A movie night. Like go to Walmart, find a couple good dvds or whatever that the family will like, buy some popcorn and if you can find it for not too much, one of those popcorn buckets. If you can find a couple of those movie theater size candies then toss them in too.
I just want to add that if your budget is so low that the item is not going to last, just don’t.
Besides things that are fragile because they’re fancy, get something good or skip it and do a gift card or something else entirely.
Also, if you do have budget to go around, focus on experiences over items.
We usually do:
something to wear
something they need
something to read
something they want
something to eat
That said, we also try to make note of what someone wants when they mention it.
My mom is fairly simple, she either wants time with the family and grandkids or pictures. We usually do a yearly photo album or calendar, she loves those.
Socks
What is their hobby, buy something that helps with hobby
The problem is, they know a lot more about their hobby than you do, and probably have strong opinions about things about it that you would have no idea about. So it’s a good way to end up getting them something they don’t really want.
