This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
The holiday season is upon us, which can often mean lots of opportunities and situations where you need to — or just want to — provide a small gift. All of these together can add up, though! I’ve come up with a list of simple and frugal gift ideas for holiday gift exchanges. This might be an exchange at work or church or school, or maybe you just want to get a little something for a neighbor. Check out the thrift store, dollar store, or other discount store for most of these items, or buy in bulk to use for multiple different situations.
Frugal Gift Ideas for Holiday Gift Exchanges
Small jar of local honey or jam
Fluffy socks + a mini lotion
A thrifted basket with cocoa mix, candy canes, and a $1 mug
Coffee sampler: a few scoops of beans from different bags + gift tag
DIY spice blends in tiny jars
Homemade chai mix or spiced sugar in a jar
Jar of homemade granola, spiced nuts, or hot chocolate mix
Small potted plant or propagated houseplant cutting in a thrifted mug
A mini on-the-go “survival kit” (gum, coffee packet, Advil, sticky notes, etc.)
Mini framed print of an inspiring quote (print at home, use a dollar store or thrift store frame)
Socks with a funny saying
A pack of nice pens or markers
A small candle wrapped with a handwritten tag
Cute reusable shopping bags (check out Marshall’s or TJ Maxx)
A cute mug + a few packets of hot cocoa or tea bags
Travel-size hand creams or sanitizers
Mini notebook + snack bar
Phone stand or pop socket
A bag of specialty popcorn or caramel corn
What are your ideas for frugal gift ideas for these situations? Let us know in the comments!
