Cheap Christmas Gifts That Feel Anything But Cheap
There’s always that one person who somehow turns a “small gift” exchange into an unspoken competition. And let’s be honest—between inflation, gift lists that never stop growing, and the fact that your cat needs a new advent calendar (yes, again), the holiday budget can disappear fast.
Enter: our favorite cheap Christmas gifts that don’t look cheap. Whether you’re building a cozy hot cocoa basket, a snack lover’s dream box, or just need something clever that won’t scream “I panic-bought this at the checkout aisle,” we’ve got you covered.
Of course, cheap is totally subjective—what feels like a splurge to one person is a stocking stuffer to another. That’s why we’ve have our favorites under three handy price ranges: under $10, under $50, and under $100. No matter your budget, there’s something here that’ll feel personal, festive, and just the right kind of extra.
So grab a basket, a bow, and maybe a peppermint mocha (we don’t judge). Let’s wrap this year up right.
Romantic Gifts
Chocolate Lover’s Love Card
Know someone who’s serious about their chocolate? This tiny matchbox card delivers a pretty bold statement! When you tell a chocolate lover that you love them more than chocolate, well… that’s basically a marriage proposal right there.
Made from a real matchbox and hand-assembled, it’s the perfect little surprise that says way more than your average card. Because let’s be honest – choosing someone over chocolate? That’s true love right there!
Hand-Written Love Letter
Probably the best gift your sweetheart could receive is a handwritten note. Nothing beats knowing that your partner sat down and took time to think about what you mean to them. A hand written love note is a romantic, priceless gesture and something they will cherish for many years to come.
Price: costs next to nothing!
However, you could splurge and buy some really nice handmade paper if you want.
Reasons I Love You with Hershey Kisses
Want to impress the heck out of him, without blowing the bank? Here’s an idea taken straight from my own book of love:
Take Hershey’s kiss chocolates, get little plain white stickers/paper and write reasons you love him on the stickers then attach them to the bottom of each candy. Put them in a jar with a note instructing him to open one a day for the next 50 days.
I did this for Andrew when we first started dating. He then kept those stickers and turned them into a card which he gave me on our wedding day. Super romantic!
Matching Secret Message Keychains
Remember those best friend necklaces? You know the ones, where each friend has half the heart and they fit together? These keychains have the same idea. Since you’re better together, these keychains mean nothing on their own. But put them together, and a secret message appears. How sweet is that?!
Why I like it:
- Comes as a set — one for each of you
- Modern spin on BFF necklaces
- A gift she’ll keep close at hand
Funny Gifts
Personalized Comic Book
Your nerdy spouse will rejoice with this custom comic book. If they’ve always wanted to see themselves on the pages of a comic, this is the chance. Whether you want to include the past ten years of marriage or the tale of how you met, this story is sure to melt his heart.
Why I like it:
- Easy to use template
- Perfect for comic book collectors
- A story like no other
Get it from AJPersonalizedComics
Funny Beer Stickers
He’ll get a chuckle the next time he goes to grab a cold one from the fridge, and sees these funny stickers!
Funny Soy Candle
Your sweetie is guaranteed to snort with laughter when they see this — I know I did.
We’re absolutely in love with these conversation-starting candles that combine amazing scents with laugh-out-loud messages. Perfect for that friend who appreciates a good pun or needs a pick-me-up gift that keeps on giving (and glowing).
What makes these candles special is how they turn an everyday home accessory into a personal inside joke or a witty statement piece. Whether it’s sitting on your coffee table making guests chuckle, or brightening someone’s day with a surprise delivery, these candles do more than just smell amazing – they create moments of joy and connection.
These are funny AND smell amazing.
Funny “I’m Enough” Gift Card
Looking for a gift with just the right mix of sass and sweetness?
This card nails it with “Having me as your girlfriend is enough of a gift” (because let’s be honest, it totally is!).
Perfect for that guy who claims he “doesn’t want anything”. Now you can playfully agree with him while still showing you cared enough to pick out a card that’ll make him laugh. And isn’t that what relationships are all about – keeping each other smiling?
You can get a fancy one from Etsy that will be professionally made and shipped to you, or you can go a DIY route and buy a template that you can print out!
Toilet Target Light
Switching on all the lights when you need a bathroom break in the middle of the night can be a real pain. Give your relatives the chance to save themselves difficulty getting back to sleep with this practical (and hilarious) gadget.
Funny Prank Box
Got a gift you’d like to give, but want to make sure everyone has a laugh on the day?
This gift box will practically guarantee plenty of giggles and is just the right thing for an office full of techies.
Scratch Off To Find Out Card
You know that satisfying feeling of scratching off a lotto ticket? This gift brings a romantic twist to the classic scratch-off game.
Customize this print by writing your own 14 “things” and then apply the scratch stickers. They will sure to appreciate the thought you put in and will have it to keep as a reminder of how much they are loved.
Mood Flip-Over Messages
There are some things we’re all tired of saying and with this collection of flip messages, there’s a way to get your point across without having to actually voice those frustrations. Co-workers can spot their own pet peeves, as well as point them out to everyone else.
Sarcastic Coworker Mug
This mug is just hilarious — I’m mad about it!!
Buy it for your Dirty Santa gift pile and you’ll soon find out which of your desk-mates really believes they’re the office expert (or that they love mugs as much as I do).
Giant Snickers Bar
Some of the best presents are built for sharing and this massive Snickers bar is an ideal example. The victorious player who takes this home at the end of a game of Dirty Santa just has to decide whether they want to pass around the goodness or not.
Magic Flavor Changing Berries
This is a gift sure to get their taste buds buzzing. These neat little berries change the flavor of what one is eating. This is a go-to for reducing sweetness, masking bitterness, and experimenting with taste.
Why I like it:
- Great way to cut sugar
- Takes the bitter bite out of food
- Fun to experiment with flavors
Get it from Nature’s Wild Berry
Handmade Bobblehead From Photo
Bobbleheads are the ultimate fun gift for the guy who has everything. Whether it’s a bobblehead of himself or a loved one, he’s sure to display this gift with pride. In fact, why not get him one of the whole family so they can always nod along and agree with him!
Why I like it:
- Perfect for a desk
- Lots of personalization options
- Completely handmade
Get it from My Bobbleheads Shop
Box of Chocolates
You would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love a box of chocolates, especially when they deliver a funny message! If you’re looking for a gift that is guaranteed to make them smile, this box of chocs from Diamond Chocolates will do the trick.
If this funny message is not really appropriate, you can always get a simple box of their favorite chocolates. Indulging in some chocolate therapy is sure to give them a lot of joy. Go for high quality and something unique and unusual – there are plenty of organic and artesian options to choose from.
Get a funny one from WhatCandySays
Things You Must Do to Make Me Happy Pad
Give them a laugh with this “Things You Must Do…” pad. For brownie points (and to even the score), buy two and tell them they are allowed to fill the other one out in reverse.
Why I like it:
- almost 200 requests to choose from
- great for grooms who love to laugh
- unique gift
Giant Card
You’re probably going to get a card anyway, so why not have a bit of fun with this oversized tin card?? Write a special message inside and show them just how big your love is. This is an extra special way to give a card for sure! GIANT stamp and envelope included.Why I like it:
Get it from Expressions & Occasions
Practical
Recycled Ski Coasters Set
Another recycled option, these fun coasters are cut from skis. Since the skis have some, each piece will have its own unique story to tell. Perfect for rest their après-ski drink on.
Why I like it:
- Great for the earth conscious person
- Stand included
- They wil feel like they are at the ski lodge even when they are not
Tie Patch
This is another subtle but sweet idea to give your groom on the morning of your wedding. A tie patch allows you to literally weave your loving sentiments right into his wedding outfit.
Why I like it:
- lots of personalization options
- easy to install
- discounts for three or more
Wine Filters
Quite possibly the invention of the decade. These portable, disposable wine filters aerate wine while filtering out everything that gives us headaches and uncomfortable symptoms after even the best bottles.
Pair it with a nice bottle of vino, and you’ve got a great birthday gift!
Note – we could’ve put these in the last-minute gifts under $25 category. But we chose the 24 pack because we drink a lot of wine around here, and we always pick the stuff we’d want to get for ourselves. So just puttin’ that out there.
All Edge Brownie Pan
Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like brownies?
Didn’t think so. Elevate brownies to a whole new level with a pan that guarantees two crispy/chewy edges on each brownie. Bake up a batch for them before you gift it, and no one will even notice if it happens to be late.
From Crook to Cook
We have a theory that secretly (or not so secretly!) every guy wishes he were as cool as Snoop.
Well, wish granted. When your guy gets ahold of Snoop’s cookbook, he’ll be one step closer to realizing his dream of being the baddest chef in the kitchen.
It features 50 recipes, including classics like mac and cheese, and biscuits with tha’ thickness gravy. There are dishes for special occasions too, like rollin’ California rolls and go shorty, it’s your birthday cake.
It would make the perfect anniversary gift. Just make sure he whips up a martini, so clean we dirty. Or an O.G. gin and juice. Or both.
Bath and Body Gift Basket
Transform their bathroom into a mini resort with this indulgent spa basket! The vanilla-coconut duo isn’t just another scent combo – it’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle. The extra-large bath bombs make for quite the show (and amazing soak!), while the nourishing coconut oil and shea butter products are perfect for sensitive skin. Moms, new brides, or anyone needing a mental getaway will love unwrapping this little piece of paradise. Plus, the gorgeous basket makes a pretty storage solution for bathroom essentials long after the pampering is done!
Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces
Tying your shoes is so overrated. With these awesome laces, there’s no tying required. While these aren’t really made of lace, the name makes these close enough for tradition.
Why I like it:
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Easy to install
- Gives shoes a custom fit
Reusable Foldable Bag
Functional, sustainable, and oh-so-cute, a reusable bag is a great last-minute gift for the environmentalist in your life. It’s meant to take the place of your typical plastic grocery bag and is made from sturdy nylon that’ll withstand even the most brutal abuse.
Five Year Journal
One line a day every day for five years will give you a whole lot of insight into where you’ve been and what you’ve done with your life over the past half-decade! (That may or may not be significant depending upon your situation, but it’s always fun to look back and compare.)
If someone in your life is celebrating a milestone birthday, they’ll thank you every year for five years, guaranteed.
Thoughtful
Hug in a Mug
Sometimes a text just isn’t enough – that’s when you need this hot chocolate hug in a box! Inside a beautiful stoneware mug (that they’ll keep forever), there’s everything needed for an instant cozy moment: rich hot cocoa mix, fluffy mini marshmallows, and even a tiny silver tea light to set the mood. Perfect for that friend who’s having a rough week, or just because you want to give someone a warm squeeze from miles away. Add a personal message and they’ll think of you with every sip. Way better than another “thinking of you” text!
Get it from Little Gift Shop Boca
Leather and Stainless Steel Photo Key Holder
This is the husband’s gift for Father’s Day or your anniversary, hands down. A leather keychain etched with his name or initials is lovely as is, but inside you’ll find a stainless steel insert engraved with a photo of his favorite people, too.
To order, choose a customization option and the color he’d prefer. Next, download the photo and/or message you’d like to include along with the etching you’d like on the front of the keyfob.
It makes such an amazing keepsake; you know he’ll totally have it forever.
1000 Places to See Before You Die
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Take the classic ‘box of chocolate’ gift and turn it into an unforgettable, delectable experience.
If they have a sweet tooth, they will literally swoon when she opens this Ultimate Assortment Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
What makes these extra special is the Belgian chocolate coating and the variety of delicious toppings. Each juicy strawberry is first dipped in premium Belgian chocolate, then rolled in gourmet toppings like nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and coconut – a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Get it from from GourmetGiftBaskets
Create Your Own Candy Tin
Sweetie got a sweet tooth? Create them a custom candy tin to pop into their bag/purse or leave on their desk. Add their favorite candy before giving it to them, and they will certainly remember why they are sweet on you!
Why I like it:
- Great for candy lovers
- Multiple shapes and designs to choose from
- Fill with their favorite candy for an extra sweet treat
Bring the Cheer (Without the Credit Card Tears)
Whether you’re filling stockings, building a themed basket, or just trying to make someone smile without triggering a fraud alert from your bank, there’s something satisfying about finding a cheap Christmas gift that absolutely nails it.
Because it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about the “you thought of me!” moment. And that? That’s priceless.
So go ahead and mix, match, and get a little crafty. Your budget may be small, but your gift-giving game? Huge.
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