Thoughtful, bespoke Christmas gifts for under $25 in Columbus for folks on a budget
This time of year may be the merriest, but it is also the most expensive. Giving and receiving presents may be part of the magic of this moment, but buying gifts for every occasion can get really pricey.
For this installment of Columbus on a Budget, I shopped for three cheap yet thoughtful gifts.
Whether it’s for your child’s teacher, a coworker or the cousin whose name you drew, here are three budget-friendly options that are sure to be a hit, but also won’t send you into a financial spiral.
The trick for putting together a gift that anyone could love is to make it thoughtful. It doesn’t have to be expensive to feel special, so you can use your own creativity to mix and match items.
A sweet treat
Who love Christmas cookies? Everyone, obviously.
From the dollar store:
- Cookie mix: $1.50
- Holiday plate: $1.50
- 2 cookie buckets: $1.50
- Set of 2 gift bags: $1.50
Sprinkle of magic:
- $10 gift card from Crumbl
Total cost: $16.22
A boozy treat
This gift is a little more streamlined with fewer elements, but makes a big impact.
From the dollar store:
- Canvas wine gift bag: $1.50
- Stemless wine glass: $1.50
Sprinkle of magic:
- $15 bottle of cabernet sauvignon (make sure you buy what the receiver likes)
Total: $20.70
A warm and cozy treat
The options are endless for a coffee-based gift, so you could mix it up with all sorts of fun items, based on preferences.
From the dollar tree:
- Red mug: $1.50
- Mini bag of Jim Beam Bourbon and Vanilla coffee: $2.00
Sprinkle of magic:
- $15 Starbucks gift card (also from the dollar store)
Total: $18.74
Things to consider
As long as you’re giving with the right attitude, you can’t really go wrong, but there are a few practical matters to keep in mind.
- You may have to go to a few places, so plan accordingly
- Check the “low cost” or sales areas of your favorite store
- Keep it bespoke - make it feel personal
- Stay on theme - the more thoughtful it seems, the better
- Make it seem more expensive than it is
Most popular Secret Santa items for 2025
The most popular gift exchange ideas right now tend to be small, usable “everyday upgrades” or funny-but-functional items, usually in the $15–$30 range.
According to Forbes Magazine, here are the top picks for 2025
- Mini-tech items (Apple AirTags, charging cables)
- Cozy winter items (socks, gloves, scarves, etc)
- Basket of sweet treats
- Pre-filled photo albums
- Book accessories (book lights, bookmarks)
Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone, and please share your gift exhange tips and tricks with me!
Do you have any ideas for the next installment of “Columbus on a budget?” Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.