When it comes to affordable gift giving, I always enjoy putting something sentimental in a frame, but that’s just one of many possibilities. We invited CoJ readers to reveal the low-cost, high-impact gifts they’ve gifted or received, and here are 10 incredible responses…
“I’m a long-distance runner, and for my birthday, my friends created a two-hour playlist for me. They texted it to me early in the morning, and it made me cry. I instantly went for a run and loved guessing which friend selected each song. It sparked days of humorous text exchanges, which was a bonus gift.” — Joslyn
“My great aunt, Jinny, a human rights lawyer, was quite the character. She also had a soft spot for Tom Selleck. One Christmas, I gifted her an 8×10 framed photo of him that cost about $5 in total, and she squealed with delight.” — Martha
“Four years ago, I decided to pursue my masters in social work. Having been a stay-at-home mom for ten years, I was anxious about returning to school. My husband was my sounding board as I navigated the application process. For Christmas, he filled my stocking with school supplies, along with a note saying he believed in me. Fast forward to today: I’ve graduated, and I adore my job as a therapist.” — Jackie
“My dad passed away two years ago. He had written me letters for most of my life, providing comfort as I grieved. A line in one of his letters stood out to me, and I knew he felt the same towards my siblings. So, the first Christmas after his passing, I gave each of my siblings a framed picture of them with him, along with his handwritten note.” — Fran
“Anton adores dogs, so I set up a special occasion for him to play with our neighbors’ dogs and take them for a walk. He was overjoyed.” — Joanna
“I once curated a ‘book of the month’ gift for my husband by asking 12 of his favorite people (parents, siblings, best friend, work mentor, etc.) to suggest a book they thought he’d like or that represented their relationship. His mom rewrapped his childhood copy of The Little Engine That Could with the sweetest note inside.” — Ivy
“I gifted $25 build-it-yourself cardboard bouquets to three of my neighborhood friends. One mentioned it was her favorite gift because it would remain beautiful throughout the long Michigan winter.” — Lia
“My friend Holly lives across the country, and she sends the most thoughtful gifts. Most are under $25, yet they all make me feel deeply understood and appreciated. This year was a T-shirt that said ‘I Hope Both Teams Have Fun’ since I genuinely do. Another year, she sent a poetry anthology with slips of paper marking her favorites.” — Heather
“My daughters created a ‘Fifty Reasons Why We Love You’ jar for my 50th birthday, with notes like ‘I love when you call us for dinner and sing it’ and ‘If I’m interested in something, you become interested too.’” — Tammy
“After accumulating a shockingly large amount of library fines preventing me from using public libraries statewide, I tried to rectify the situation through offers of volunteer hours, contributing to the food drive, even a tear-streaked note of apology, but our library branch stood firm: no borrowing books until I paid up. This kept me away for years. One Christmas morning, I unwrapped a book from my then-boyfriend, and inside was a receipt showing a zero balance. Knowing my history, he had driven to the library and cleared my account. A new director had changed library policy, resulting in a much-reduced balance of $10.” — Kelsey
Also, did you know you can donate to erase others’ overwhelming medical debt through this nonprofit where $10 clears about $1,000 of debt or pay off some lunch debt at your local school? I’d love to chat in the comments about other meaningful gifts you’ve given (feel free to brag) or received.
What would you include? What low-cost gifts have made a big impact in your life?
P.S. The full 2025 holiday gift guide, and TK.
(Running photo by Tracksmith.)
Gift Guide #9: Creative Concepts for No-Spend or Low-Spend Gifts
In a world where consumerism often overshadows the genuine spirit of giving, discovering meaningful gifts that don’t drain the wallet can be both gratifying and considerate. Whether you’re aiming to save money or want to provide something more personal, no-spend or low-spend gifts can be equally impactful. Here are some innovative ideas to inspire your gifting:
1. **Personalized Vouchers**: Create a booklet of personalized vouchers that the recipient can redeem for various favors or experiences. Suggestions include a homemade dinner, a car wash, a day of babysitting, or a movie night at home. Customize the vouchers to the recipient’s requirements and interests for a personal touch.
2. **Handwritten Messages**: In the digital age, a handwritten message can be a treasured gift. Take the time to craft a heartfelt note showing your appreciation, sharing memories, or offering words of encouragement. This simple gesture can have a lasting effect.
3. **Photo Albums**: Assemble a collection of photographs capturing special moments shared with the recipient. Create a digital slideshow or print them to craft a scrapbook. Adding captions or anecdotes can enhance this gift even further.
4. **Home-cooked Delicacies**: If you enjoy cooking or baking, prepare a batch of cookies, a loaf of bread, or a jar of homemade jam. Present your treats creatively, perhaps with a handwritten recipe card, to make the gift feel more personal.
5. **Skill Exchange**: Offer to teach the recipient a skill you have, such as knitting, cooking a particular dish, or playing a musical instrument. This not only provides a valuable learning experience but also strengthens your connection.
6. **Gardening Presents**: If you have a garden, consider gifting a potted plant, seeds, or cuttings. You could also create a small herb garden in a recycled container. This gift keeps on giving as it grows and flourishes.
7. **Digital Music Selections**: Curate a music playlist of songs that remind you of the recipient or that you think they would enjoy. Share it via a streaming service, and include a note explaining why you selected each song.
8. **DIY Artworks**: Use materials available at home to create a unique craft. Ideas include homemade candles, knitted scarves, or painted picture frames. Tailor the craft to the recipient’s preferences.
9. **Book Sharing**: If you have books you’ve already read and loved, consider gifting them to someone who would appreciate them. Write a note inside the cover explaining why you think they’d enjoy the book.
10. **Outdoor Adventures**: Plan a day out in nature, whether it’s a hike, a stroll in the park, or a picnic. Prepare some snacks or a simple meal to enjoy together. This experience-focused gift allows for quality time and relaxation.
11. **Joint Volunteering**: Offer to spend a day volunteering with the recipient at a local charity or community event. This shared effort can be fulfilling and memorable.
12. **Memory Jar**: Fill a jar with notes recalling shared memories, inside jokes, or reasons why you appreciate the recipient. They can draw a note any time they need a boost.
By focusing on creativity and thoughtfulness, no-spend or low-spend gifts can convey deep appreciation and affection. These gifts highlight the importance of connection and shared experiences, making them truly priceless.
