Gifts for Women: Frugal Gifts She’ll Love

Gifts for women are easy to come by, but not always affordable. Give one of our frugal gift ideas a try, and come in under budget.

Prepared meal- Know a woman who’s always on the go? If so, why not lighten her load by preparing a complete meal for her and her family? Just dig through your recipe box for something delicious and freezable. Then whip up your meal, sides and dessert included, and deliver it to her door. She’ll get a thrill of having a meal ready in her freezer the next time she finds herself in a frenzy.

Note: Be sure to include a copy of your recipe with the gift. If it’s delicious she’ll want to make it again.

Custom stationary- Writing letters and cards is a joy when you have beautiful stationary to use. Take a stroll down the aisles of an office supply or stationary store to check out the stationary designs that they offer. Then, get home to your computer and use your field trip as inspiration for your own stationary design. To make the stationary extra special, be sure to work the recipient’s name, monogram or favorite colors into the design. Your word process should provide more than enough fonts and graphics to get the job done; but if you want to add that professional touch, check out a printing company like VistaPrint to get the job done for an affordable price.

Are you an avid crafter? If so, consider using rubber stamps or other supplies from your craft stash to create a special, handmade design.

Handmade jewelry- It’s no secret that women love jewelry, so why not craft a one-of-a-kind bracelet or necklace for that special woman in your life? Pick up beads in her favorite color or for a truly thoughtful gift, create a piece to match one of her favorite outfits.

Not crafty enough to tackle a jewelry project? No problem. Just pick up an attractive, but affordable piece of jewelry and have it engraved with a special message. Platinum and gold may be nice, but sterling silver will be just as appreciated when it comes with a special message from you.

Permission to indulge- Hobbies and passions often get pushed to the side when there are bills to pay. Give that special someone permission to indulge guilt-free by purchasing a gift card or gift certificate that ties in with her interest. Pick up a gift card to a cooking store if she likes to cook, or a scrapbooking store if she likes to scrap. The dollar amount really isn’t important, so don’t worry if all you can afford is $5-10. This gift is all about the idea of helping a loved one to explore an interest.

Photo enlargement- Surprise her with a special memory captured on film. Just dig through your drawers for that just-right image, and have it enlarged at the store. Then, stick the photograph in an attractive frame, and you’ve got a gift that’s sure to earn a smile.

Note: To make the gift even more fun, consider converting the picture to black and white or sepia tone. Any photo processing center can add these effects for you.

Gifts for Women don’t have to be expensive. Skip the high-end, high-priced stores and aim for a gift that focuses on showing the woman in your life just how important she is to you.

-Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.