25 Thoughtful Inexpensive Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love!

Last Updated September 1, 2024 by Davina Kelly

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find the perfect gift. In this post, I’ll share the best inexpensive gift ideas that won’t break the bank. 

These ideas come from personal experience – gifts I’ve given to friends and family that were well received. And also a few favourites I’ve received or bought myself that I absolutely love. 

Whether you’re looking for small inexpensive gift ideas for friends or budget-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas, you’ll find a variety of thoughtful options. Most of these gift ideas are $20 or less.

This post is all about inexpensive gift ideas.

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25 Best Inexpensive Gift Ideas:

1. Framed Photo

Got a friend or loved one’s birthday coming up? You can’t go wrong with a framed photo. It’s personal and one of the most thoughtful inexpensive gift ideas. 

The photo could be a cute moment between the two of you or an inspirational quote they live by. Either way, they will love it!

Go for a frame that’s simple and classy like this one on Amazon. And there you have a cute budget-friendly gift. 

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Looking for a practical and thoughtful gift? A reusable water bottle ticks both boxes and will encourage healthy habits. 

It’s a versatile gift that will be appreciated by everyone, whether they’re heading to the gym or running errands. Plus, every time they take a sip they’ll think of you!

With so many cute designs and colours available you can easily find one to match their style. Here is a cute affordable option you can get on Amazon.

3. Box Of Their Favourite Chocolates

Who doesn’t love indulging in their favourite sweet treat? A box of chocolates is a classic gift that’s always a hit. It’s also a simple way to show someone you care. 

Buy their favourite chocolates and put them in a stylish gift bag which you can get from your local dollar store. It’s a easy way to elevate your gift and show that you’ve put in a bit of extra thought and effort.

4. Scented Candle

Everyone loves a scented candle. They smell amazing and instantly make any space feel cozy and inviting. 

I absolutely love Yankee Candles. They are such good quality and have a wide variety of scents. My current favourite is the Lemon and Lavender scent. 

If you’re unsure about which scent to choose, I suggest going with the Vanilla fragrance in the small size.  

5. Homemade Baked Goods

Are you skilled at whipping up tasty baked goods? You could bake your friend or family member their favourite treat and surprise them. 

This is one of the best inexpensive gift ideas. It’s heartfelt and shows you’ve put time and effort into something special. 

Plus, the ingredients are cheap so you can whip up something delicious without spending too much money. Here are some cheap cake recipes for inspiration. 

6. Journal

A journal is something everyone can benefit from. It’s a great gift that encourages people to reflect on their day and the things they are grateful for. 

The Five Minute Journal is super popular. I have one myself and it literally takes me a few minutes in the morning and at night to write down my thoughts. 

It comes in a bunch of different colours so you can choose one that fits their style.

7. Personal Finance Book

Do you have a friend who wants to improve their finances? You can buy them a personal finance book. 

This is one of the most thoughtful inexpensive gift ideas and it’s a meaningful way to show your support for a friend or loved one. 

I have read many great personal finance books, here are the top 3 that helped me take control of my finances

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

• The Psychology Of Money by Morgan Housley
• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

8. Personalised Mug

A personalised mug is a fun and thoughtful way to brighten up someone’s day. Anything personalised will make someone feel special. 

You can keep it simple and get their initials or you can go all out and add a photo with this cute option. To make it even more thoughtful, you could add their favourite sweets or chocolates to the mug.  

This is one of the best small inexpensive gift ideas for best friends. 

Cute Inexpensive Gift Ideas

9. Cute Notebook

 

Do you have any creative friends or someone who could benefit from clearing their mind? A notebook could be the perfect gift for them.  

It offers a space to capture their thoughts and ideas or simply enjoy the process of writing regularly. 

Amazon has a wide selection of cute budget notebooks to choose from. 

10. Self-Improvement Book

A self-improvement book is a powerful way to show someone you believe in their potential. 

Whether you want to help boost their confidence, build new habits or find greater happiness, these types of books can help provide the inspiration and motivation they need.

As an avid reader, I’ve read many self-improvement books. Here are my top 3 favourites I highly recommend.

• The Alchemist by Pauelo Coelho
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• The Year Of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

This is a great inexpensive gift idea for friends, family or even colleagues who appreciate impactful reads. 

11. Jewellery Dish

Do you have a friend who loves accessorising and always has the cutest jewellery? Then a jewellery dish could be the perfect gift for them. 

It’s a beautiful way for them to keep their rings, earrings and other jewellery organised and within reach.

You can get some cute budget-friendly options on Etsy like this one. 

12. Luxury Hand Cream

Do you have a friend whose hands could use some TLC? You could buy them some luxury hand cream.

It’s a pampering cheap gift idea that will add some luxury to their everyday life. 

I highly recommend this one from The Body Shop. I have been buying it for years! It keeps my hands so soft and moisturised.  

13. Essential Oils Diffuser

If you have a friend or loved one who needs help relaxing an essential oils diffuser is the perfect gift. 

Not only will it help them feel calm and relaxed, but it will also make their room smell amazing! 

This one from Amazon is a great budget option. Add two of their favourite scents to make it extra special. 

14. Daily Planner

A daily planner is a great gift for girls who love to plan and stay organised. 

This cute inexpensive option from Amazon is a great choice. It’s practical and has everything you need to stay on top of things. I buy the same one every year. 

15. Body Care Set

For your friends who deserve a little indulgence, a body care set makes the perfect gift. It’s a luxurious yet affordable way to encourage them to pamper themselves. 

The Sanctuary Spa Gift Set is the perfect option. Their products are high-quality and affordable. I’ve been using their body scrub for years and I absolutely love it.

This thoughtful gesture says “Take some time for yourself,” and is sure to be appreciated by anyone. 

16. Manicure Set

A manicure set is the perfect choice for your friends who love to keep their nails looking polished and well-groomed. This small inexpensive gift idea is both practical and allows them to take care of their hands and nails at home. 

There are many affordable options on Amazon. This one is a great choice. It has all the tools they need to enjoy a salon-quality manicure whenever they like. 

Small Inexpensive Gift Ideas

17. Adult Colouring Book

An adult colouring book is a creative and relaxing gift that’s perfect for destressing. 

If you have any creative friends this could be a great gift for them. All the intricate designs and patterns will help them unwind and tap into their creativity. 

18. Eye Mask

Got any friends that have trouble sleeping? An eye mask could be a great solution. It’s a small but thoughtful gift that can make a big difference in someone’s sleep quality. 

They can use it to block out light or simply get a better night’s rest. Since we all know how important good sleep is, this makes it one of the most practical and thoughtful small inexpensive gift ideas. 

19. Gift Cards

You can’t go wrong with gift cards. They can seem impersonal but you can always get one to their favourite store. They can use it to treat themselves to something they’ll truly enjoy. 

20. Toiletry Bag Holder

If you have a friend who travels often a toiletry bag holder is the perfect gift. It’s super practical and will give her a convenient way to store toiletries when on the go. 

This is a cute inexpensive option. I know your friend will love it and feel organised when travelling.

21. Pillow Spray

Pillow spray is a game changer. Trust me, you won’t understand it’s magic until you’ve tried it. This simple yet luxurious gift can transform someone’s sleep experience. 

With soothing scents like lavender and chamomile, it creates a peaceful atmosphere that encourages restful sleep.

This pillow spray smells amazing and I use it myself. It not only helps me fall asleep faster but also ensures I stay asleep throughout the night.    

22. Milk Frother

For the coffee lover, a milk frother is an essential coffee accessory to have. It will allow them to ditch Starbucks and create lattes in their own home. 

This is a great cheap option. I bought this myself about a year ago and I’ve used it every day since to create my favourite coffees. 

23. Face Mask

Do you have a friend who loves skincare? This clarifying face mask is a great gift idea. It’s amazing for unclogging and removing dead skin cells without stripping the skin barrier. 

Trust me, your friend or mum will be thanking you when her skin starts clearing up and glowing! 

24. Lip Balm

There is nothing worse than having chapped lips. Help your friend out with this Laneige lip glowy balm.

This is one of the best small inexpensive gift ideas for beauty lovers.

25. Makeup Organiser

A makeup organiser is a practical and stylish gift for the makeup lover. 

It will help them keep their makeup collection organised and easy to access which is a lifesaver for anyone with a growing stash of beauty products. 

This Clear makeup organiser is a great option. It keeps everything visible and will make getting ready super easy. 

Final Thoughts on Inexpensive Gift Ideas

Finding a thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be expensive. Each of these gift ideas offers a mix of practicality, personalisation and sentiment that will make your loved ones feel special. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and now have many inexpensive gift ideas. Which gift will you try? Let me know in the comments below.

This post was all about inexpensive gift ideas.

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