Make Christmas Magical With Frugal Christmas Gifts

Looking for magical Christmas gifts that won’t cost the earth? From crafty creations to reimagined treasures, these thoughtful ideas keep spirits high and budgets happy.

Make It (Homemade Magic)

Salt Dough Decorations

A Christmas classic! Mix flour, salt, and water, roll it out, and cut into festive shapes. Bake, paint, and hang ’em on the tree, making keepsakes that’ll last for years.

Voucher Books

Kids can create little books of vouchers, such as ‘Help with the washing up,’ or ‘Read a story together.’ Grandparents and siblings will be chuffed to bits when they can cash in a favour or get a hand with the jobs around the house!

Den Kit

Bundle an old sheet, some pegs, and a torch together. Instant ‘build your own den’ kit – hours of imaginative fun for the little ones.

Jar Treats

Fill a jar with homemade biscuits, brownie mix, or hot chocolate powder. Tie on a ribbon and a hand-drawn label for a gift that looks as good as it tastes.

Beaded Jewellery or Keyrings

A handful of beads and some string can be turned into necklaces, bracelets, or keyrings. Colourful, personal, and proper lovely.

Painted Flower Pots

Give old pots a fresh coat of paint and add seeds or a small plant. A gift that grows and keeps on giving.

Re-Love It (Second-Hand Sparkle)

Board Game Refresh

Pick up a preloved board game, give it a clean, and repackage it in a decorated box or bag. Add homemade scorecards or a few treats for a night in with the family.

Puzzle in a Jar

Pop puzzle pieces into a decorated jar with a tag saying ‘Some Assembly Required.’

Frame and Art Upgrade

Grab an old frame and get the kids to jazz it up with paint or glitter, and add a photo, a child’s artwork, or an uplifting quote – a simple, thoughtful pressie.

DIY Craft Kit

Fill an old tin or basket with pens, crayons, stickers, and paper. A homemade ‘craft kit in a box’ that’ll keep kids entertained for hours.

Story Time Bundle

Grab a second-hand mug, give it a wipeover, then fill with cocoa, tea bags, or candy canes. Wrap in brown paper and you’re sorted. Consider adding a second-hand book for a cosy night in.

Jewellery Treasure Box

Source a small box, jazz it up with paint or stickers, and fill with beads, costume jewellery, or friendship bracelets—a mini treasure trove for little hands.

Baking Bundle

Shop for a second-hand mixing bowl, spoon, or cookie cutters, and pair with a handwritten recipe and dry ingredients in a jar. Sweet, thoughtful, and practical.

Toy Fix-Up

Give a pre-loved doll, teddy, or toy car a bit of TLC. A fresh outfit or a lick of paint, and it’s like new.

Movie Night Basket

Pop a DVD of a favourite family film into a basket with popcorn and snacks. Add some homemade tickets, and you’ve got a full-on movie night.

NorthernLife Winter 26