[Cindy]

With the holiday season around the corner, I’m looking for inspiration for thoughtful yet budget-friendly Christmas gifts to give my kids “from Santa.” It’s always heartwarming to watch them unwrap their gifts and see their joy, but I’d also love to keep it practical and within a reasonable budget.

For parents who enjoy giving meaningful, affordable presents, what items have you found to be a big hit with your kids?

Whether it’s DIY crafts, simple toys, or items with a bit of sentimental value, I’d appreciate hearing your tried-and-true ideas.

Any suggestions for gifts that spark joy, encourage creativity, or create lasting memories without breaking the bank would be fantastic!

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and ideas.

[Maria]

Most of the Santa gifts when my kids were 12 and under came from yard sales. We always left the gifts from Santa already assembled late night on Christmas Eve so we didn’t have to bother with it in the morning (and they wouldn’t notice there was no box).

These were often large toys or sets that I was getting for next to nothing. They were always a hit.

[Lynn]

I started getting a board game to give my nephews early in the day because we do gift opening on Christmas Eve.

They first have to so figure out a clue that leads them to another clue, eventually leading them to the gift.

[Cindy]

Something you want.
Something you need.

Something to wear and
Something to read.

[Thea]

I’m doing this with pop, chips, cookies, and chocolate. As far as I’m concerned it’s groceries but I don’t buy sugar cereals and such, and my teen loves junk for movie nights, so it’s gift worthy to him.

Things like clothes are not his jam.

[Sarah]

Books, games, puzzles, things to do as a family. I’m not big into gifting things like phones, iPads and computers.

I think those items need to be worked for and earned.

[Tanya]

The exact ingredients of their favorite coffee drinks. (the blend of coffee, syrup, milk…etc) It is way cheaper than them purchasing it at the coffee shop.

Or the Kitchen appliance that makes their life easier.

Just got my daughter a double basket airfryer that was on sales which was a huge upgrade from what she had it has made their lives a lot easier for meal prep.

Last year I got my son a Kitchen aide that was on sale, but he (and his sister) bake as a side business so it is an income maker for them as well as a way that they make all their own food from scratch so it is frugal over all.

[Dawn]

Three gifts. Something they want something they need and one other gift

[Shelley]

Some toys or things they want, but I load with the tree with things I’m going to buy anyways… ex. Favorite chips, snacks for school, books, new toothbrush/paste.

[Laura]

Depending on the age. Little, dollar tree stuff. Small gift cards so they can “buy” their own stuff.

Teens, their favorite smell good stuff, body wash, body spray, etc… the teen stuff is practical and useful.

[Kim]

Coloring book and crayons.
They’re now 27 & 25 and they still love that I do this. It’s a fun and it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come.

There were years that was all I could afford.

[Sherri]

My kids are young adults now. I do a needs stocking with socks, underwear, nailpolish, bodywash, shampoo, razors, and things like that

[Maranda]

So, in our home, Santa fills stockings and leaves small gifts (usually 3-4 gifts from Five Below for each kid). Now, our youngest is 5, so Santa of course leaves her big gift (all santa gifts are unwrapped).

Our big kids gifts get wrapped (minus the small ones from “santa”). This year, my oldest teen is getting small beauty or skincare items.

My middle kid is getting game accessories or snacks.

And baby girl has play food, barbie accessories, etc.

[Stephanie]

Really depends on age, also what is the usual that other family members give. Example both grandmas give pajamas and clothes plus a toy or art item and Christmas ordement.

We have alot of toys and stuff so I usually get art supplies.

Paint by numbers, diamond art, coloring pens exc. They aren’t too expensive.

[Megan]

Our kids only get one gift from Santa, and it’s generally something hand made. The gift isn’t ways cheap, because hand made jewelry cost more than buying something at Claire’s, but it’s more unique and cheaper than multiple gifts or things like electronics.

Then they get their favorite snack, socks, tooth brush, and some candy in their stockings.

From us they get 4 gifts- something they want, need, wear, read.

[Author]

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