Here are some of the best and cheapest group gift ideas.
Giving is great, but it can be difficult to buy gifts for an entire group (especially everyone at once) and stay on budget.
Hip2Save reader Michelle experienced this challenge last year.
“I need to find something to give to the women in my church group. I have 119 women to buy from, and I’d like to keep it to about $1 per person. Do you have any suggestions? Anything? Have you seen any great deals that might work?”
If you’re on a budget, I like to bundle smaller items into mini packages to keep costs down and increase the value of your gift. Matching gifts allows you to buy in bulk and take advantage of quantity discounts, making your $1 per person goal more achievable. You can also keep an eye out all year long to score great once-a-year sales.
Read on for group gift ideas ranging from around $1 to just a few bucks each that will make group gifting (especially during the holidays) easier on your heart and your wallet.
Here are nine budget-friendly group gift ideas.
1. A notebook and pen set costs just $0.58 per person and is super convenient.
Gift ideas for as low as 57 cents for 1 notebook + 1 gel pen.
This remarkable set is perfect for daily journaling, note-taking, and doodling. Both notebook sets are available in a variety of designs and colors, making the gift unique for each recipient. Add an extra personal touch and write a friendly note on the first page so you’ll see it every time you open your diary.
2. Elevate your group gift idea of candy-filled Frappuccinos and hot drinks to the next level with gift cards.
A gift idea that costs as little as 50 cents and includes one clear cup, one lid, one straw and some candy.
Find someone who won’t say, “How wonderful!” As for this chocolate-filled Starbucks cup…I’ll be waiting. 😉 This super clever packaging is completed with a clear drinking cup, gold foil candies, green straws and optional tissue paper. You can hide the surprise inside (like a gift card) or just give it away.
The price of Starbucks’ clear cups has gone up, but you can still find affordable packs of 50 on Amazon. I like this idea even more because it hides everything I decide to put in the cup. It will be a complete surprise for the recipient.
3. Winter Survival Kit will be the thing you never knew you needed.
A gift idea that includes one lip balm, one hand lotion, and one tissue travel pack for just 93 cents.
Cold weather means crisp, dry air, which can also lead to dry skin and dry lips. Treat winter’s chapped skin and lips with a buttery lip balm, mini hand lotion, and pocket-sized tissue pack for a complete winter kit.
4. At-home pedicure kits are a winter necessity, and there are free printable kits too.
A gift idea that includes 1 emery board, 1 foam toe separator, and 1 nail polish for just $1.57.
Give the gift of an at-home pedicure with an emery board, toe separators, and, of course, nail polish. 💅 You can also get Lina’s free “For Your Mistle TOES” gift tag to complete the entire set.
5. Custom ornaments are great group gifts for people who like a little something extra.
You can give a gift for as low as 42 cents per ornament.
DIY Rae Dunn ornaments using holiday buzzwords or personalize them with the recipient’s name! Lina’s DIYs are easy, fun, and thrifty, but if you don’t have a Cricut machine? , you can purchase similar decals on Etsy. You can also consider leaving it plain and printing a cute gift tag with a sweet sentiment.
Make this DIY year-round by swapping ring dish decorations and holiday sayings for monograms. For couples, try fun words like “sparkle,” “love,” or “he” and “she.”
6. Votive candles help spread light and joy during the best time of the year.
A gift idea that includes 1 candle holder and 1 tea light candle costs just 56 cents.
I’ll be the first to admit that giving candles as gifts can sometimes seem a little mundane, but pair them with a glass candle holder and ribbon and you’ve got a wonderful gift. ✨ Use battery-operated tea lights with no-mess candles and you’ve got a gift that looks much more expensive than it is for less than a dollar.
Tip: To save even more money, consider checking out Facebook Marketplace for brides who are reselling “like new” bulk tea lights from their wedding.
7. Our compact mirror gift idea is perfect for groups of teachers.
An idea to give away a compact mirror and memo for as low as 46 cents.
All you need for this gift is the purchase of a compact mirror set and a sweet note from your child to pair with each mirror set. You might also consider gifting these to a few coworkers with a thoughtful message about what a great asset they are to your work culture. Even if you don’t have cardboard on hand, you can purchase this unforgettable and unique gift idea for less than $1 per person.
For more information on this craft, visit our Compact Mirror Teacher Gift Ideas post.
8. Give the gift of a small plant that they can keep at work or take home.
Ideas to give away live potted plants for just $1.87.
Plants make great gifts for everyone, and they’re super easy to make. We like this pack of succulents because they are highly rated and guaranteed to be healthy and happy. Paired with decorative pots, it looks much more expensive than $1.87. Consider writing a cute note to accompany it or creating a personalized name tag on card stock to create an even more personalized touch.
9. Self-care sets are the perfect group gift to help relieve stress during the holiday season.
Gift idea for only 78 cents with face mask and tea bags.
Help your recipient melt away the stress of hectic holiday planning with a relaxing sheet face mask and chamomile tea. You can also take these group gift ideas a step further and make your own essential oil mister. Perfect for spraying on your pillow before you lay your head down.
To make an essential oil mister:
Remove the spray top from the glass bottle. Add 10 drops of essential oil to the bottle. Add a few drops of vodka (helps blend the oils and make the scent last longer). Leave a little space at the top and fill the rest with water. Screw on the spray top firmly and shake gently to distribute the oil. For an even more personal touch, attach a kraft paper tag to the bottle so you can smell the essential oil.
Write notes with ideas for great uses, such as air fresheners and clothes fresheners. Feel free to change the scent, such as calming lavender or refreshing peppermint. If you’re buying small gifts for a group, this idea is creative and sure to please.
Would you be willing to spend a little more money? Here’s another spa-inspired gift idea.
Just $2.18 gift idea with soap and soap saver bags.
Pamper your crew with heavenly scents! This group gift idea is not only practical, but also super easy to recreate. Just buy a soap saver bag and a variety pack of handmade soaps. Give each person a soap saving bag filled with two small bars or one bar of soap.
You might even consider investing in a soap making kit that makes your own soaps, provides endless gifts for any occasion, and makes your gift even more personalized.
Giving gifts to a large group doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Buying small gifts for many people can sometimes feel like they’re worth much more than the money you actually spend. With a small budget and these clever group gift ideas, you can bring some Christmas cheer to just about anyone, no matter how many people you need to buy.
Need more gift ideas? Head here!