Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Gift Ideas from Discount Stores
Holiday gift-giving doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Discount stores are packed with affordable, thoughtful gift options that are perfect for family, friends, coworkers, and even last-minute surprises. With a little creativity—and some savvy shopping strategies—you can deliver joy without overspending.
From budget-friendly stocking stuffers to creative DIY kits, here are some of the best gift ideas you can find at discount retailers this season.
- Curated Gift Baskets from Dollar Stores
With just a few dollars, you can assemble a custom gift basket around almost any theme—spa night, movie snacks, coffee lovers, or holiday baking. Head to Dollar Tree for baskets, filler, and inexpensive items to match your recipient’s interests.
Pair with discounted gift wrap, ribbons, and cards to make it feel personalized without paying a premium.
- Toys and Games at Five Below
Five Below offers a great selection of toys, puzzles, board games, and branded merchandise under $5–$10. From Squishmallows and fidget toys to retro video game accessories, it’s a goldmine for kid-approved gifts on a budget.
You can earn cashback with a Five Below gift card through Fluz and stretch your gift budget even further.
- Bulk Gift Packs for Group Gifting
If you’re gifting to multiple people—like coworkers, teachers, or extended family—look for multi-packs of items like scented candles, holiday mugs, stationery, or kitchen gadgets. Retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club offer bulk deals that reduce the per-gift cost significantly.
Use a cashback tool like Rakuten when shopping online or buy a BJ’s gift card online through Fluz for additional savings.
- DIY Craft Kits for Kids or Adults
For a more personal touch, assemble DIY kits with supplies from Family Dollar. Ideas include:
- Cookie decorating kits
- Paint-your-own ornament sets
- Homemade hot cocoa jars
You can also find inexpensive containers, labels, and holiday tags to finish the set.
- Tech Accessories on the Cheap
Surprise the tech enthusiast in your life with items like phone grips, charging cables, wireless earbuds, or LED lights—all of which are available at discount prices from Five Below and Dollar General. These make great stocking stuffers or budget-friendly main gifts.
- Pair Physical Gifts With Gift Cards
Want to give someone more flexibility? Add a gift card to their favorite discount store. It elevates the gift and makes it more versatile—especially if you’re unsure about preferences. You can buy a Dollar General gift card through Fluz and wrap it with something festive.
- Use Cashback Apps to Multiply Your Savings
To truly get the most out of your holiday budget, combine the power of cashback apps. Use Ibotta to earn rewards on in-store purchases, Rakuten for online deals, and Fluz to buy discounted digital gift cards with instant cashback.
This trifecta can significantly reduce your overall gift-spending total without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
Great holiday gifts don’t need to come from high-end stores or expensive brands. With a thoughtful approach and the right tools, discount stores can help you give generously—without overspending. Whether you’re wrapping up bulk buys, crafting personalized gifts, or maximizing cashback, the holidays can still be merry and budget-friendly.
