We get it. Between rent, textbooks and the ever-rising cost of a decent coffee, trying to find a meaningful gift for a loved one without spending a small fortune is as challenging as ever.
But spreading joy shouldn’t come with a side of January financial stress. Whether you’re shopping for a family member, your study buddy, or the housemate who always knows when to order pizza, we’ve rounded up the best strategies to give thoughtful, high-value gifts that won’t break the bank.
Finding the perfect gift on a student budget is all about strategy. We swear by these money-saving tricks:
- The reverse budget strategy: Don’t start by saying “I’ll spend $50 per person”. Instead, list who you need gifts for and what kind of item you want to give them (e.g., a book, a plant, nice glassware). This is your thrifting plan! Once you know what you need, you can hit up local op shops to find incredible, high-quality versions at a fraction of the retail price.
- Plan ahead: If you can identify your gifts early, you unlock massive savings. This gives you time to keep an eye on the big events (like Black Friday/Cyber Monday) or wait for a specific item to go on sale. Make your list first and stick to it. Those “just browsing” scrolls are where budgets go to disappear!
- Sign up for the discount: Before you hit “checkout,” see if joining a brand’s mailing list gets you a cheeky 10–15% off your first order. This time of year, brands are often extra generous, and that percentage really adds up. You can always unsubscribe later.
- Cashback programs: Programs like ShopBack let you earn a little back while you spend. It might sound minor, but seeing those small amounts add up over the gifting season can be surprisingly satisfying. Always check prices before you shop to ensure you are getting the best deal.
- Compare prices: A quick search across different retailers can help you find the same gift cheaper somewhere else. Two minutes of checking could save you some serious money. Also keep in mind price matching, always ask ‘do you price match?’. Some retailers will even price match with their online sales items in store.
- Team up: Going in with friends or family means you can give a gift that would be outside of your budget alone. It’s the easiest way to go bigger while still spending smart.
- DIY and sentimental wins: A beautifully framed photo, a handwritten letter detailing your favourite memories, or a batch of homemade baked treats? Priceless. These gifts are often remembered and treasured far more than another generic item.
Thriftmas is nearly here!
Spending big does not always mean quality. With a bit of creativity, you can craft high-quality, personalised gifts without breaking the bank.
- Books: Op shops are gold mines for virtually new bestsellers or classics. Find that specific book on your list for a couple of dollars!
- Coffee/tea kit: Find a gorgeous vintage coffee pot, unique teapot, or a set of matching, high-quality ceramic mugs. Pair this with a bag of local beans or a specialty tea blend for a gift that feels luxurious and bespoke.
- Home goods: For friends moving into a new place, look for perfect-condition glassware, dinner sets, or even unopened games.
- Elevated plants: Buy a small, inexpensive houseplant and then thrift an amazing, unique pot to put it in. This instantly elevates the gift from simple to sophisticated.
- Curate a small box with premium coffee/tea sachets, a pack of nice pens, a soothing eye mask, and a handwritten note wishing them success in their next semester. Useful, personal, and cheap.
- Buy a voucher for a cheap local activity, like a session at a mini-golf course, entry to a specific museum exhibit, or simply pre-paying for two movie tickets. Memories over material things, every time.
- The ultimate zero-cost gift – time: Don’t spend anything! Instead, agree to skip the shopping entirely and gift an unforgettable night in. Plan a night of watching a movie, making homemade popcorn, and cooking dinner together. Time together, spent celebrating the connection, is the greatest gift of all.
Remember, the goal is to show care and appreciation. A well-chosen, budget-friendly gift that speaks directly to their interests will always be better received than an expensive gift bought out of obligation which lands you in debt.
Happy (and smart!) gifting!