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Ever wanted to tell someone thank you with more than just your words but didn’t want to break the bank to do so? This is where inexpensive thank you gift ideas come in!
Gift-giving is a unique way to show your appreciation for someone. Although a verbal thank you is always appreciated, a physical gift can better demonstrate your gratitude.
So here are 20 inexpensive gift ideas for that special someone in your life. And the great thing is that many of these items can be purchased online.
Who could use a thank you gift?
When you think of who to buy cheap thank you gifts for, think about people in your professional life.
Perhaps there is a co-worker who covered for you when you took days off. Or a secretary who helps you stay organized.
Even a mentor who helped you advance in your career would appreciate a thank you gift.
Going beyond the workspace, inexpensive thank you gifts are great for helpful neighbors or carpool buddies.
Any person in your life who has helped you manage your day-to-day activities or made things easier for you would be the perfect person to give a gift to.
20 Inexpensive thank you gift ideas
Now that you know who to give gifts to, let’s talk about what you're going to give. Depending on the person you can get them something edible, thoughtful, or practical.
Here are 20 inexpensive thank you gift ideas that will be perfect for the people in your life.
1. Chocolate
Very few people would refuse a box of chocolates. This is why this sweet treat is one of the most popular cheap thank you gifts.
Many chocolates can be purchased from your local candy shops. But if you need more ideas, this list not only shares the best-boxed chocolates but also gives you ideas of fancier chocolates that are sure to leave a good impression.
For example, Lindt Chocolates are a perfect gift for coworkers, spouses, and also friends.
2. Homemade banana bread
Out of all the inexpensive gift ideas, homemade banana bread is the least expensive and perhaps the most delicious.
The great thing is that it can be made with what you already have in your pantry. And don’t worry if you're not a big baker, there are tons of simple recipes to follow.
In addition, the great thing about banana bread is it can be a gift for one or many. If you want to show appreciation to your staff or a group of coworkers, a loaf of banana bread is a great expression of gratitude.
3. Fruit basket
Giving a basket full of delicious seasonal fruits is one of the go-to cheap thank you gifts. There are often premade fruit baskets are your local store.
However, if you want to be a little more creative, try visiting your local farmer's market. There you can personally pick out the selected fruits for a more personalized gift.
Fruit baskets are a great gift to leave on your neighbor's doorstep or a gift to your gardener.
4. Spice basket
A spice basket is a perfect inexpensive thank-you gift for someone who enjoys cooking. Putting together this gift can consist of going on a spice hunt for exotic flavorings.
However, if you don't have much time, you can purchase premade boxes. Most boxes cost between $20 and $30.
5. Coffee and tea (one of the easiest inexpensive thank you gift ideas!)
Rich coffee beans or aromatic tea leaves are two inexpensive thank-you gifts that anyone would love. These gifts are not only practical but are easy to purchase when you’re short on time.
If you want to make sure these two gifts are a hit, try asking around to see what type of coffee or tea your special someone likes. So you can be sure to get them exactly what they enjoy.
Coffee gifts are often a big hit with co-workers and bosses.
6. Candles
Candles can set the mood for any environment. It can make a home feel cozy. Even lighting a candle in the office can make the space more inviting. Also, most candle lovers would admit that they can never have too many.
Because there is an abundance of candle options and they are used almost daily, they can make for the ideal inexpensive thank-you gift.
There are many places to get candles such as Target, Home Goods, and even on Amazon. Candles can also be the perfect romantic gift for your partner.
7. A handwritten note
As we know, the point of inexpensive thank-you gifts is to show appreciation by spending as little money as possible. If you want to say thank you but have a $0 budget you can always write a handwritten thank you note.
This may seem simple and not as flashy as buying candles or coffee but, it can still be just as meaningful depending on what you write.
When composing your handwritten note first think about what you want to say before you start writing. Because the most thoughtful letters are sincere and specific.
If you want your note to be a little fancier you can write the note on special stationery or write the letter using calligraphy or another fancy lettering.
Handwritten notes are appreciated by everyone but are loved by parents and partners.
8. Frame a picture of you and the receiver
If you are more of a visual person and less of a wordsmith, a framed picture is a great inexpensive thank-you gift.
This gift is ideal for anyone who you have shared memories with. For example, a coach that helped you train for your marathon or a photo of your mother and their grandbaby, to thank them for the extra help.
9. A photobook
To take the photo idea a little further you can create a photo book. In addition, photo books are inexpensive thank you gifts that can double as birthday and holiday gifts.
Many photobooks cost between $10 and $30 and are simple to put together. There are many programs such as photobookamerica.com, and snapfish.com that can help you design your book.
A photobook can be a memorable gift for the person you went on a road trip with or someone who helped you put on an event.
10. Personalized playlist (one of the most unique inexpensive thank you gift ideas!)
You may remember the era of mixed tapes and CDs if you were born in the 90s. Back in the day if someone recorded for you a random collection of songs you were on the top tier of friends.
Since CDs and cassette tapes are a thing of the past, you can create a personalized playlist. Although Spotify's AI does this for many people, it still can’t outdo a personal touch.
These hand-picked playlists are great for the workout buddy that has helped you stay consistent or a friend and fellow music lover.
To make these playlists special try adding a mixture of different songs. Also add songs that are special to you and the other person, songs that bring up nostalgia, and songs you know that person would enjoy. You can even throw in some podcasts into the mix.
11. Personalized mugs
A personalized mug is an inexpensive thank you gift that others will love and use.
Common personalized mugs can include someone's name or their titles such as superhero mom or best coworker. At Gossby.com they have mugs that you can write personalized messages on, to give to your special person.
Mugs are great for coworkers, grandparents, and family members.
12. A book
Books are those inexpensive thank you gift ideas that never fail. This is because there are always an array of books to choose from and almost all books have an average price of $20 or less. A book is a great way to say thank you to a teacher or a counselor.
If you're not sure which type of book to choose you can always go with a book on financial literacy.
It's the inexpensive thank you gift that keeps on giving.
13. Compression socks or winter socks
Out of all the cheap thank you gifts, socks might not sound glamorous or appealing. Yet they are a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone in your life. Besides no one can keep up with a pair of socks for very long.
If you want to upgrade this somewhat simple gift try gifting compression socks or thick winter socks to provide more support and warmth.
Socks are always appreciated by family members young and old.
14. Reusable water bottle with filter
Gifting a reusable water bottle with a filter is what every traveler needs and wants. They are convenient, practical and sometimes a necessity.
So they are a great gift for the traveler in your life and one of the best inexpensive thank you gifts.
15. Passport holder
International travel is growing and it is made possible by the use of a passport.
This is why having a passport holder that can hold a passport as well as other important cards can be an inexpensive thank-you gift that will be much appreciated by friends or family members who are always traveling.
16. Travel journal
For those that want to save memories that aren’t captured by their camera phones, a travel journal is a great gift idea. There are many travel journals that not only give you space to write but include spaces to write down the location, date, and weather.
This is an obvious gift for a friend that travels, but it can also be a gift that encourages a friend or a co-worker to take that trip.
17. Multi-USB outlet charger (most practical of the inexpensive thank you gift ideas!)
We’re all in some way attached to our devices which is why we often need to charge them.
Some of the most inconvenient travel moments are when you need to charge your tablet, cellphone, and earbuds at the same time with one outlet available. This is why a multi-USB outlet charger is one of the best inexpensive thank you gift ideas.
Your cousin or friend who is about to backpack through Europe will be very thankful for this gift!
18. Adult coloring book
Although coloring books are associated with children, adult coloring books can have many benefits for the overactive mind. These coloring books with more complex patterns, other than your Disney princesses, can be self-soothing and therapeutic.
Making them a great inexpensive thank-you gift for anyone who needs a calming activity.
19. Gratitude journal
Superstars such as Oprah, rave about the importance of gratitude. Studies have shown that showing a little bit of gratitude every day can improve your happiness and overall mental health.
Gratitude journals make for a thoughtful and useful gift for a friend, close relative or mentor.
20. Listography journal
Who doesn’t like making a good list? We rely on lists to help us with our grocery shopping, and to get things done for the day.
But lists aren’t just practical, they are fun, too. With listography journals, they make list making interesting with lists for traveling, dreams, and so much more.
These journals are perfect for a secretary or personal assistant. And they are also a handy gift for someone new to journaling.
Show your gratitude with inexpensive thank you gift ideas without breaking the bank!
Gift-giving is an act of kindness and appreciation. Whether you are looking for a practical or creative gift, the most important thing to remember is to add a personal touch.
Take your time in choosing the right gift for the right person.
With this extensive list of inexpensive thank you gift ideas you are sure to find the perfect gift for that special person. And to be prepared for any occasion, check out these other gift ideas!