Gift-Giving on a Budget: Thoughtful and Affordable Ideas for All Ages

We're just a few weeks away from merry-making, cookie-baking, and gift-wrapping, but what happens when our holiday enthusiasm clashes with our limited cash reserves? Suddenly, the thrill of finding the perfect gift becomes a challenge. Fear not! We've got some great gift ideas that will bring smiles to the special people in your life without breaking the bank.

Why Choose Thoughtful Gifts?

In life, we remember how experiences made us feel, and thoughtful gifts create lasting memories and deeper connections with those we care about. Whether it’s for friends, partners, coworkers, or extended family, your gift will make them feel seen, understood, and appreciated.

Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive gifts aren’t always the most thoughtful. In fact, thoughtful gifts often tend to be more affordable because it’s the little things that hold the most value in the long run. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for every age group:

For the Little Ones (Under 10)

Little ones are full of wonder and excitement, making it easy to delight them with simple, thoughtful gifts. Here are some ideas to spark their imagination and bring joy to their hearts:

Customizable Name Gifts

Make the little ones feel special with personalized items like homemade name necklaces, bracelets, fun water bottles, or stuffed animals. You can create festive holiday-themed t-shirts for the whole family by personalizing each one with their name on the back.

Cost: $10-$40

Go Somewhere Special

Kids love sharing their favorite places with those they care about. Plan a visit to a simple spot like McDonald’s Play Place or a movie theater. Look for kids’ discounts or sales and coordinate with their parents (which might be you!).

Cost: $10-$40

Mail a Surprise

Remember the excitement of receiving mail as a kid? Send a silly card with cool stickers to brighten their day or sign them up for a kids’ crafts or book subscription box.

Cost: $5-$24

Science Kit

Create a DIY science kit with household items like baking soda, vinegar, soda, and food coloring. Capture their reactions for lasting memories!

Cost: $5-$15

You Can Never Go Wrong with a Book

Give a kiddo the gift of adventure with a new book! Introduce them to a new genre, pick up the next book they need in a series, or figure out what might be on their wish list. Shop for a variety of books across all genres and support a local bookstore at Daydream Believer Books and Gifts in Lake Mills.

Cost: $10-$30

For more ideas on what to get the kiddos in your life for the holidays, check out: 34 Meaningful Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything

For the Teens (11-19)

Teens are all about self-expression and individuality. Thoughtful gifts that cater to their interests and hobbies can make a big impact. Here are some ideas to consider:

Cozy Essentials

Just like us, teens love to cozy up after a long day! Gift them cozy blankets, big stuffed animals, slippers, or mood lighting like string lights or LED light strips!

Cost: $15-$50

Embrace Their Hobbies  

Support their interests, whether it’s sports, music, art, or computer and tech. Gather their hobby wish list and find them something within your budget.

Cost: $15-$50

Capture Memories

Teenage years are filled with memorable moments. Gift disposable cameras and photo albums to help them capture and cherish these times. Sometimes even refilling their instant photos or film packs stock is enough as that can get expensive for them.

Cost: $18-$50

Vintage and Artisan Items for Self-Expression

Teenagers are all about expressing themselves and showing off what makes them unique. Consider buying a vintage or handmade gift that can help them stand out at the Corner Mercantile in Lake Mills. Pick up a punny candle, vintage backpack, or delicious chocolate stocking stuffers.

Cost: $5-$60+

Hair Care Essentials

Help them take care of their hair with quality hair care products. Teens often don’t have the budget to splurge on self-care items, so consider gifting them a set of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that suit their hair. Shop locally at Luminous Rose for a minty scalp scrub, blue tansy and bamboo shampoo bar.

Cost: $20-$48

For the Adults (20-64)

Adults appreciate gifts that are thoughtful and personalized. A well-chosen gift can bring joy and show that you care about their interests and passions. Here are some ideas:

Framed Memorable Moments

We love our devices, but some photos are too special to stay on Instagram. Frame pictures for desks, walls, countertops, or nightstands and dressers.

Cost: $15-$40

For The Silly Ones

Gift them something unique—and put your face on it. Your friend with a good sense of humor will love a silly pair of socks, keychain, or a mug with your face stamped on it!

Cost: $15-$30

Beloved Fur Babies

Celebrate pets with customizable gifts like pins, stickers, framed portraits, or knitted sweaters. Head to Etsy to get custom artwork done of the owner and their pet. Or consider gifting a pet-grooming session or spa day at Belly Scrubs Pet Spa in Lake Mills. It’s a thoughtful way to pamper their furry friend and show you care.

Cost: $15-Varies

Jewelry for Any Budget

Jewelry can be a timeless and thoughtful gift. Pick up a necklace or ring in their favorite gemstone or bring one of their existing pieces to get engraved! Visit Countryside Jewelry in Lake Mills for a wide range of options that fit any budget.

Gift an Experience

Experiences can make the best and most memorable gifts. Visit The Vintage Flip in Lake Mills and buy your loved one a Christmas cupcake decorating class or a beginner’s sourdough class. The Vintage Flip also has a wide assortment of gift options from Swedish dishcloths, quirky ornaments and room sprays to used and vintage books!

Cost: $6-$55

Help Them Stop and Smell the Rosé

For the person that seems to have it all, a consumable gift might be the best option so it’s not collecting dust on their shelves. If you’ve got a wine lover in your life, head over to the Lewis Station Winery & Distillery and pick up a bottle of small-batch, hand-crafted award-winning wine. If that’s not their style, they also offer a variety of spirits, such as flavored vodka, gin and whiskey. They also have a variety of Wisconsin craft beers!

Cost: $15-$35

Skincare Treats

Pamper your loved ones with luxurious handmade skincare products from Luminous Rose in Lake Mills. Skincare items can be a wonderful way to show you care about their well-being and self-care.

Cost: $20-$50

For the Seniors (65+)

Seniors have a wealth of experience and love to share. Thoughtful gifts can show them how much they are appreciated. Here are some ideas to consider:

Greenery and Beautiful Blooms

Plants add life and vibrancy to spaces and offer sensory stimulation, low-cost maintenance, and improved air quality for seniors. Brighten their day with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Consider getting a lovely arrangement from Waterloo Blooms in Lake Mills. This local florist is known for their wide selection of the freshest flowers!

Cost: $10-$30

Handmade Gifts

Homemade gifts can feel the most heartfelt, especially for our seniors. This can include crocheted hats or painted ornaments. You could even create a DIY double picture frame made of wood—and feature yourself on it!

Cost: $5-$20

Personalized Puzzle

Create puzzles from family photos or favorite pictures. It’s a fun and personalized pastime.

Cost: $18-$30

Stationery Stock Up

A lot of older family members still find value in handwritten notes and letters, so help them stock up on stationery at a local mother-daughter-run shop like Wallflower Market in Lake Mills. You can browse through home décor, stationery, coloring books for the littles, and fun decals! Bonus? They provide custom orders so you can really personalize your gift!

Cost: $4-Varies

DIY and Home Improvements

For the handy person in your life—or at least the retired one—consider gifts from your local Ace Hardware. DIY kits, gardening tools, or home improvement items can be both practical and appreciated.

Cost: Varies

Our Holiday Savings Solution

We all want to give our loved ones the best presents, but holiday expenses can add up quickly. At Farmers & Merchants State Bank, we offer solutions to help you save and budget for your holiday spending needs. Our Holiday Savings Account is designed to help you save throughout the year.

Key Features:

• Interest Paid Annually: Interest is credited to your account on November 1st each year.
• Automatic Deposits: Funds can be deposited using direct deposit or customized automated transfers.
• No Monthly Fees: No monthly maintenance fees, allowing your savings to grow without deductions.

This account is perfect for ensuring you have funds set aside for shopping, travel, or unexpected expenses. Click here to start your holiday savings journey! You can even open it today and start saving for the 2025 holiday season.

Introducing Prime Checking

While you’re planning your holiday budget, consider how you can make your money work harder for you. Our Prime Checking account offers a higher interest rate than traditional checking accounts, even when your funds are idle. This means you can earn more while you save for those special gifts. Interest is compounded monthly, and to qualify, you must enroll in E-statements and Direct Deposit. With a deposit of up to $25,000, you can enjoy higher interest rates and maximize your savings.

Happy Holidays From F&M!

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and giving. By choosing thoughtful and affordable gifts, you can show your loved ones how much they mean to you without straining your budget. Remember, it’s the sentiment behind the gift that truly counts. As you prepare for the festivities, consider opening a Holiday Savings Account with Farmers & Merchants State Bank to make next year’s holiday shopping even easier. And for those looking to maximize their savings, our Prime Checking account offers a higher interest rate to help your funds grow. Happy holidays from all of us at Farmers & Merchants State Bank!