Last-minute x’mas shopping for under $10

Forget about cheesy gifts like coffee mugs and T-shirts! Here's a list of gift ideas to stretch your Christmas shopping budget – all for less than $10!

1. For Babies

Instead of spending a bomb on big items, why not pay special attention to a baby's little needs? If the baby is teething, you may wish to get teething toys as a gift.

Kidz Loft has a selection ranging from basic water-filled teething. Other practical little gifts include teething gels, washcloths, bibs, strappy clips to prevent pacifiers from falling out (yet again), and socks or booties for keeping baby's feet warm.

2. For Parents and In-Laws

For those with mothers and mother-in-laws who are avid cooks, IKEA has a wide range of affordable cookware that perk up any aspiring chef. Cooking and baking tools like can openers, peelers, measuring cups, knives, and bottle openers are available from just $1.60, or consider the non-stick frying pans from IKEA.

And what could be more precious to grandparents than the lovely faces of their grandkids? Possibly the best gift idea for them would be to develop the cutest photograph you have of your children, put it in an elegant photo frame and wrap it up as a gift! This way, they could admire the adorable faces of their grandchildren everyday even if you don't live together.

Thoughtful gifts need not always come with hefty price tags – unique tea blend for a tea-lover, a rare addition to a collector's series, or baking a tin of Mom's favourite cookies. While the cost of these gifts may not amount to much, the sincerity put into them far outweigh the monetary value.

3. For Significant others

Massage oil. Edible body lotion. Vibrating condoms. An hour-long massage. Well, you get the drift.

If getting kinky isn't your idea of an appropriate Christmas gift, why not present handwritten "vouchers" offering various services and favours to your spouse? Any woman would appreciate a day off from house chores, and any man would be thankful for a day (or night) out with the boys.

A selfless act of kindness will speak volumes more than a present bought off the shelf of a store, and what better time to show your unconditional love than this season of giving?

4. For Children

Why not go back to basics and gift some simple toys that will unleash a child's creativity? Cookery sets, finger puppets, art materials, stuffed animals, and toy cars are great gifts easily available under $10 that will provide hours of imaginative fun and also improve a child's cognitive ability and social development.

If toys are not your preferred choice of gift and you wish to present something more practical, gifts such as this personalised face towels or tote bags from Muji!

5. For Teenagers

With the iPhone being all the rage, the most fitting gift for a teenager would be accessories or paid applications for their smartphone. The average price of an iOS application is US$2.99, so you could even buy two apps for your techie teenager.

Youngsters these days are noticeably more well-groomed and fashion conscious than previous generations, so items like trucker hats, costume jewellery, belts as well as facial and hair care products also make for great gift options.

You could also consider getting a young man his very first shaver, or a young lady her very first makeup item as a mark of their journey into adulthood. The concept behind these gifts is not on the cost, but the silent consent that they are now recognised as young adults and bestowed with certain privileges of a grown-up.

6. For Colleagues

Slightly tricky territory to be stepping into, you may be unsure as to what kind of gifts your colleague may like or be hoping for. Plus, something you might see as funny and humorous may be inappropriate and insulting by another.

So, go with practical. Check out quirky stationery shops like Typo, you’ll find a wide range of pens and notebooks that will put a smile on anyone’s face. They also stock up on things like mugs, paperclips and magnets – think office essentials on a sugar-high!

They frequently have ‘3 for’ promotions where you get 3 pieces of a particular item at a cheaper price! You can make sure everyone in your office gets the same things whilst being tailored to their personalities, what with the various designs available.

Written by

Miss Vanda

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