How to give gifts without parting with too much cash

Buying presents can be a wonderful experience but if you’re a little strapped for cash it can be something that causes stress. But, you have no need to worry because there are many things that you can do to give a gift filed with love and happiness that will cost you next to nothing.

We’ve listed a few of our favourites, so tell us in the comments below, what budget gifts do you give?

1. Use your kitchen

It seems pretty basic but the smallest thing like baking some beautiful home cooked cookies, muffins, cakes or treats like fudge or peanut brittle can be the most heart-warming gift. To give your home baked treats a beautiful touch, store them in reusable jars or containers with a beautiful bow and handwritten label with the name, ingredients and “baked on” date.

2. Use things you have around the house

One of the best gifts (especially for women) are body products. And the good news is that you don’t have to run to the body shop to get your favourite, smelly and scented lotions. Some great recipes are:

Soft sugar body scrub

Combine 1 cup of brown sugar with ½ cup almond oil, ½ cup coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract. Will last for two months.

3. Give your friends and family experiences created by you.

If it is a good friend, take them on a “surprise road trip”. Pack a picnic, pick them up and take them out for a day to somewhere scenic where you can relax and have some fun. Or t

4. Do instead of give

Instead of “giving” them something, start “doing” something for them. If they want to paint the house and you have some free time, do that for them instead. If they have plans to redo the garden, offer a weekend of your time to help out. They’ll appreciate the human in your gift… Just make sure you follow through on your offer!

5. Get to work on the computer

This one isn’t completely free, but it doesn’t cost very much at all! Using a design program, create a beautiful printed quote. Pick your favourite quote, use a groovy font and have it printed professionally for less than $10 at your local printing facility (Big W or Officeworks have great, fast services). Or, you can create a DIY photo frame or pick one up for not very much money and print off a favourite photo.

So there are five ideas to help you save more when you’re giving generously. How do you save money on presents? What gifts do you give?