The Broke Girl Gift Guide

Presents that scream ‘it’s the thought that counts.

By Erin-Louise

It’s that time of year again: fairy lights, festive chaos, and your bank account silently judging you.

Christmas is expensive, and sometimes you’re staring at your overdraft thinking, 'How do normal people do this?' But fear not — being broke doesn’t mean your gifts can’t be thoughtful, funny, or genuinely sweet. Here’s how to give presents that scream 'I care about you' without breaking the bank. Introducing The Broke Girl Gift Guide.

(These may or may not be gifts I have personally given over the years… thanks to multiple stints of financial despair.)

DIY Candles with Love

Sure, they might not be a luxury candle, but they are handmade. Melt wax into cute jars, add a sprig of rosemary, dried flowers, or a little glitter, and suddenly it’s a gift that says: “I spent time on this because I love you.”

Pro tip: Write a tiny note about why you chose the scent — even a simple “this reminds me of us” makes it personal. And if it smells a bit weird? That’s rustic charm, darling.

Curated Playlists

Music is magic, and a playlist can say so much without costing a penny. Pick songs that remind you of them, tracks that lift the mood, or just songs that made you think, “they’ll love this, I know it.”

Pro tip: Give it a fun, thoughtful name, like “Songs to Make You Smile”. It’s personal, considered, and heartfelt — plus, it can be enjoyed for weeks after Christmas.

Handmade Cards or IOUs

Instead of “I couldn’t afford a gift,” make a card that says, “I spent time making this because you matter to me.” Or create IOUs for things like coffee dates, home-baked treats, or movie nights. Simple, meaningful, and a reminder that gifts don’t need a price tag to have value.

Pro tip: Decorate with doodles, stickers, or a cute handwritten message. Even a tiny drawing shows love and effort — it’s the thought that counts, after all.

Repurposed / Up-cycled Gifts

Check your shelves: that gently-used book you adored, a cute mug, or something from your wardrobe you know they’d love. Package it thoughtfully and explain why it reminded you of them — suddenly it’s sentimental, not second-hand.

Pro tip: Wrap it with care and add a personal note. Sometimes the story behind a gift is even more special than the gift itself.

Little Touches of Humour

If your friend enjoys a laugh, gifts that gently poke fun are golden. Think:

• Socks with quirky patterns

• A notebook for “All Your Brilliant Ideas”

• A mug that makes them smile every morning

  
  

Pro tip: Keep it lighthearted, pair it with a short, funny note, and show that you were thinking about them.

Humour + thoughtfulness = instant Worn Out gift gold.

Christmas is stressful. It’s expensive, chaotic, and sometimes a little exhausting. But being broke doesn’t mean your gifts can’t feel big. Thought, care, creativity, and a dash of humour go a long way.

So, from one Worn Out girlie to another: take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Your gifts, however small or DIY, show love. They show effort. And that matters far more than the price tag.