show your love without your wallet screaming in agony?

Well, you're in the right place! We've got some cool, budget-friendly ideas lined up for you.

From the magic of secondhand gifts to the craftiness of DIY, we're here to show you how to sprinkle some love without raining on your cash.

The Charm of Preloved Presents

Thrift StoreAdobe

Advertisement

Buying used items can offer incredible savings and reduce environmental impact.

Visit local thrift stores, charity shops, or online marketplaces like eBay, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace to find gently used gems.

Vintage items, books, vinyl records, or designer clothes can make unique and thoughtful gifts.

Just remember to ensure the item is in good condition, clean, and well-presented.

The Magic of Recycled Gift Wrap

Newspaper WrapAdobe

Advertisement

Every year, a staggering amount of wrapping paper ends up in landfills. You can combat this by using recycled or reusable gift wrap.

Consider wrapping gifts in newspaper, old maps, or children's artwork for a unique touch.

Alternatively, use fabric wraps that can be reused, following the traditional Japanese practice of Furoshiki.

The Beauty of Handmade Gifts

Handmade GiftsAdobe

Advertisement

There's something genuinely special about receiving a gift made by hand—it carries the love and effort of the gift-giver.

Depending on your skills, you can knit a scarf, bake cookies, make a photo album, or even create homemade skincare products.

Websites like Etsy offer inspiration, and YouTube has an abundance of tutorials to guide you. Handmade gifts can be personalized, unique, and kind to your budget.

The Wisdom of Re-gifting

RegiftingAdobe

Advertisement

Despite its bad reputation, re-gifting is a practical way to ensure an unwanted present doesn't go to waste.

The key to successful re-gifting lies in being thoughtful—only pass on new, unused items and ensure the gift is appropriate for the recipient.

The Emily Post Institute affirms it's perfectly acceptable to re-gift items, as long as it's done with care.

The Allure of DIY Gift Baskets

Gift BasketAdobe

Advertisement

Do-it-yourself gift baskets can be a perfect and personalized solution for thrifty gift-giving.

They are adaptable to any theme - food lovers, self-care, movie night, or gardening enthusiasts.

A simple visit to a dollar store, local market, or your pantry can provide affordable items to fill your basket.

Adding a handwritten note or recipe can provide a warm personal touch.

The Power of Experiential Gifts

Cooking ClassAdobe

Advertisement

Experiences often create more lasting memories than physical items. Consider gifting experiences that align with the interests of the recipient.

It could be an online cooking class, a virtual yoga session, or a ticket to a local art exhibit.

Websites like Groupon often offer discounts on a variety of experiences, which can be a budget-friendly choice.

The Appeal of Bulk Buying

Bulk water bottlesAdobe

Advertisement

Bulk buying can lead to significant savings, especially when buying for multiple recipients.

Consider buying items in bulk and splitting them for gifting. This approach works well for books, gourmet food items, scented candles, and even beauty products.

Stores like Costco or online retailers like Amazon often have attractive deals on bulk purchases.

The Virtue of Giving Time

BabysittingAdobe

Advertisement

Sometimes, the best gift you can give someone is your time.

Offering to babysit, cook a meal, or help with house repairs can be priceless, especially for people who value acts of service.

This approach to gifting costs nothing but can mean the world to the recipient.

With a bit of creativity and planning, thrifty gift-giving can be a fulfilling experience. It not only helps you save money but also reduces waste and gives gifts a personal touch. 

Remember, the value of a gift lies not in its cost, but in the thought and love behind it. Happy gifting!


READ MORE

I rented out my house on Airbnb while I was travelling and came back to $10,000 in damages. Can I hold the guests accountable?

You just walked through your front door after a relaxing trip abroad, only to find your house in a state of disarray. You followed Airbnb’s guidelines, and are wondering how you can hold your guests accountable.
July 10, 2025 Penelope Singh

Popular Grocery Items That Have Gotten So Overpriced People Stopped Buying Them

The grocery list didn’t change overnight. A skipped item here, a second thought there—and suddenly, the usuals don’t feel so automatic. That quiet pullback? It’s more common than most people realize.
July 11, 2025 Peter Kinney
Untitled Design

Important Tax Deductions For Seniors To Know About In 2025

Nobody talks about the perks of growing older. Sure, there are challenges, but some things actually get better. Tax season becomes less painful when you know what advantages come your way.
July 11, 2025 Jane O'Shea

My dad added me as a joint owner on his bank account. Now my siblings are saying I stole his money after he passed. What do I do?

Your dad added you to his bank account—but now he’s gone, and the family is divided. Suspicion swirls, and emotions are louder than reason. You can’t rewrite the past, but you can choose how to respond to it. These steps will help you protect yourself and move forward clearly.
July 9, 2025 Peter Kinney

My stepmom sold all my late mother’s jewelry even though it was promised to me and pocketed the money from the sale. Now what?

If your mother said her jewelry would go to when was gone, but your stepmother sold it and kept the proceeds, your options will depend on your mother's estate plan and local inheritance laws.
July 8, 2025 Peter Kinney

I got roped into being the executor of dad’s will. Now the whole family is arguing and blaming me because they didn’t get enough money. What now?

If you were appointed executor of a relative's estate and now your family is angrily blaming you for how things were settled, there are steps you can take to protect yourself legally and emotionally.
July 4, 2025 Jane O'Shea


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team