Cheap but not tacky Christmas presents?

[jessicajaine01]

Just as it says... currently on mat leave and struggling slightly! Cheap but meaningful Christmas gifts ideas? Or any advice in general... not looking to go back to work until at least after Christmas, the thought of leaving my baby is killing me!!!

Mug with pic of baby on for grandparents? A local company with me does it for £3 but Tesco etc do it for a bit more.

I must be really weird but I would hate photos of my grandkids as a Christmas present. Surely most modern grandparents have thousands of photos on their phones.

I would also hate a bloody "Hamper" full of festive food, presented on Christmas day when you have already got a cupboard full of festive stuff

For a cheap gift I would like new gardening gloves and/or some seeds. Or an organiser calendar. Or bath foam.

BTW the trick is to save for roof, food, bills, not tatmas.

I bake for more distant relatives (those we'd usually buy biscuits or chocolates for). I put them in plastic containers and decorate with festive ribbon. I've made mini gingerbread men, shortbread and cookies. These also work really well for teacher gifts. On the plus side, there's nothing for anyone to keep, just eat and recycle the plastic!

This year, after going on a workshop, I'm making plant terrariums. The six I'm making are all for family members who enjoy plants but none have a terrarium. They work out about £13 each this year but going forward they will be considerably cheaper as I'll have the tools and left over supplies.

We've also openly talked to my brother and my BIL/SIL about just buying for children, not adults. This also makes things cheaper and easier.

Not on the high street website has pressies over 50percent off

Go to the charity shops they always have unopened gifts cheap...prob pressies given from last Christmas

Check out the Christmas bargain thread, it's on number 19 atm so it's moving fast. There are lots of live offers, deals and discount codes which people kindly find and post. Lots of lovely posters offering good advice and ideas for those on a budget.

Christmas bargain thread no 19

Etsy is brilliant for cheap gifts, jars of home made face creams/bath stuff, hand printed canvas shoppers, all sorts of bits and bobs.