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Are you looking for the perfect “budget-friendly” gift for a friend but not sure where to begin?
Well, you’re in luck because with a little creativity, you can show your friend that you care about them without going broke.Â
Homemade or “Upcycled” Gifts
If you’re feeling a bit crafty, try making a gift by hand or look for some used items you have lying around at home before purchasing a brand-new gift.
Homemade Gift Ideas
Create simple candles of their favorite scents using wax & recycled jars
Make personal care items such as lotions, bath salts, or soaps/shampoo bars
Bake up their favorite treats like muffins, cookies, or brownies
Make a handwritten card or poem
Knit or crochet clothing or accessories (scarves, hats, blankets, gloves)
Upcycled Gift Ideas
Take an old picture frame and decorate it with beads or paint it a fresh color
Repurpose clear glass jars into decorative lanterns
Create planters out of different-sized tin cans
Turn a used t-shirt into an eco-friendly grocery tote bag
Use magazines or newspapers to create a fun collage or upcycled coasters
Not only are homemade and upcycled gifts an eco-friendly choice, but they're also a creative and thoughtful way to make your friend feel special.
Personalized Gifts
Finding a gift that is personal to your friend's interests and style is a great way to make even a simple gift meaningful.
You may even find some items at home that you can add a personal touch to:
Make a memory jar using handwritten notes and inspirational messages that they can read when they're having a rough day.
Create a scrapbook using pictures, ticket stubs, and any other memorabilia that will bring a smile to their face.
Design a fun coffee mug by drawing on a plain mug and baking it in the oven.
Customize a calendar with fun pictures of the two of you.
Compile a recipe book that includes their favorite recipes and even some new ones to try.
Taking the time to personalize a gift shows sincerity and effort.
Quiz
Amira is on a tight budget but wants to give her friend Miguel, a photography and music enthusiast, a birthday gift he'll remember. Which of these gifts would be a great option?
Because Amira needs to stick to her budget, it would be best for her to make a gift that won't break the bank but that Miguel will still enjoy based off of his interest in art.
Acts of Kindness
Another simple gift-giving idea is to perform an act of service by helping your friend in some way.
Possible ideas might include...
Running errands for/with them: Drive them to the grocery store, to a doctor's appointment, to fill up their gas tank, etc.
Help them with chores: Help with laundry/household chores, yard work, or a home improvement project. Offer to babysit (if they have a child/children).
Take them out: Set up a coffee/lunch date. Go out for ice cream or even just a walk in a local park.
Any of these options will surely show your friend how much you care about them.
Take Action
There are many cost-friendly options for giving your friend a meaningful gift that comes from the heart.
This Byte has been authored by
Ashlea Novalis
Instructional Designer
M.A. in Education