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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

35 Non-Material Holiday Gift Ideas for Any Budget

November 21, 2024 by Katie H.

Mother and children in matching Christmas pajamas.

When it comes to gift-giving over the holiday season, I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” that you can consume this time of the year. Sometimes I feel that the focus on material things overshadows the true spirit of the season—connection, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. That’s why I love exploring non-material gift options that bring joy without adding to the clutter. This is why today I am sharing a list of non-material gift ideas that will work with any type of budget you have!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Free or low-cost non-material gift ideas:

If you are on a budget this holiday season, don’t feel the need to spend a lot of money on your family. Gifts that come from the heart are always the best. These gifts are perfect if you are a broke teen or college student who wants to give but is low on cash. Maybe you’re paying off debt, and holiday gifts don’t fit your budget. Or, if money is tight this year, you can still give something special to a loved one.

  • A Coupon Book – Coupon books are always a cute way to offer services. This would be a great gift from a teen to a parent.
  • Babysitting Services – As a mom of two kids, every year when my family asks what I want for Christmas, I tell them free babysitting throughout the year. This is the most valued gift to me.
  • Pet Sitting Services – If you know someone with pets who also likes to travel, offer them some pet sitting services. This will help them save money on boarding their animals during their next trip.
  • Baked Goods – Baked goods always make a thoughtful and delicious gift this time of year.
  • Pass Down a Family Heirloom – Do you have something special in your jewelry box that you could pass down to a family member? Sometimes family heirlooms can make very special and meaningful gifts.
  • Create a Playlist – You could make a Spotify playlist for someone special. I think this is a cute gift idea for a young couple or a fun one for a friend.
  • Framed Photo – I’ve gifted this before and also received it as a gift, and I love it. You can find a cheap frame at a thrift store and spend just a few cents to print out a fun memory for someone you love.
  • Thoughtful Letter – I think reading something that comes from the heart speaks volumes.
  • Scrapbook – Scrapbooks are great ways to reflect on memories. You can even make a digital scrapbook for someone using a program like Canva.

Non-Material Gift Ideas for families with young kids:

These gift ideas are perfect for families with kids. While kids love receiving toys as gifts, as a parent, I know that toys only go so far. With an overload of toys, kids can get bored quickly, and many end up collecting dust in the corner. That’s why sometimes gifting an experience is exactly what they need. Experiences create lasting memories, give families something to look forward to, and often provide opportunities for quality time together. Whether it’s a membership, an outing, or a fun activity, these gifts can bring joy long after the holiday season is over.

  • A Museum Membership – Young children love museums, and it can be a great family activity during the winter months when it’s cold outside.
  • Zoo Membership – Just like museums, zoos make for wonderful family outings.
  • Indoor Waterpark Tickets – Another fantastic winter activity to do with kids. This could be a memorable family experience.
  • Bowling Alley Gift Card – We took our kids bowling one weekend, and they absolutely loved it. We had a blast, so this would be a great idea for a family.
  • Ice Cream Shop Gift Card – What kid doesn’t love ice cream? A gift card to their favorite ice cream shop is a treat they can enjoy all year long.
  • Sporting Event Tickets – If you have older kids or sports fans in the family, gifting tickets to a hockey or basketball game is always a fun idea. If you’re looking to spend less, consider tickets to a smaller, local team in your area.
  • Family Vacation – I know this is more of an expensive gift, but nothing beats the memories you make on a family vacation. Skipping gifts and taking a family trip over the holidays is a great way to spend quality time together. Whether it’s a ski trip, a cruise, or something else that works for your family, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Non-Material Gift Ideas for couples:

I know from experience that many adults greatly appreciate a non-material gift. I find them extremely thoughtful, especially when people take the time to choose something you can enjoy with your spouse or significant other. Here are a few ideas you could try for a couple on your Christmas gift list.

  • Cooking Class – Local cooking classes make a fun gift for a couple. Many community centers offer them, or you can even find restaurants in your area that host cooking classes.
  • Dance Lessons – If you know a couple who might enjoy dancing, this is a fun and engaging gift idea they can try together.
  • Pickleball Court Pass – Pickleball is popular among couples, and gifting a court pass or membership at their favorite pickleball location could be a great option.
  • Golf Lessons – Golf lessons, or even a driving range gift card, would make for a fantastic date activity.
  • Movie Theater Gift Card – A movie theater gift card is a classic and thoughtful date night idea.
  • Theater Tickets – For anyone who loves live theater, consider checking for upcoming shows at a local venue that they might enjoy.
  • Restaurant Gift Card – A restaurant gift card is always a reliable gift for couples. Just make sure it’s for a local and convenient spot they’ll love.

Practical non-material gift ideas:

Sometimes, practical gifts are the best! Receiving something that makes your life a little easier is always appreciated. Here are a few examples of practical, non-material gifts.

  • Meal Prep Subscription Service: Meal prep services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or Factor can be lifesavers for busy people. Gifting a subscription or a gift card is a thoughtful way to help them enjoy delicious meals without the hassle.
  • House Cleaning: Treat someone to a professional cleaning service for their home. A good deep clean is always appreciated and makes a wonderful gift.
  • Streaming Service Subscription: Pay for a year’s subscription to Disney+, Netflix, or another streaming platform. It’s a gift that keeps on giving entertainment all year long.
  • Online Gym Memberships: Fitness-focused gifts like Peloton, Apple Fitness+, or Aaptiv memberships make excellent options for someone who enjoys working out from home.
  • Grocery Store Subscriptions: A Walmart+ subscription with free delivery can make grocery shopping much easier. An Instacart gift card is another fantastic option for added convenience. I’m also a big fan of Thrive Market—it offers great organic products with the convenience of delivery. This would be an excellent gift for someone who prioritizes healthy eating.
  • Salon/Barber Gift Card: Cover the cost of their next haircut, color, or styling session. It’s a practical and thoughtful way to show you care.
  • Spa Gift Card: Few things are more relaxing than a day at the spa. This gift is perfect for anyone who deserves some self-care and pampering.

Gifts for teens:

Teens can be tricky to shop for, but non-material gifts are a great option. They give teens the freedom to choose how they use their gift, making it both thoughtful and practical. Here are a few non-material gift ideas for the teen in your life.

  • Concert Tickets: Treat your teen to tickets for their favorite artist’s next concert—an experience they’ll never forget!
  • iTunes/Google Play Gift Cards: Give them the freedom to download music, apps, or games they love.
  • Fast Food Gift Cards: Perfect for grabbing a bite at their favorite fast-food spots.
  • Gaming Subscriptions: A great choice for teens who love video games! Cover their PlayStation or Xbox subscription, or gift them a gaming gift card.
  • Visa Gift Cards: My go-to gift for my teen niece and nephew! It gives them the freedom to spend it however they like.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you check out my post: 10 Holiday Shopping Budget Tips to Help you Save Money!

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35 non-material gift ideas for any budget

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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