This one is for all those awesome Brisbane families getting ready for Christmas! In the spirit of the season, I’ve put together a list of inexpensive Christmas gifts that will not only bring joy to your loved ones but also keep those precious family moments alive. So, let’s unwrap the magic of affordable and heartwarming surprises together!
Under 10 Years
Painters Tape
It can stick anywhere and peels off easily. You can draw on it. You can make laser challenge rooms with it. This stuff is gold to kids. $6 to $10 at Bunnings.
Caution Tape
Surely I don’t even need to explain why this is cool. Actually, some tweens would even want this stuff. $5.50 at Bunnings.
Bandaids, For Fun
Not for real scratches or scrapes, but just give them the whole box to use on their toys or their own bodies anytime they like. $3.60 at Woolies or Coles.
Clip Board
Whether they like to draw out in the garden or play teachers and take the class roll with their stuffed toys, the clipboard is always a popular activity. They’re $2.50 at Kmart.
Mechanical Pencil Sharpener
Kids love the mechanical ones that run automatically when you shove a pencil in. There’s even one shaped like an astronaut for around $20 from Catch.com.au.
Drink Bottles
You need to buy them anyway, they will love them, and maybe even help keep them hydrated on the hot summer holidays. Plus, putting something other than water in them can be a big treat. This bluey themed one is $9.80 at Spotlight.
Restaurant Receipt Pad
Random, I know, but how much fun do kids have taking orders and bringing you the food? Tons. That’s how much. This set is $7 at Officeworks.
Tumbled Crystals
For fairy gardens or hiding “treasure” in sandpits to dig up, these can be so versatile to play with. There are loads of crystal stores around, but you can buy them online too. Grab a bag from as little as $6.59 on Ebay.
Real Stethoscope
Like, for real life. You can listen to your heartbeat. If you have a kid who loves playing doctors, this would be really cool. $20.90 at Dicksmith.
Seeds
Kids love watching this grow, so a pack of seeds and some pots to grow them in can make a really fun gift. Especially beans or peas that grow fast and then you eat them. Kmart has pots, seeds are at Bunnings.
Tween Girls
Label Maker
My girls love being organised and are obsessed with my label maker. Get them one of their own and let them loose on your pantry. There are options around $40 at Big W and $30 at Officeworks.
Bad Girls Throughout History Book
Kids who love to read or love to rebel, this is a great collection of stories to inspire. $18.48 with free delivery from Ebay.
Embroidered Patches
These are becoming really popular for personalising bags and clothes. I think the trick is to find funny or sarcastic ones. These are on Etsy for $2.87 each.
Waterproof Stickers
Similar to the patches, but these can stick onto phones, laptops and more. You can find sets of 50 in a bunch of different styles on Amazon for around $7.39.
Herbs For Making Potions
If you have a kid who loves to make potions, then gift them a set of herbs to work with. You can even repackage them into vials or jars from the craft section at Kmart to make it feel more “apothecary” and less “supermarket.” Add a fun botanical poster for around $1.67.
Friendship Bracelets
Apparently Taylor Swift made these huge in the tween girl world during her tour this year. Girls love making them with song titles like “U Need to Calm Down.” Grab alphabet beads from $4 and stretch jelly elastic from $8 at Spotlight.
Tween Boys
Cologne
There’s a saying that teenage boys are either obsessed with hygiene or not obsessed enough. Either way, some cologne will always be a welcome gift. Just be sure to skip anything with a theme and go with something a bit more grown up. A 30ml EDT is around $20 at Chemist Warehouse.
Bluetooth Shower Speaker
See how this is in the boys suggestions and not the girls, because the girls take forever in the shower without music. But yeah, it’s really more unisex. $10 at Kmart.
Drone
The fancy DJI Mini 2 SE is around $478. The cheaper ones don’t have crash aversion or cameras onboard but can be a fun toy all the same. They go for around $50 at Kmart.
Gift Cards
Visa debit, Roblox, iTunes and more. It’s kind of like giving cash, but tapping the plastic at the shops can feel more “grown up” than using actual cash.
A Big Case Of Their Favourite Drink
More is more in youth-land. Bigger really is better. So if there is something your kid likes a lot, gift them a lot of it.
Adults
Safe Buying
With ideas for pretty much everyone, including the pets, this website has loads of ideas and instant hits all in one place.
Less Safe Buying
Let’s be honest, loads of us love a slightly inappropriate joke these days, and this website has you covered from “a little out there” spicy to, well, I’ll let them say it.
And More Spicy Buying
This shop is full of “leave me alone” and “do one” products. There are a few less rude ones too, but let’s face it, we are on this site looking for the sweary stuff, right?
For Interstate Family
There are loads of different hamper shops online, and most offer a service where you can customise your gift box to include or exclude whatever you like, such as ditching the wine and adding a candle.
For Those Who Have Everything
Red Balloon is a website where you can browse and purchase experience gifts, so it’s not a “thing” but something special.
For Lovers
Send the kids to the grandparents and have yourselves a merry little Christmas with some of the adult toys from this store. It brings a new meaning to the question “have you been naughty or nice?”
Cheers to a holiday season filled with laughter, love and budget friendly delights, Brisbane families. As you embark on the journey of giving, remember that the most precious gifts don’t always come with a hefty price tag. May your homes be filled with warmth, your hearts with joy and your wallets with a little extra merriment.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until next time, keep the festive spirit alive and continue making magical memories together.
Brisbane Family Life 