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The holidays can creep up on us all out of nowhere. Especially when you find yourself absolutely buried in work, competing in the ever-demanding landscape of a world that the crushing weight of inflation has further pressured. It’s just harder and harder to rationalize buying certain things nowadays that we wouldn’t have thought twice about back in the golden years. 

Well, this quick and hard-hitting list from some inspired Redditors, brings to the forefront various frugal gift ideas that you can consider tinkering around with to cut down on the costs of your gift-giving efforts for this fast-approaching holiday season. 

Now Is The Time.

Reddit screenshot about prepping for cheap holiday gifts sooner than later.
Reddit

There’s so much value in numerous facets of this life when it comes to preparation. And thoughtful and creative gift baskets can totally be done on a budget.

Crafts Time Can Be Quite The Time Suck.

Reddit screenshot about crafts time being a time-commitment.
Reddit

At least you now have been forewarned that if you opt for the economically friendly crafts route, you’ll have your work more than cut out for you. 

Oh Sweet Time, Where’d You Run Off To.

Reddit screenshot about the value of time.
Reddit

Time is so valuable it’s the only thing that we can’t get back. There’s always that to remember. 

Thankfully, there’s a wide range of experiences that you can gift your loved ones.

Just Don’t Give Them Coal, Alright.

Reddit screenshot on the value of stocking stuffers.
Reddit

Seriously, don’t sleep on the tremendous value of a well-executed stocking stuffer

Books Are One Of Those Gifts That Keep On Giving.

Reddit screenshot on the value of regifting books.
Reddit

We could all benefit from reading more, and there’s just an unexplainable benefit, a good feeling deep down in your bones about reading from a physical book vs. whatever is on your screen. Plus, they earn their value back amidst those re-gifting efforts. 

Related: Clever and Creative Gifts for Book Lovers

All About The Homemade Gifts.

Reddit screenshot about the value of homemade gifts.
Reddit

So, the key theme would seem to be that it’s all about making those gifts at home. You’ll save money and your kids will pick up some new skills along the way as well. 

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Oh, These Sound Delightful.

Reddit screenshot about making hot cocoa gifts.
Reddit

Because who doesn’t need a little extra, very affordable hot cocoa around the holidays

Related: Gifts Under $25 for Food Lovers

Sweet, Sweet Vanilla Extract.

Reddit screenshot about making homemade vanilla extract.
Reddit

You can quite literally sweeten someone else’s life up around the holidays, and it won’t bust your bank account right open in the process. 

Related: The Best Boozy Gifts for Cocktail Lovers & Happy Hour Devotees

This Is A Fun And All-Around Cost-Cutting Idea.

Reddit screenshot about gifting someone a coupon book.
Reddit

Everyone loves that rush of endorphins that can come from being able to successfully use a coupon to save you the few bucks that you might’ve needed for something else in this ever expensive life. 

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent the last 8 or so odd years as both a writer and editor in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally rabid, pigeons. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a book and/or some friends, or just easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.