15 guides
Gift giving on a budget guides
Plain-English guides to giving thoughtfully without overspending. We don't recommend brands, publish sponsored gift guides or earn commissions.
Plan the year
A yearly budget, a list, gift limits and a gift fund.
- A gift budget for the whole year
Add it up once, save a little every month.
- Keep a gift list
Write ideas down when you hear them.
- Setting gift limits with family
Most people are relieved when someone asks.
- Start a gift fund
A separate savings account for gifts.
Thoughtful ideas
Homemade, experiences, time and gifts under $20.
- Homemade gifts people love
Time and thought, not money.
- Experience gifts
Memories instead of things.
- Gifts of time and skill
Babysitting, repairs and lessons.
- Thoughtful gifts under $20
Small, personal and useful.
Occasions
Birthdays, weddings and showers, kids' parties and thank-yous.
- Birthdays on a budget
Plan by month, not by panic.
- Weddings and showers
Use the registry, or go in with others.
- Kids' birthday parties
Many parties, small gifts.
- Teachers, hosts and thank-yous
Small and sincere.
Shop smart
Gift card rules, gift card scams and gift receipts.
- Gift card rules
Federal rules on expiration and fees.
- Gift card scams
Anyone demanding payment by gift card is a scammer.
- Gift receipts and returns
Make it easy to swap.