18 Dec 10 Holiday Gifts Under $20

(Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash)

By Arianna Caramagno

During the holidays, it can be easy to get overwhelmed trying to find the perfect gift — especially when you’re on a tight budget.

I used to cringe whenever winter approached. Holiday parties and white elephant get-togethers with friends and family were the source of many sleepless nights and impromptu shopping trips that usually led nowhere. Most of the time, I was so worried about having enough money to get gifts that other people would think were “perfect” that I failed to take into consideration what the person I was shopping for might actually want. 

It took me a while to learn that gift giving isn’t about buying the most expensive, trendy or popular thing. It’s about showing appreciation for the people you care about.

The best gift I have ever received was a literal rock my friend found and glued eyes on to. I had been talking about wanting a pet rock for weeks and honestly thought people didn’t take me seriously when I had mentioned it. Though it cost her nothing and might have seemed strange to others, her gift made me feel extremely seen. In other words: You don’t need to spend your entire paycheck to buy or make a gift to show how much you care; you just need to find a way to make them feel loved.

So I’m sharing some items that I think make great gifts without costing a lot of money. While these products can largely be found at big businesses like Amazon and Walmart, I’m also highlighting some smaller businesses in Contra Costa County where you can buy them too. The prices listed with each item below are reflective of an average across the given businesses at the time of reporting and, as such, are subject to change.

Journal

 

Journals are a great technology-free avenue for practicing mindfulness, drawing and making collages or just to write whatever you want and express yourself.

Price: $13

You can find this at Orinda Books at 276 Village Square in Orinda, Target and Amazon.

Mini skincare set

 

Most popular makeup brands have their own mini skincare sets that allow you to try their products without having to commit to buying a full-sized version of their products.

Price: $18

You can find this at Sally Beauty at 1352 Fitzgerald Drive in Pinole, Walmart and Amazon.

 

There are blind bags/boxes for practically every interest, which makes it the perfect unique and thoughtful gift. What’s inside? The contents of a blind bag or box are secret, making for a fun surprise for both the giver and receiver.

Price: $19

You can buy this at Anime Island at 4060 El Cerrito Plaza in El Cerrito, Pop Mart and Walmart.

Portable speaker

 

If you know someone who enjoys listening to music, they’ll love being able to take their music on the go and bring it to get-togethers, parties and other events.

Price: $13

You can buy this at Walmart, Target and Amazon.

Mini waffle maker

 

Lots of people love waffles, and a mini waffle maker is a great gift for people who enjoy making a quick and simple breakfast at home.

Price: $12

You can buy this at Target, Amazon and Walmart.

Yoga mat

 

If you know anyone planning to make a New Year’s resolution related to health and fitness, a yoga mat will give them the opportunity to practice pilates, yoga and other exercises safely at home.

Price: $17

You can buy this at Sports Basement at 1881 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, Target and Walmart.

Diamond painting kit

 

Similarly to paint-by-number kits, diamond painting kits or gem-by-number kits are a fun and relaxing hobby that can be done without any artistic skill and are perfect for people of all ages.

Price: $17

You can buy this at Target, Walmart and Amazon.

Card games

 

A deck of cards is portable and can be used to play many games again and again with family and friends, making them a great gift to bring to social gatherings.

Price: $15

You can buy this at Black Diamond Games at 1950 Market St., Suite E, in Concord, Target and Walmart.

Slushy cup

 

Full-sized slushy makers are bulky and expensive, but a slushy cup takes up a fraction of the space and is able to create the same tasty frozen treat.

Price: $13

You can buy this at Amazon and Walmart.

Handmade ornament, coaster or keepsake

 

Buying gifts can be practical, but nothing is better than making them yourself. All you need to create a personalized ornament, coaster or other unique keepsake is your imagination and whatever craft materials you have lying at your disposal.

Although it can be convenient to buy everything from larger corporations during the holidays, don’t also forget to support local businesses in Contra Costa County. Buying from small businesses helps business owners, the environment and the entire community.