Chic and Cheap Gift Ideas for $10 and Under
Inexpensive Presents with Style for the Holidays and Celebrations
While it’s true that it’s the thought that counts, gift-givers can get the most bang for the buck and give presents that feel much more extravagant than they really are if one knows where to shop. A nice presentation also does wonders for elevating the act of giving. Discount stores that sell designer bargains are wonderful sources for good cheap gifts, and beautiful packaging makes presents feel extra special.
Where To Find a Great Cheap Gift for $10 or Less
Nowadays discount stores are almost everywhere, and most have homeware departments stocked with plenty of name-brand finds. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Filenes Basement all are great places to look for not only clothing and accessories, but serving pieces, kitchen items, home décor, body care goods, and even books and stationery.
Many cities have designer sample sales, which can be found online and are also great for finding high-end items with sought-after appeal. Close-out stores, such at Big Lots and Lot-Less, sometimes stock designer surprises on their shelves, as well. And outlet stores can’t be beat for racking up reputable merchandise on a shoestring budget.
The internet too, is a great way to hunt down bargains, as many outlet stores also sell online. The Crate and Barrel online outlet consistently has a section of cool, useful gifts for under $10. Etsy.com is another great way to go, with a vast selection of handmade jewelry and goods that are modestly priced. Personalization is perfect for making an inexpensive gift feel luxurious. Sites like Lillian Vernon offer an array of small gifts that can be monogrammed very affordably, and they have a vast selection for kids, too.
Be sure to keep an eye out in favorite stores during the year, as many expensive shops frequently have fabulous sales. Anthropologie, for example, almost always has a section of small home and beauty products on sale, where there is invariably something lovely for under ten bucks.
What Kind of Inexpensive Gifts to Buy
A good rule of thumb is that if something jumps out as a high-quality gift worthy of a high-end store, it almost certainly is. Likewise, if it's necessary to ask oneself if the item looks cheesy, it also probably is. The trick is to buy a great item when it's found; chances are it won’t be there next time.
Although one can never count on finding the same item twice, here are several cheap gift ideas that have been found recently and make a stylish impact:
- Dwell hooded baby towel – $10, Dwell Sample sale
- Stila fragrance and cosmetic set – each $5.95, Jack’s 99 Cent Store
- Colorful blown glass votive – $3.95, Anthropologie
- Stylish mod serving piece– $9.95, Crate and Barrel
- Fabric shopping bag with trendy wallpaper print – under $10, Filene’s Basement
- Travel mugs with fun prints by Two’s Company – $5.95, Filene's Basement (personalized versions for $25 at www.monogramsbysopretty.com)
- Monogrammed silverplate coffee scoop – Lillian Vernon, $9.95
- Boxed stationary set (with various initials) – $5.95, TJ Maxx
- Handmade pie dish – ClayItForward on Etsy, $5
- Funky glass tle pendant – Madrin Designs on Etsy, $6
- Perry Ellis men’s khakis – Lot-Less, $9.99
- Andy Warhol Poppy plates – CB2, $1.95
- Bodylotion & shower gel – under $10, Marshall’s
Wrapping a Cheap Gift so it Looks Anything But!
Let’s face it, even a fabulous designer whatnot can feel a bit random when tossed unceremoniously into a shoebox. Although no one will hold the shoebox approach against a gift-giver (hopefully!), a fabulous presentation will make the gift itself feel fabulous long after the wrapping are gone, as first impressions linger.
If the gift item comes without a box, try to find one that will fit nicely. The Container Store sells a huge selection of cardboard gift boxes, many for under a dollar. Ninety-nine cent stores tend to stock shirt boxes and white tissue paper, as well. Stock up on tissue to stuff in the boxes.
As for cheap gift wrap, an economical and elegant way to go is to buy lots of a solid color – white is the most practical and can be used year-round for any celebration. Hallmark offers quality, economy-sized solid rolls. Plain kraft paper also looks eco-chic with pretty ribbon. Avoid dollar-store wrap – it generally looks as cheap as it is.
If possible, splurge on fabric ribbon, because it makes a big difference in dressing up a package. Go for bigger rolls – they’ll be more economical in the end. If white giftwrap is used, satin or grosgrain ribbon in red, green or blue for the holidays will look cheerful and festive. Colorful raffia is another elegant option. As an alternative to a box, try using a sheet of colorful tissue paper under clear cellophane, tied with ribbon at the top.
And remember – nothing can make a gift feel more special than a heartfelt sentiment, so take some time in writing a note that will make the gift meaningful. No matter what one gives, time and thought is really what it takes to offer something that will be appreciated.
Pair a travel cup with mini bags of gourmet coffee
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Stila goods: $6 upstairs at Jack's 99-Cent Store
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Sample Sale Style: Dwell baby blanket, $10
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Expensive-looking rocks glasses:$6. Lot-Less
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