This article about cheap, unusual, life-changing gifts was last updated in 2024.
Ok, so you have a friend or family member, and you want to give them something really special for a birthday, a thank you, or whatever.
But you are completely stuck as to what to buy for them.
They are too special to get the normal stuff – flowers/chocs/wine, besides these things only last so long. You want to get them something different, something that will make an impact in their life.
Ah, and you are also on a budget.
No problem. Check out our really cool list of cheap, unusual gifts for family and friends.
Cheap, unusual, life-changing gifts for the people you love
The gift of financial freedom
Who doesn’t want more money?
If you have a friend who is stressed about their financial situation, why not give them a resource to truly help them?
The Barefoot Investor book is life-changing from the first chapter and a simple, understandable starting point for financial freedom.
Or there are heaps of other brilliant finance books, including "The Millionaire Next Door" and "Your Money or Your Life." Just think: Your gift may have a positive impact on your friend’s financial future. The next round is on them.
The gift of convenience
Convenience equals an easier life. And shortcuts in the home are welcomed with open arms, especially if your friend has to juggle household chores, parenting, and a day job.
Treat your friend to a week of less shopping, less food prep and less cooking with the wonderful gift of a meal kit box.
Both Hello Fresh and EveryPlate are excellent and offer great deals on first orders. Get this box of delights delivered to their doorstep, and you’ve just made your friend's week ahead easier, cheaper and tastier.
You may even get an invite to dinner.
The gift of rest
There's nothing your friend will appreciate more than the gift of rest, especially if she is a fellow single mum. Treat your loved one with a thoughtful present that says, "I care about your well-being." Doing so will encourage them to unwind and recharge. Instead of a traditional present, consider gifting them a pair of heated slippers, a discount coupon at a spa, or even a weighted blanket for those much-needed moments of relaxation.
The gift of a new relationship
OK, so it may be a tricky area, but some people need a gentle push in the right direction. If your friend needs to get out and meet people, give them a whirl on a decent dating app. eHarmony has a free sign-up, but you could gift them a 3-month subscription to get them going. For many, ‘getting back out there’ is hard. So, having the initial action taken out of their hands is a relief, and what do they have to lose, right? You never know. You might be buying a gift for an engagement party next.
The gift of self-improvement
There’s always room for improvement in our lives, but rarely will we do anything about it unless someone makes it super-easy for us. There are heaps of personal development courses online to suit all lifestyles. Browse through Udemy and find the perfect course to give as a gift. Prices start from $5, and helpful reviews will ensure you don’t gift a dud. Instead of giving a bottle of wine, which may provide instant gratification, give a course that will enhance their life long-term. Which one shows you really care?
The gift of natural beauty
In a world monopolised by artificial products, it is always a delight to receive gifts inspired by nature. Help your loved one embrace their natural glow with organic skincare products or a set of eco-friendly bamboo makeup brushes. It can also be a divine-smelling essential oil with a diffuser or a gift back to the earth through non-toxic, earth-friendly cleaning products. With these thoughtful but unusual gifts, you will remind them of the beauty found in simplicity and sustainability.
The gift of peace
Peace and quiet in our fast-paced world is a rare gift … and one that you can easily give. Sign your friend up and pay for a month on a meditation app. Headspace allows you to gift a friend to the value of your choice. Give them a trial of Gaia (only 99c) so they can stream yoga and transformational videos. Or gift a book such as Meditation Made Easy, which will teach them how to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. The gift of peace is truly golden.
Unusual gifts that change lives
The gift of good health
We all aspire to better health, but sometimes, we need someone to kick-start the process. Be that person! Find a healthy challenge that your friend will like and sign them up. The Healthy Mummy 28-Day Challenge is perfect for us busy mums and has a huge amount of extra free resources to benefit from. Why not take it a step further and join up, too? Reaching goals is easier with another person so you will both benefit. The gift of health is a sign you really care and lasts way longer than a box of chocolates.
The gift of time
Last on our list of cheap yet life-changing presents for friends: If there is one thing we all want more of in this crazy-busy world, it’s time. So, gifting time to someone is really special. Organise some chores to be taken off your friend’s hands so they have more time for the activities they enjoy. You could do the chores yourself (or get your kids to do them!). Alternatively, head to Oz Bargain and search for Airtasker coupons. They can hire someone to clean the house or tidy the garden. You will be seriously in the good books for this perfect present.
Summary: Unusual gifts for the people you love
If you have been reusing the same gift ideas for years, why not step outside the box and surprise your loved ones with something truly unique? Our selection of unusual gifts is curated to delight and inspire the most important people in your life. With these ideas, they will definitely look forward to your presents every year!
No matter what you decide to give them, remember to choose each present based on one's tastes and preferences. You don't want to give the gift of a new relationship to someone recently dumped and still not ready to move on.
With these unusual gifts, you will not only bring joy to your loved ones but also inspire them to explore new experiences and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Whether it's a token of appreciation or a gesture of love, these gifts will leave a lasting impression and strengthen the bonds of affection between you and the special people in your life.
If you need to get a present for the younger generation, these articles should help.
24 Gifts for teenage boys that have nothing to do with gaming
24 Gifts for teenage girls that have nothing to do with iPhones
