10 Inexpensive But Thoughtful Gifts For Your Loved Ones 

The festive season is here, and as you know, it is a time for giving and spreading joy to those you love. However, spending your money wisely when buying gifts for friends and family is essential. Overspending can lead to financial stress and strain on your personal budget. 

One of the most expensive holiday traditions is gift-giving. Your friends and family will be looking forward to what you bought them, and the pressure can be overwhelming. It is often easy to get lost in the excitement and pressure and go beyond your budget. And worse, it can lead you to debt.

But all this is avoidable. First, you need to know that when gifting, it is the thought that counts. This involves thinking outside the box and buying your loved ones essential products they need and can appreciate. And you can do this without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for such products, here's a list of thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts to buy your friends and family this holiday.

Read Also: 10 Tips to Survive the Holidays if You Have no Money

Customised Merchandise 

Customised merchandise makes for great gifts because they show that the giver tried to personalise the item to the recipient's taste and preferences. Customised merchandise can range from t-shirts and mugs to phone cases and keychains. These items can be easily found online and in print shops across the country. You can choose the design and add personal touches such as the recipient's name or a special message.

For example, if your friend is a huge fan of a particular sports team, you can get them a customised jersey with their name on it. This shows that you paid attention to their interests and put in the effort to find something they will love and appreciate.

Another example is a customised photo frame with a special memory or inside joke printed on it. This serves as a physical reminder of the special moment and shows that you value the relationship and want to hold on to the memories.

In addition to the personal touch, customised merchandise also allows for practicality and functionality. For example, a customised water bottle with the recipient's name can be easily identified and used daily.

Other customised gifts you can buy include notebooks, calendars, hoodies, umbrellas, mousepads, etc.

PRICE: Depending on the customised merch you buy, the price can start from as low as Ksh200.

Read Also: Happy Holidays: 5 Pocket-Friendly Ways To Treat Yourself 

Coffee Maker

Whether your recipient is a coffee connoisseur or just enjoys a cup in the morning before they leave for school or work, a coffee maker can provide a daily dose of comfort and convenience.

Another great thing about coffee makers is that they can be used for more than just coffee. Many of them come equipped with features that allow users to make other hot beverages like tea, hot cocoa, and even soup. This means that the gift recipient can enjoy their favourite warm drink anytime.

In addition to their versatility and functionality, coffee makers are also a budget-friendly gift option. While high-end models are certainly available, plenty of affordable options still provide great quality and features. You can buy coffee makers online or at a local utensils/home appliance shop.

PRICE: Starts from Ksh2,500.

Read Also: 7 Biggest Ways People Waste Money During the Holidays

Makeup Mirror

Makeup mirrors may seem like a simple and perhaps even self-indulgent gift. Still, they can be incredibly useful and appreciated. Here are a few reasons why makeup mirrors make great gifts for your friends and family:

1. Makeup mirrors provide better lighting and magnification, allowing for more precise application. This can be especially helpful for those with vision impairments who simply want to ensure they do their skincare routine flawlessly.
2. Many makeup mirrors have additional features such as multiple lighting options, Bluetooth connectivity, and even built-in phone holders. This makes them a practical gift and a fun and modern one. If your recipient is a content creator, they can get creative with these features.
3. They are a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves beauty and skincare. Whether your loved one is a professional makeup artist or simply enjoys pampering themselves, a makeup mirror can be a useful and appreciated addition to their routine.

PRICE: You can buy market mirrors online or in beauty shops for as low as Ksh1,000.

Read Also: Money & Me: An Unforgettable Budget Holiday

Board Games

Board games are great gifts for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they provide a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. Whether you choose a classic game like LUDO or a more modern one like Catan, a board game allows everyone to come together and enjoy quality time.

Second, board games encourage social interaction and communication. In today’s world, everyone is constantly plugged into a device. A board game provides an opportunity to disconnect and bond with loved ones in a more meaningful way.

Board games are also great for improving cognitive skills, especially for kids. Many games require strategic thinking and problem-solving, which can help develop critical thinking skills. In addition, they can also improve memory and concentration.

Finally, board games are a great gift because people of all ages can enjoy them. Whether you’re giving a gift to a child, teenager, or adult, there’s a board game out there that will be suitable and enjoyable for them.

PRICE: Board games start from Ksh1,000. You can order online or buy from a gift shop.

Scented Candles

Who doesn't love a nice-smelling home? 

Scented candles provide a beautiful, warm, and inviting atmosphere in any space. Its ability to create a sense of relaxation and calm makes it a perfect gift to give to a loved one. The soothing effects of essential oils, often used in scented candles, can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote a sense of well-being.

Unlike traditional air fresheners, many candles are made with natural ingredients. This makes them the perfect gift for friends with allergies and respiratory problems. In addition to that, scented candles can be personalized to suit the recipient's preferences.

When choosing a scented candle as a gift, it's essential to consider the recipient's preferences. Consider their favourite scents, preferred candle size and shape, and the colour and design of the candle. This will ensure that they receive a gift they truly enjoy and appreciate.

PRICE: Scented candles start from Ksh400, depending on size and ingredients. You can buy them in a beauty or gift shop.

Read Also: Why January Is the Best Month to Go On Vacation

Wi-Fi Extender

When considering what gift to buy a loved one, it always helps to think outside the box. What is it that they need but haven't bought themselves? Maybe they don't even think it exists. One such thing is a Wi-Fi extender. 

A Wi-Fi extender, also known as a range extender, is a device that boosts the signal of your existing Wi-Fi network. This can be a particularly useful gift for households with large or multi-level homes where the Wi-Fi signal may not reach all areas. It can also be helpful for those with poor internet connectivity or slow speeds.

Gifting a Wi-Fi extender shows thoughtfulness and consideration for the recipient's everyday life and routines. It is practical, cost-effective, and a gift that can be used and appreciated for years.

PRICE: Wi-Fi extenders start at Ksh1,500, and you can purchase them from electronic stores.

Travel Pillow 

Do you have a friend or family member who travels frequently?

A travel pillow would be a great gift for someone who travels frequently. It provides comfort and support while traveling, helping them relax and get a good night's sleep on long flights or bus rides. A travel pillow can also be compact and easy to carry, making it a practical and useful gift for anyone on the go.

Travel pillows also show that you care about the comfort and well-being of your loved ones who travel a lot. It is one of those things that they can appreciate for a long time.

PRICE: Travel pillows start at Ksh800 and can be bought online and at furniture stores.

Read Also: 10 Festive Season Hacks for Cash-Strapped Parents

Leather Wallet or Sling Bag

Everybody needs a place to carry daily essentials such as cash, cards, and ID. A leather wallet or sling bag can be a useful, thoughtful, and practical gift you can buy for a loved one during the holiday. They are not only affordable but timeless and will last for years. They can be personalised with initials or a special message to fit your recipient's taste.

Ultimately, choosing between a leather wallet and a sling bag as a gift for loved ones depends on their personal style and needs. Traditionally, you can buy a wallet for your male friends and a sling bag for your female loved ones.

PRICE: You can buy a quality wallet or sling bag from boutiques and gift shops starting at Ksh1,000.

Their Favorite Skincare Product

Whether it is facial cleansers or moisturisers, your friends and family probably use some type of skincare product. One of the best ways to gift them ahead of the holiday is to buy them a month's supply of their favourite skincare products or new ones they might like. 

Consider creating a personalised skincare gift basket or bundles that are already put together and include various products. The set can contain thoughtful and tailored products to their interests and preferences.

PRICE: It will depend on the type of products you are buying. You will spend anything from Ksh1,000. 

Read Also: 5 Smart Ways to Survive the Tough Holiday Season Ahead 

Personal Grooming Kit 

Everyone likes a little bit of personal hygiene. Surprise your loved one by buying an affordable grooming kit to improve their life. Here are three reasons this makes for the perfect gift this holiday:

1. The Personal Grooming Kit allows the recipient to care for their personal hygiene and appearance. This will improve their confidence and self-esteem.
2. The kit includes everyday grooming tools such as a hairbrush, tweezers, nail clippers, and a razor, making it a practical and helpful gift.
3. The Personal Grooming Kit is affordable: it is a budget-friendly option for holiday gift-giving. Both men and women can also enjoy it.

PRICE: You can buy grooming kits from gift shops and supermarkets for as low as Ksh1,000. When shopping, ensure to keep your recipients need in mind.

WRAPPING UP

It can be tempting to overspend when gifting loved ones during the holiday season. However, the most meaningful gifts often do not have a high price tag. For most people, the emotional value of a gift is more important than its cost. 

When creating your holiday gift budget, it is important to keep your spending in check. Overspending on gifts can lead to financial stress and burden, which can negatively impact relationships and overall enjoyment of the holiday season. It is equally important to prioritise thoughtful gestures and gestures of appreciation rather than spending large amounts of money on gifts.