Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Under $10

I'm not sure where the idea that a Christmas gift (or any gift) has to cost a lot of money to be cherished by the receiver came from.  The best gifts I have ever received have been gifts that didn't cost a lot, but that showed they were especially selected for me.  Anyone can grab half a dozen expensive bottles of perfume, wrap them up, and present them to all of the women in his or her life, but will they be appreciated by the person receiving them?  Probably not. When it comes to gift-giving, one size doesn't necessarily fit all.

This year, why not take a moment to stop and think.  What would Aunt Minnie really like to have? Does she really want or need another embroidered handkerchief, or another singing holiday card? And what about Uncle Joe.  Please, not another tie.  He probably has enough ties already to outfit a marching band.  Think about the person, his or her interests, hobbies, and needs.  Then start looking for a gift that will let them know you were actually thinking of them when you bought it.

Below are just a few gift ideas you can pick up for $10 or less, some that are guaranteed to please even that hard-to-buy for person who already has everything.  (Or almost everything.  Nobody  has everything.) To learn more about the pictured items, click on the photo.

$10 or Under Gifts for Kids

1. Gift Certificate for $5 or $10 to child's favorite fast food place.


2.  A Hello Kitty bicycle bell


3. A $10 roll of quarters to spend at a Video/Slot game outlet such as Chucky Cheese.




4. Miniature Car to assemble and design according to child's own fancy.   (Buy several for a party and have a contest to see whose design wins.)

5.  A Harmonica for the musical kids in your life




6. Take them roller skating.  If admission is low enough, you can skate, too, and still stay under the $10 gift amount. You might even have enough left over to share a bag of popcorn,  too.



7.  Get them a Face Painting Kit



   


8.  Go Bowling with them.  It's inexpensive, and loads of fun for every age.



9.  Colorful Bike Basket for girls.






10. Buy a "How To" Craft Magazine at your local craft or fabric store and the supplies to make at least one of the crafts in the magazine.  You may encourage a new hobby the child had never even considered before.

$10 or Under Gifts for Men

Fishing Accessories:

1.  Extra hooks in different sizes


2.  A fancy lure






3.  Spool of nylon line (Check with spouse to see type he prefers)


4,  Sinkers of various sizes and Bobbers


5,  Container of salmon egg bait


6.  Knife or Pliers to carry in tackle box






Hunting Accessories:


7.  Ear plugs to protect ears, especially during shooting range practice


8.  Magnesium Fire Starter 





9.  Spare targets for practice


10. Mylar Thermal Blankets 


      

$10 or Under Gifts for Women

1.  Jigsaw Puzzle with an unusual theme or shape.



2.  Amaryllis Growing Kit

3.  A book for her Kindle Reader


4.  Pick up an elegant looking vase from a thrift shop and put a single rose, or several carnations (purchased at a grocery store  that sells flowers) in it.  Finish it off with a fancy ribbon bow.


5.  Self-Inking rubber address stamp





6.  A small box filled with her favorite Candy Bars.



7.  Basic recipe book for cooking good and inexpensive meals






8.  $10 Gift Certificate from her favorite coffee kiosk



9. Colorful Tote Bag


10. A box of small Sewing Supplies  (needles, seam ripper, pins, pin cushion, spare bobbins,  etc,)