Cheap Christmas Gifts Under 5 Bucks - Last Minute Even No Minute Ideas - When the Stores Are Closed

There are many reasons why you may not have done your Christmas Shopping on time this year.  Everything from health to money to time.  Either way, if you still want to get something for someone special and time and funds are super low, here are a few ideas to do NOW

Cheap Christmas Gifts in Price Only - 5 Bucks or less! 5 Ideas

1.  Printable Art - This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves art on your list.  This is not an original but if you have a decent computer and printer, you can simply purchase the print as a jpeg and print it out on your own printer.   Check out Printable Art by Diane

Downloadables and printables are hot this year on ETSY.  You can place it in an envelope with a piece of cardboard for backing and protection and/or decorate the envelope.  This site has printable inspirational art, which most people would love.   If you have an old frame laying around, frame it, otherwise just give them the print.

For 5 Bucks (and that is Canadian Price so US will be cheaper!).  If you don't have a decent printer, but you have a data stick.  You could give them the stick with a bow on it for them to get printed.  There are many ways to give the gift of art.

2.  Book of Favors - Think of things this person would enjoy.  Do they need a babysitter?  Could they use help with housework?  Washing their car? Maybe a lunch date on you?

Create a book of favors they can use anytime during the year.  This was a gift I received from my daughter once and super enjoy it.  The cost is literally nothing but some arts and crafts supplies you have to create a cute looking tear out book.  Don't just say you will do things for them, by having a favor book to give them, it is something physical and something they are more likely to cash in.

3.  Home Baked Goods - If you are handy in the kitchen and have some basic ingredients, then bake them a batch of cookies and add your book of favors to it, or the art print.

 4.  Online Gift Card - If it is to late to run to the store for a gift card (many corner stores will carry a rack of gift cards) then check online.  Most people are familiar now with online shopping, and even if all you can afford is 5 bucks, no problem.  Get a AMAZON GIFT CARD and let them put your gift towards anything they want.

5.  Re-Gift - Do you have a book you have just read still in perfect condition?  A gift you never used? A scarf? Anything still in A1 condition?  Then clean it up, super inspect it, and wrap it up if you think this is something your person would like.  Nothing wrong with recycling.  This way you do not show up empty handed!

How to Make a Snow Globe Ornament - Easy Christmas Crafts - Timeless Treasures

Creating your own Christmas ornament crafts is a fun way to created treasures to be enjoyed for Christmas's to come and to create memories.  You could also put pictures inside of these for something different.

I came across this really cool video on just how to create these waterless snow globe ornaments with supplies you may already have at home or can be quickly ordered thru Amazon.  I have some links below the video for some supplies you may not have.  NOTE:  The Aleene's Tacky Glue is Awesome for the Glitter.

Waterless Snow Globe Ornament

What You Will Need:

Clear Plastic fillable ornament ball
Buffalo Snow Flakes
extra fine glitter in dark blue, black and white
tacky glue
miniature pieces such as Christmas trees or whatever you have around the house.
tiny shaped glitter
glue gun


As you can see you can get a lot of supplies on Amazon. These are a great craft for older kids as well as adults. You can make them as detailed as you want. The crafter uses glue for plastic models to hold the ornament together at the end, but I have found the glue gun does well at holding these together or the tacky glue as they dry clear. I prefer to use mine just as Christmas ornaments rather than shake them about.

Awesome Christmas Gifts for Under 5 Bucks

Especially if you do a few at the same time.  Set up your table with a plastic sheet and have some fun.  I have some old little wooden ornaments that don't hang anymore and thought they would look good in one of these snow globes.

Personalize for a Friend or as a Hostess Gift

You could create any kind of scene.  I love the night time look but could fill it with tiny trees which you can get online or something personable that your friend or loved one would love.  I plan on sending one to my daughter who has moved away and will be the first Christmas not home.

Use the Aleene's Tacky Glue for the Glitter

I am not just saying that to sell it, but it works much better than those glitter/glue combos you can get in the craft store.  You want a thick layer of the glue and be liberal with the glitter as you can see in the video.

Make sure you do it over a paper towel or something that you can pour the excess sprinkles back into the jar.  You can make a lot of these ornaments in one sitting!