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Thrifty Thriving 30

Gift Ideas Under $20

Gift Guides · May 12, 2025

Gifting is a great way to show appreciation for the people in your lives who have hit a certain milestone. Especially when you have witnessed their growth to get to the point where they are. We wish we could give the perfect gift but what we have in mind just doesn’t match our budgets. Lucky you! You have landed on this blog post because I have just the answer. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or wedding, you can surprise your loved ones with thoughtful—all for under $20! In this guide, I have rounded up the best budget-friendly gift ideas that don’t compromise on quality. Get ready to impress without the stress!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

Birthdays

When it comes to birthdays, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. I find that preparation can turn any regular gift into something amazing and thoughtful. Here are some thrifty yet memorable birthday gift ideas:

  1. Personalized Mug or Tumbler – Add your friend or relative’s name or a special message for a unique touch.
  2. Scented Candles – Opt for calming scents like lavender or vanilla for relaxation.
  3. Houseplant or Succulent – Bring a bit of nature indoors with an easy-to-care-for plant.
  4. Customized Keychain – Engrave their initials or a meaningful date.
  5. Journal or Planner – Perfect for those who love staying organized.
Mother's Day Candles Gifts, Birthday Gifts for Women, Graduation Gift for Friends, Teacher Appreciation Present, Thank You Gift for Dad, Mom, Coworker, Sister, Farewell Present
Mother’s Day Candles Gifts, Birthday Gifts for Women, Graduation Gift for Friends, Teacher Appreciation Present, Thank You Gift for Dad, Mom, Coworker, Sister, Farewell Present
  • Best Awesome Reminder Candles – With an inspiring label, perfectly reminds people how awesome they are. cute Christmas candles are specially designed for mom, wife, best friend, girlfriend, daughter, BFF, bestie, sister, coworker, neighbor, nurse, boss, assistant, doctor, cousin, grandma. It’s a great gift for mom on Mother’s Day from daughter son.
  • Natural Scented Candles – Formed from natural and renewable soybean wax, mix lavender oil, and 100% cotton wick, burn more slowly and is cleaner than paraffin wax, smokeless, which is more beneficial to the environment. It can burn lasting up to 50 hours. It’s a perfect gift. You will feel the fragrance of nature as if they were in the lavender field through this candle.
  • Suitable Scent for Any Location – A natural blend of lavender and eucalyptus perfume-grade essential oils provides a relaxed, calm, and cozy feeling. Even if it is not lit, the room is full of faint fragrances. A warm and sophisticated aroma is suitable for the bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, yoga room, spa room, office, or any other place.
  • Great Gifts for Friends- Printed with an encouragement saying, People who received this candle will feel your deep miss and wonderful wishes. This candle gift makes a unique thoughtful gift for women, especially for those who appreciate scented candles; Inspirational novelty gift for best friend, BFF, bestie, sister, girlfriend, mom, mom, stepmother, foster mother, new mom, mother, bonus mom, pregnant mom, first time mom,wife, daughter, aunt, teacher, nurse. Gifts for someone who have anything.
  • Handmade – Hand-poured especially for you by a skilled craftsman to ensure the freshness and integrity of each candle. Exquisite black gift box packaging makes candle gifts more fashionable and advanced. Suitable as a gift on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, anniversary, housewarming, encouragement, thank you, miss you, birthday, or special event.
$13.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Anniversaries

Celebrate love without overspending. These thoughtful anniversary gifts prove that it’s the thought that counts:

  1. Photo Frame with Favorite Memories – Collect your best photos and place them in a stylish frame.
  2. Handwritten Love Letter Kit – Nothing beats the charm of a heartfelt note.
  3. Cookbook for Two – Experiment with new recipes together.
  4. Date Night Jar – Fill a jar with fun and romantic date ideas.
  5. Matching Mugs or Pillowcases – Sweet and practical for any couple.
Sale
I Love Weird and I am Weird Couple Pillowcases Set,Romantic Couples Gift Idea, Christmas Valentines Day Engagement Wedding for Couple
I Love Weird and I am Weird Couple Pillowcases Set,Romantic Couples Gift Idea, Christmas Valentines Day Engagement Wedding for Couple
  • Cotton
  • VALENTINES CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR COUPLES—DasyFly offer romantic couple gifts for him and her, love gifts for her, sweet gifts for girlfriend and wife.Cute gifts for boyfriend, men, women, fiance, fiancee, bride, groom, newlywed,wife, husband, women you love, married couple 2 year anniversary, wedding registry, engagement, wedding, bride and groom, thinking of you, i love you,just because and bachelorette party.
  • Cute Boyfriend Girlfriend Gifts—Our couples pillowcase can as wedding anniversary gifts for the couple ,10th anniversary gifts for her ,cotton anniversary gifts ,honeymoon gifts wedding gifts,valentines day gifts, bridal shower gifts,engagement gifts,long distance love gifts,i miss you gifts and christmas gifts for any couples in love.
  • TOP QUALITY–Our couples pillowcases are made of high quality cotton and polyester mixed fabric which offers strength and exceptional softnessis and it`s as soft like as 1500-thread count cotton . Inside stitching features open pocket creating an envelope enclosure to optimally hide the pillow.
  • NO FADING–Digital printing Design will never fade.We use breathable, soft and Resistant to dust fabric which is Machine washable, quick drying and wrinkle resistant. Set of 2 pillowcases.Size: 29 x 19 inches (74 x 48 cm). Fits most standard and queen size pillows.
$12.59
Buy on Amazon

Gift Ideas under $20 for Graduations

Help them celebrate their big achievement with these practical affordable gifts:

  1. Personalized Notebook or Planner – Perfect for keeping their next steps organized.
  2. Portable Power Bank – Keep their devices charged on the go.
  3. Business Card Holder – A sleek holder for networking events.
  4. Desk Organizer Set – Help them keep their workspace tidy.
  5. Inspirational Wall Art – Motivate them to chase their dreams.
VNOX Custom Keychain Gifts for Men - Personalized Key Chain Keychains for Husband Dad Son,Valentines Birthday Christmas Gifts
VNOX Custom Keychain Gifts for Men – Personalized Key Chain Keychains for Husband Dad Son,Valentines Birthday Christmas Gifts
  • Personalized Gifts for Men: A simple and meaningful personalized gift for dad / boyfriend / husband / son . This keychain can be customized with color photos on the front, freeze frames for every special moment, and one or more children’s birth years and names on the back. If you are willing, it can also be personalized with other wording, quotes, names or dates, as long as it is suitable for everyone!
  • Perfect Customized Gifts: Unique custom keychain gift for military fans, boys, boyfriend, dad, husband, best friend, uncle, granddad, son, male friend etc, suits for birthday/Christmas/fathers day/Valentine’s day/anniversary.Also this custom necklace is an excellent piece to add to your jewelry collection.
  • How to Personalized Memorial Photo Keychain: Click “Customize Now”, upload the image, rotate and resize it to fit the tag, you can also add text on the back side. Popular engraving ideas: 1. Special dates (wedding day, birthday, etc.), 2. Special dates using Roman Number. Example: 2/14/2012 is II XIV MMXII, 3. Your First names. Example: Michael & Emma, 4. Personal messages, 5. Phrase from your wedding vows. Engrave a few short words from your wedding vows that signify love, respect, trust, etc.
  • Material & Size: Created with 316L Stainless Steel,Durability,Highly Resistant to Scratching,Rusting and Tarnishing,High Quality.Pendant Size:1.1*1.85 inches (width*length)
  • Purchase with Confidence:The “Customize Now” page may not allow for certain special symbols or images to be inputted. Please send us your engraved symbol or image within 24 hours and we will respond within the same timeframe. We provide a 1-year warranty for each item we sell. If you have any questions about our jewelry before or after your order, please contact us without hesitation.
$14.48
Buy on Amazon

Mother’s Day

Show appreciation for all she does with these thoughtful and comfort enhancing gifts:

  1. Floral Bouquet Subscription – Give her flowers that last with a monthly bloom delivery.
  2. Essential Oil Diffuser – Create a calming atmosphere at home.
  3. Customized Jewelry – Personalize with initials or birthstones.
  4. Recipe Box with Family Favorites – Store all her favorite recipes in one place.
  5. Soft Throw Blanket – Perfect for cozying up with a good book.
Airkeep Reed Diffuser Set,3.38 fl oz (100 ml) - Clean Linen Oil Diffusers with 8 Reed Sticks,Home Fragrance Reed Diffuser for Bathroom Shelf Decor
Airkeep Reed Diffuser Set,3.38 fl oz (100 ml) – Clean Linen Oil Diffusers with 8 Reed Sticks,Home Fragrance Reed Diffuser for Bathroom Shelf Decor
  • Scent:Clean Linen.The fragrance brings a fresh breeze with the clean laundry and solar scent
  • Elegant Design:The sleek and minimalist design of our reed diffuser will effortlessly blend into any home decor, making it a perfect gift for your loved ones
  • Easy Scent Control And Long-Lasting Fragrance:High quality materials make our products can emit long lasting fragrance. You can choose to add or remove the number of reed sticks to match your taste. It takes 1 or 2 days for the fabric sticks to soak in the scent. When the fragrance weakens, turn the reed sticks upside down or replace them with new ones
  • Versatile placement:Place our reed diffuser in various areas of your home, such as the foyer, bathroom, and entryway, to add a refreshing and inviting aroma to every corner
  • Ideal Gift:Thoughtful gift for wedding, birthdays, holidays, Christmas for yourself, family and friends
$14.99
Buy on Amazon

You may also want to check out Gift Ideas for Mother-in-Law!

Father’s Day

Celebrate the father figures in your life with practical and stylish gifts:

  1. Multi-Tool Set – Handy for home projects or outdoor adventures.
  2. BBQ Grill Set – For the dad who loves to barbecue.
  3. Leather Wallet – A classic gift that never goes out of style.
  4. Insulated Travel Mug – Keep his coffee hot on the go.
  5. Custom Engraved Bottle Opener – Add a personal touch to his favorite hobby.

Weddings

Weddings are special, but your gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful:

  1. Engraved Cutting Board – Perfect for the couple who loves to cook.
  2. Personalized Wine Glasses – Celebrate their union with a toast.
  3. Couple’s Recipe Book – Share the joy of cooking together.
  4. Monogrammed Towel Set – Add a personal touch to their new home.
  5. Custom Doormat – Welcome guests with their shared last name.

Gift Ideas Under $20 for Coworkers

Show your appreciation to your colleagues by giving them the perfect gift without going over budget:

  1. Desk Plant – Bring some life to their workspace.
  2. Reusable Water Bottle – Stylish and sustainable.
  3. Weekly Planner Pad – Help them stay organized.
  4. Coffee Sampler Set – Perfect for the office coffee lover.
  5. Inspirational Quote Calendar – Brighten up their workday.

FAQs

Q1: Are these gifts good for both men and women?

Absolutely! Most of the gift ideas listed are versatile and can be customized to suit anyone’s preferences.

Q2: Can I find these items online?

Yes, many of these gifts are available from popular online retailers, making shopping quick and easy.

Q3: What if I need a last-minute gift?

Opt for digital gifts like e-gift cards, online classes, or subscription services. These are instant and just as thoughtful.

Q4: How do I make a budget-friendly gift feel more special?

Presentation matters! Wrap your gift creatively, add a handwritten note, or include a small, personalized touch.

Conclusion

Gift-giving doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With these thrifty gift ideas under $20, you can celebrate any occasion with practicality and thoughtfulness. Remember, it’s the sentiment behind the gift that truly matters. Happy gifting!

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