Holiday shopping does not have to be stressful or expensive. I genuinely believe that the best gifts are the ones that show someone you know them, and a lot of the time those gifts do not cost much at all.
I went live on YouTube and walked through my personal list of favorite inexpensive holiday gifts on Amazon this year, and the response was so great that I wanted to put it all together in one place for you. Every single item on this list is something I actually love or would personally give. No filler, no random picks, just good stuff.
These are perfect for the creatives, crafters, readers, planners, and curious people in your life. And yes, there is a bonus section at the end featuring a couple of my own books, because if you know someone who loves design or wants to be more intentional in their creative life, I think they will love them.
Watch me share all of these on YouTube: Click here to watch the full video!
The List: 10 Inexpensive Holiday Gifts on Amazon I Love
All links are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through my link I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely recommend!
This one is just plain fun. It is a glowing LED board where you can write messages, draw little doodles, or leave notes in different colors. I love it as a gift for kids, for teens, for anyone who has a desk or a creative space. It is the kind of thing that makes people smile every single day. Great for leaving little love notes or motivational reminders too.
Shop: https://amzn.to/3XMugBG
2. Gold Ring
A beautiful, simple gold ring that looks way more expensive than it is. This is the kind of everyday jewelry that goes with everything and that the recipient will actually wear. If you have a friend, sister, or daughter who loves dainty jewelry, this is a great pick and it ships fast from Amazon.
Shop: https://amzn.to/4pjAKUk
3. Beautiful Spring Street Puzzle
I am a sucker for a beautiful puzzle, and this one is gorgeous. A spring street scene with all the color and detail that makes puzzling feel like a real creative activity rather than just killing time. This is the kind of gift that ends up on the coffee table and brings the whole family together. Puzzles are having a moment and for good reason.
Shop: https://a.co/d/325v5Nn
If you have not seen the Dash Mini Waffle Maker yet, you are in for a treat. It is tiny, it is adorable, it makes perfect little waffles in minutes, and it comes in so many cute colors. This is one of those gifts that feels way more special than the price tag suggests. Great for college students, kids, anyone who loves breakfast, basically everyone.
Shop: https://a.co/d/8NKOFpO
5. Lip Balm
A great lip balm is one of those things everyone always needs and never thinks to buy for themselves. This one is a favorite for a reason. It makes a perfect stocking stuffer, add-on gift, or little extra something to tuck into a gift bag. Simple, practical, and genuinely appreciated.
Shop: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XXPHQZK
I love a journal that feels like it was made for dreamers. This one is beautiful and the kind of thing that sits on your nightstand and actually gets used. Perfect for the creative or thoughtful person in your life who loves to write, plan, or dream on paper. Journals are one of my all-time favorite gifts to give and receive.
Shop: https://amzn.to/3Q3XPe8
7. Mini Watercolor Set for Travel
This is one of my absolute favorites on the list. A mini watercolor set that is compact enough to take anywhere, whether you are traveling, sitting in a coffee shop, or just want to paint at the kitchen table. Perfect for artists, aspiring artists, kids, and anyone who needs a little more creative play in their life. The colors are beautiful and it is so easy to use.
Shop: https://a.co/d/3kpPaAq
8. Shashibo
If you have never played with a Shashibo, you need to fix that immediately. It is a magnetic puzzle cube that transforms into over 70 different shapes. It is mesmerizing, it is satisfying, and it is the kind of gift that gets picked up over and over again. Great for kids, teens, and honestly adults who like to keep their hands busy. One of the more unique picks on my list this year.
Shop: https://amazon.com/dp/B0DWSY467B?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
A good daily planner is one of the most useful gifts you can give someone who wants to feel more organized and intentional with their time. This one is clean, practical, and designed for actually getting things done rather than just looking pretty on a shelf. A great gift for the person in your life who is always trying to get it together in the best possible way.
Shop: https://amzn.to/4f4LdPh
10. Money and Finance Books (Three Great Options!)
Financial literacy is one of the best gifts you can give, and these three books cover it beautifully for different people on your list.
Shop: https://amzn.to/4oVzLKf
The Art of Spending Money: https://amzn.to/4oVzLKf
The Psychology of Money: https://amzn.to/4prtTZ1
Teenagers Guide to Investing in the Stock Market: https://amzn.to/48vgSYP
The Art of Spending Money is a thoughtful read for anyone who wants to be more intentional with how they use their money. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel is one of those books that genuinely changes how you think about wealth and decisions, and it is one of the most recommended books in my circle right now. And the Teenagers Guide to Investing in the Stock Market is a fantastic gift for any young person in your life who is ready to start thinking about their financial future. I love giving books that actually teach something, and these three deliver.
Bonus: My Own Books Make a Great Gift Too!
I would not be me if I did not mention that I have some books of my own that I think make wonderful gifts for the creative people in your life. These are especially great for designers, artists, and anyone who wants to live and work with more intention in the new year.
Intentional Design Year
This is my book for designers and creatives who want to plan their year with purpose. It is a beautiful, thoughtful resource that helps you set creative goals, organize your design life, and show up for your work with clarity and intention. Available in both paperback and hardback.
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43XTRLG
Hardback: https://amzn.to/4isrefm
Intentional Design Year Prompt Journal
The companion prompt journal to go alongside the Intentional Design Year book. Full of guided prompts to help creatives reflect, dream, and plan. Perfect for someone who loves journaling with a purpose. Also available in paperback and hardback.
Prompt Journal Paperback: https://amzn.to/4osha7J
Prompt Journal Hardback: https://amzn.to/4rvrG0u
Watch the Full Gift Guide on YouTube
I walked through every single one of these picks on a YouTube live session and shared why I love each one. It is a fun watch and a great way to see the gifts in action before you buy.
Watch the full holiday gift guide video here: youtube.com/live/RDEPWh4wR6Q
I hope this list makes your holiday shopping a little easier and a lot more fun. Happy gifting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of these gifts really inexpensive?
Yes! Every item on this list was chosen with budget-friendly gifting in mind. Prices on Amazon can fluctuate, but these are all picks that give you a lot of value without a big price tag. Check each link for the current price.
Are these good gifts for creative people?
So many of them are! The mini watercolor set, the Shashibo, the Possibilities Journal, the Intentional Design Year book, the LED note board, and the spring street puzzle are all especially great for the creative people in your life.
Do you earn a commission on these links?
Yes, some of these are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you purchase through my link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely love and would recommend regardless.
Which gift on this list is your top pick?
It is hard to choose, but the mini watercolor set and the Shashibo are two that I think genuinely surprise and delight people. And obviously I am partial to the Intentional Design Year book because it is something I poured a lot of heart into. Any of those three would make me very happy to receive!
Where can I find more of your recommendations?
You can check out my Amazon storefront for more of my personal favorites, and subscribe to my YouTube channel where I go live regularly and share creative resources, tutorials, and more.