Creative Holiday Gift Ideas On A Budget

It’s getting to that time of year - backyard cricket, eskies filled to the brim with ice from the servo, a busted plugga on your Havaianas and zooper doopers for days. Oh, and those cringeworthy extended family gatho’s that you only see at Christmas.

With the holiday season comes the classic grilling from your uncle that thinks he’s hilarious. Your auntie wants all the goss about your new job, degree or just about anything that’ll get her talking to other family members about. And, who can forget when grandma slips you a $50 big pineapple or $100 avocado and tells you not to tell your cousin?

@jakebfisher Ppl at jewellery shops be like: #foryou #viral #australia #comedy ♬ original sound - Jakeb

All is going well leading up December until you realise that you’re earning a wage now. You can’t just sit in a corner and unwrap presents from your relo’s now - you’re participating in Bad Santa, Kris Kringle and all the other present swapping varieties out there. Plus, you have to show your parents some love during the holidays!

Everyone says it’s the thought that counts but… is it really? In all honesty, Christmas stresses me out, let alone on a budget. So, for all you broke baddies and gents out there, here are some great ideas that aren’t straight from those Rae Dunn Pinterest boards:

Gua sha and face roller - $30

Depending on where you get them from, these are essentials for people into skincare. You don’t know you need ‘em until you have ‘em and geez are they good. Pop them in the fridge for a nice chill - they claim to remove red bumps off your skin but in all honesty, they feel great.

A hand-crafted advent calendar - $10-$50

These don’t have to cost that much! Set a limit and buy little items they’ll use or appreciate. It gets them excited leading up to Christmas, plus something to open everyday.

@jemnbenj Day 1 :) #advent #calendar #fyp @benjiescalera ♬ Deck the Halls - Christmas

Victoria Bitter cologne - $20

I got this for my partner during the panic buy first release but now you can find it anywhere. It’s $20, smells like the pub and a nice little nod to the Aussie delight that is a VB.

Scented candles - $10 onwards

Glasshouse candles are nice but they are a pretty penny - my advice? Head to TK Maxx for some great smelling brands that won’t break the bank account!

Lynx Africa gift set - $10

This may seem like a piss take but I promise… It’s not. People froth over Lynx Africa sets. People hate buying deodorant. It’s a match made in heaven.

Unique night skies / constellations - $20

Get little posters of where and the time they were born - if they’re an astrology nerd, they’ll love it! Suss out Etsy for some cheaper priced ones.

Wine tumbler - $10+

Your aunty Jan needs this - if she’s a spiller, talks your ear off in a high pitched voice or just loves topping up her glass whenever she can, she’s going to need one of these. They keep the beverage cold and you can put just about any drink on there!

Get started budgeting for Christmas prezzies with FinLit and get financially independent with your dosh! It can be a hard world to navigate but once your finances are under control, life will get a little easier (plus, a fatter wallet is always a great plus).