ALT-1 Great Gift Ideas under 5
With the weak economy, many people are struggling just to make ends meet. Ultimately this means that people don't have very much money to spend on gifts for birthdays and holidays. However, people still have the desire to give gifts to their family members and friends. A great gift doesn't have to be something that will break the bank because the old saying does say "It is the thought that counts." These are some great ideas of gifts that can be given for every occasion and will cost the gift giver five dollars or less. Even better, the recipient will never know that the gift was so inexpensive.
Gifts for Children
Art and coloring gift: The items that are needed to create this gift for a child can be purchased at your local Dollar Tree, where every item is a dollar. Items that can be included for this gift are crayons, markers, construction paper and coloring books. The great thing about coloring books from dollar stores is that they are discounted, not specially made coloring books for the dollar store. Children will love having this option for expressing their creative side.
Outdoor play assortment: This is another set of gifts that can be purchased from the local dollar store. Some items that can be included in this inexpensive, but fun gift include bubbles, jump rope, balls and sidewalk chalk. Children will enjoy using all of these items outside during the warmer months of the year.
Some other ideas of inexpensive gifts that children will be thrilled to receive are: Hot Wheels (typically $1.00 per car) for little boys. A Barbie (Barbie Dolls that are wearing only a bathing suit are the least expensive but little girls can dress them up in the clothes they already have). Additionally, a savvy shopper might be able to find brand new items for prices that are significantly less than their retail price at consignments stores or sales.
Gifts for Women
Scrapbooking basket: A basket from the dollar store can be filled with all of the items that an avid scrapbooker would need to create a memorable scrapbook page. The items that should be included in this type of gift basket are papers, a pair of scissors and embellishments for the page.
Spice set: Dollar and discount stores frequently carry a variety of spices that a woman who enjoys cooking will frequently use. Choose a few different types of spices and present them to the gift recipient in a small wooden rack. She will be thrilled to have a supply of spices and will have no idea that it was a very inexpensive gift.
Gardening gift: Many women take pride in their gardens and that is the reason that this inexpensive gift idea is perfect for spring or summer birthdays and Mother's Day. The items that should be included in this type of gift are some seed packets and a small flower pot for starting the seeds. This will be a gift that the recipient will enjoy all summer long.
Gifts for Men
Allen Wrenches: These are simple tools that come in handy all the time. They can be used for anything from putting together and taking apart furniture, bicycle repair and even taking apart electronics in the home. Allen wrenches are frequently on sale for under five dollars a set at stores such as Harbor Freight.
Screw drivers: Screw drivers are another item that a man can never have too many of. Screw drivers are used for all functions of daily life. Screw drivers are very inexpensively purchased at discount stores and also at Harbor Freight.
Personal care travel kit: Whether the man that you are getting a gift for travels on a regular basis or only travels occasionally, this is a great gift. Some items that you could include for him would be disposable razors, a travel sized can of shaving cream, a bar of soap and shampoo. This gift could easily be packed into his suitcase so that he won't have to scurry around looking for these things when getting ready for his next trip.
Other ideas that would make great gifts for anyone include a book and bookmark (which can be purchased from the dollar store). Picture frames that can be used for home decor are a great idea as well. If you are a crafty person, there is no limit to handmade items that you can give as gifts that will cost you less than five dollars.
When it comes to gift giving, it is the thought that counts. However, the fact that you have a very limited budget doesn't mean that you won't be able to give a great and memorable gift for any occasion. This list is by no means all-inclusive, but will help you think about the great array of gifts that can be given that will cost less than five dollars.
