Life

Super Inexpensive Gifts That Are Still Thoughtful

by Kaitlyn Wylde

By this time of year, your pockets might be feeling a little lighter than you had hoped they would. Without meaning to, maybe you've been overextending yourself — and those finances that you thought you had a hold on are feeling a little bit out order. Don't worry: It happens to the best of us during the holidays. So, the money you wanted to save for gift giving has been depleted, and here you are, in the middle of December, with a lot of gifts to buy and not a lot of money to buy them with. But don't beat yourself up over it, this time of year always comes with a lot of unforeseen financial responsibilities and casualties. And don't panic, because there's still time and there's still lots of good stuff out there that you can afford.

There are plenty of cheap gifts that are actually really cool and won't come across as "cheap" at all. Cheap doesn't have to mean crappy or poorly made or senseless. There are so many inexpensive gifts that still check off those thoughtful and loving boxes. And cheap also doesn't have to mean random or useless. Whether it's an avocado cover for a guac lover or a brand new hairbrush for the girl with the tangled hair, an inexpensive gift can also be an on-point gift that makes the recipient feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Personalized Pie

The baking genius behind Taartwork Pies, Brittany Bennet, makes custom pies for every occasion. Using seasonal, local fruit and the lettering of your choice, she'll whip up the best kind of gift: the kind you can eat.

Custom Pie, $25, Taartwork Pies

Bubbly

OK, booze isn't the most personal gift... but at the same time, who doesn't love a good bottle of booze? This Verve Wine recommendation is bubbly and bright and perfect for the holiday season.

Francois Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Brut NV, $20, Verve Wine

Incense Candle

If you're going to get someone a candle, don't get them a boring one — get them a creative one, like this incense-inspired candle from H&M's home section. It's decorative and smells groovy.

Scented Patchouli Candle, $6, H&M

Kitchen Apron

Perfect for the baker or wannabe Chopped champion in your life, this apron is festive and function.

Pattered Apron, $15, H&M

Cashmere Socks

Honestly, cashmere anything is perfect. This luxurious yet simple gift will be fully appreciated by anyone.

Cashmere Blend Socks, $25, H&M

Onesie

Viva la onesie! You can never have enough pajamas, and you can never have enough excuses to wear onesies. This is the perfect unisex gift.

Jersey Jumpsuit, $30, H&M

Keyboard Cover

This unicorn-colored keyboard cover is not just for decoration, it's super useful. It keeps they keys clean and your typing quiet. It's the perfect gift for someone who's always on their laptop.

Multi-Color Keyboard Cover, $15, Forever 21

Christmas Beanie

There's really no other time of year you can wear this hat, so seize the day (and the season!) and get it for someone with a lot of Christmas Spirit.

Feliz Navidad Sheep Beanie, $7, Forever 21

Earring Stud Set

This simple gift comes with a lot more than the price tag suggests. In the set, you get 40 studs in all different shapes, sizes and finishes, plus a place to keep them.

Teeny Tiny Mega Stud Set, $20, Free People

Incense Dish

This gorgeous ceramic dish looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. You can use it to place your incense cones, or, you can use it for small jewelry.

Circular Incense Dish , $30, Free People

Hydration Kit

This gift featured on The Stell and brought to you by Grown Alchemist is the perfect winter protection set. With it, you've got your hands, face, and lips covered from the cold weather — literally.

Grown Alchemist Amenity Kit, $24, The Stell

Brunch Candle

Yes, seriously, you can get the brunch lover in your life a Mimosa Candle, thanks to Basalt, a candle company featured on The Stell that makes super unique scents and pours them into paint cans.

Sweet Mimosa Candle, $30, The Stell

Sketch Pencils

If you've got an artist in your life, you know they can never have enough materials. Get someone crafty these safari themed graphite sketch pencils and they'll think of you every time they use them.

Safari Sketch Pencils by Natural Products, $15, Topshop

Dream Book

Anyone can appreciate a little bit of clarity when it comes to understanding our dreams. This is a perfect gift for the person in your life who is super contemplative, or, you know, interested in "realizing things."

Dreamopedia: An A to Z of Dreams, $15, Topshop

Mindfulness Book

The holidays are a good time to do some self-reflecting and get to know yourself better. A mindfulness book is the perfect gift for the friend who could use the reminder to take a deep breath this season.

The Ladybird Book Of Mindfulness, $14, Topshop

Sparkling Rose

Maybe the best post-holiday party brunch drink there is.

Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose, $19, Wine.com

Monogrammed Mug

It's not just a mug, it's a personalized mug that you couldn't have just got last minute! This simple gift is inexpensive and thoughtful — it's a basic home run.

Nordic Monogram Mug , $18, Terrain

Flower Grow

What's better that fresh flowers? Flowers that you can grow yourself and keep for even longer!

Flower Grow Kit, $25, Terrain

Images: Pexels, Taartwork Pies (1), Verve Wines (1), Forever 21(2), H&M (4), Terrain (2), Wine.com (1), The Stell (2), Topshop (2), Free People (3)