How to survive Christmas gifting in this economy: Our Under $100 Gift Guide
Christmas gifting on a budget? In this economy? Yep, we’re right there with you. It’s that time of year when we want to spoil our loved ones, but our wallets are eyeing us like, “Are you serious?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Between rising costs and gift lists that seem to grow every time you blink, finding thoughtful presents that won’t break the bank feels like a true holiday miracle. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
So if you’re wondering, “How am I supposed to make magic happen with this budget?”—we’ve got you. Here’s a roundup of fab gifts under $100 to get the ideas flowing, whether you’re looking for inspo for your list or just a little holiday magic that won’t send you into a financial spiral.
Here are some money-saving tricks we swear by for the festive season:
Sign up for discounts – Before you hit ‘checkout,’ see if joining their mailing list gets you a cheeky discount. Brands love throwing in a perk or two for new subscribers!
Cashback programs are your best friend – Pop onto programs like Shopback or Cashrewards. Those little rewards might seem tiny, but they can seriously stack up over time.
Google is your holiday helper – A quick search for your item might reveal a sneaky sale at another store. There are deals everywhere right now, so take a moment to compare and get more for your money! 🎄
RECIPETIN EATS TONIGHT by NAGI MAEHASHI: On Sale at QBD for $25. Also available at Kmart, Target and Big W for $29
CATAN: Family games night is about to get a whole lot more fun over the holiday season… Kmart has it for $49
ULTIMATE BEACH KIT SET from NAKED SUNDAYS: $99 at Mecca, sold out on the Naked Sundays website (and was more expensive)
SPANNER CRAB CHOPPING BOARD from PINCHY: these are so cute and we can’t decide our favourite but we do love options, available for $80 at Pinchy Products
4-PACK BREAKFAST SOCKS GIFT SET: $59.95 from The Iconic
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WATER BOTTLE: You really can’t go wrong, here are a few of our favs- Stanley Iceflow 800ml from The Iconic $70, 24oz Owala Free Sip Water Bottle from City Beach $69.95 - sometimes you can find cute colours for a better price on Amazon, and the trusty old 1L Ceramic Water Bottle from Frank Green $59.95 the colours are endless and are stocked in a lot of other retailers too
KERASTASE NUTRITIVE 8HR HAIR SERUM: it’s on the pricer side but a few of the girls in the team swear by this hair serum, available for $78 at Mecca, Adore Beauty and Oz Hair and Beauty
SMOOTH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL from GOLDI: you can use this oil on everything!! $83 for 3L but they also have some cheaper options too
HOMMEY BEACH TOWELS: There are SO MANY cute stripe combos to choose from. Available at Hommey for $89 ,there were also some great options at Country Road but a tad more expensive.
AESOP HAND BALM: it’s the kind of thing you hate buying for yourself but absolutely love to receive! 75mL is $43 from AESOP,Adore Beauty & The Iconic
MIDI COOLER BAG from THE SOMEWHERE CO: Work lunches but make theme chic with these super cute coolers, usually $75 but they are currently on sale for $45 at The Somewhere Co
MAYONNAISE 3 PACK from FANCY HANKS: seriously who wouldn’t want to try some chicken salt mayo!? This cute little trio pack is $30 at Fancy Hanks
SILK PILLOWCASE from SLIP: give the gift of good sleep with this ultra soft dreamy pillowcase, it’s on sale for $69.30 at Slip (usually $99), or you can purchase for full price at Mecca and The Iconic
REUSEABLE BAGS from BAGGU: there are so many cute patterns to choose from and they’re only $14 each from Baggu
ICED VOVO STRIPE TERRY OVERSIZED BEACH BAG from KIP & CO: also comes in a pina colada stripe for $79 at Kip & Co, and yes both colour ways come in a matching beach towel and hat
BUTTER BELL by LE CREUSET: it’s on sale for $42 at Le Creuset and Kitchen Warehouse have them for the usual price of $70
ROMANCE APRON from GORMAN: usually $59 but on sale for $47.30 at Gorman
CLIP PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER by JBL: there were a few places with these on sale, Telstra had the cheapest deal we saw for $69 it ends on the 18th nov although the colours were limited, Officeworks have more colour (hello, pink) but are full price at $89
AEROPRESS 3 IN 1 PORTABLE COFFEE MAKER: the ability to make good coffee at your fingertips, say less $59 from The Killer Coffee Co
SUN SAFETY IS COOL: we loved this bucket hat from Em on Holiday for $75 or the classic dad cap from Country Road for $49.95
MINI PROJECTOR from OFFICEWORKS: $97 from Officeworks
PERSONALISED UNO: it’s inexpensive, thoughtful and fun all in one from Cotton On for $14.99
PLATTERS from IN THE ROUNDHOUSE: tbh most of the in the roundhouse stuff is so cute and giftable, we especially love their platters that start from $40 ranging to $80 depending on size
INCENSE from GENTLE HABITS: The incense from Gentle Habits are so cute with a range of scents for $45 plus we loved the holders you can get too for $30. We think they would be such a nice gift for just $75 together
THE TRUSTY GOLF GIFT: Everyone knows someone who would love a Golf Gift, can’t go wrong with this and it’s currently 30% off at Cotton On for $90.99
These are our totally authentic, non-sponsored faves—hope they spark some inspo! If you've got any more clever gift ideas, drop them in the comments; we’d love to hear them! 🎄✨
Happy shopping, and remember: a little sleuthing goes a long way. Sign up, snag those cashbacks, and don’t be afraid to shop around. Plus, always do a quick online check for any last-minute deals – another store might just have your item at a cheekier price. Happy (budget-friendly) gifting, friends!