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18 Practical Gifts for Your Cash-Poor Friends

I thought last year was tough. But here we are, still entrenched in high inflation, an uncertain stock market, and a potentially shrinking job market.  

You likely have friends and family members who are struggling to make ends meet through this tough economy. Maybe the pressure of rising prices has thrown their budget out of whack, or higher interest rates are making it tough to make debt payments.

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You knew gift cards would be in this gift guide. They’re as good as cash and can serve nearly any purpose, from putting food on the table to paying the streaming bill.

Budget Fashionista Tip: Try Raise.com as your source for gift cards. You can often save 15% by signing up for emails. And most purchases earn cash back.

Below are seven different gift cards to consider, plus 11 more gifts that cash-poor friends will love. For more gift card ideas, see: 29 Top Gift Cards for Acquaintances to Besties

1. Walmart or Amazon gift cards

Some friends manage through tough financial times without sharing details. If you don’t have specifics on the issues at hand, a Walmart or Amazon gift card is a nice choice. These retailers carry every basic you can think of — including food, clothes, shoes, and toilet paper.

Don’t worry about a Walmart or Amazon gift card feeling too generic, either. You can easily add a personal touch by making a card or holder for that gift card. For inspiration, see this tutorial for adorable, hand-made fabric gift card holders. Or, if you’re not crafty, pair the gift card with a simple bouquet of flowers. It’s a nice touch that’s sure to brighten your friend’s day.

2. Grocery gift cards

A grocery gift card tucked into the default sleeve might feel like a handout. Here’s how to get around that.

You know your friend’s favorite foods. If she loves the gooey butter cookies at the local Schnucks market, for example, buy a package of them along with the gift card. Present the cookies and the gift card together. Your message could be something like, “I know you love these cookies. You can use the gift card to refill your supply when these run out.” Of course, your friend can use the gift card for whatever she wants, be it wine, cookies, bread, or another essential.

3. Pet supplies gift cards

Your pet-owning friends will appreciate a Petco or Petsmart gift card. Since they have to buy pet food somewhere, this gift card directly helps with the monthly budget — though it’s also a thoughtful idea on your part.

Your giftee could use the pet supplies gift card in the most practical way, by restocking on dog food. Or, maybe he or she will indulge in a few treats for Fido that would otherwise be out of the question. Either way, you probably bring a smile to your friend’s face (and to Fido’s).  

4. Local restaurant gift cards

A touch more indulgent is a gift card for a local restaurant. It’s still food on the table, though, and helps your giftee stretch her own funds a little further.

Look for local restaurants that are reasonably priced, so your friend doesn’t have to spend more than the gift card amount to get a complete meal. Restaurants that offer take-out are also a practical choice, since your giftee can bring the food home and skip a pricey drink purchase.

5. Netflix gift cards

Netflix allows existing subscribers to use gift cards to pay their bill. Those cards also don’t expire. That presents a fabulous gifting opportunity for you. The gift of entertainment can be an escape from tough times in the real world. 

6. Gift cards for household tasks

Have you ever seen a friend’s housekeeping skills disappear when she’s under stress? I have and it’s not pretty. It happens because stress consumes so much energy that there’s not much left for cleaning the house. Your friend who’s struggling is likely focused on bigger problems, like not having enough cash to pay the bills.

If you’re seeing that happen with someone you know and love, try funding some of those household tasks. Depending on where you live, that might involve a gift card for a cleaning service or the local fluff-and-fold laundromat.

7. Calm gift card 

Calm is a mindfulness and meditation app that helps with improving sleep, managing stress, and generally feeling happier. There is a free version of Calm, but the paid version unlocks premium content. Gifting a premium subscription to a friend who’s open to meditation is like gifting an arsenal of tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience. See information about gifting Calm here.

8. Underwear

AdoreMe gift card for the practical gift of underwear
AdoreMe gift card

Underwear may be the world’s most practical gift idea, but it’s hard to pull off. You risk guessing the wrong size or grossly misjudging your friend’s personal style. Imagine gifting lacy Calvin Klein panties when she really wants a bulk pack of hipsters from Target.

Get around the risk and the awkwardness with an AdoreMe gift card. AdoreMe is like Fabletics, but for underwear. You can subscribe and get VIP perks or you can shop full price on the website.

9. Meal subscription

A meal subscription is a fun way to put food on the table. It’s particularly appropriate for your friends who (1) like to cook and (2) like to throw themselves into tasks when they’re stressed.

Personally, I get a lot of satisfaction from chopping vegetables; it’s a clear task that’s easy to complete as long as I am focused. And being focused on chopping means I’m not thinking about my budget or the economy or politics.  

My pick for meal subscriptions is Dinnerly. It’s affordable and the recipes are tasty and straightforward. A two-person meal is about $10, plus shipping. Dinnerly doesn’t have an official gift program, so you’d have to get creative by setting up a subscription in your friend’s name.

Hello Fresh is another option. It’s more expensive, but Hello Fresh does offer gift cards.

10. Bulk food

Omaha Steaks is the clear choice in the bulk food category. During the holiday season, you can gift your cash-poor friend a giant box of frozen meats, burgers, and side dishes for a fairly reasonable price. You can also purchase Omaha Steaks gift cards on Amazon, but that’s a less exciting gift to open.

11. Home spa gift basket

If a gift card or food-related gift seems too pointed, look for gifts that will add a bit of luxury to everyday experiences.

Spa Gift Basket, Luxury 9pc Bath & Body Set For Women & Men, Lavender & Jasmine Scent With Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, Lotion, Bath Salt, Body Scrub, Massage Oil, Loofah & Basket
  • COMPLETE SPA GIFT SET ❤ Restore…
  • LAVENDER & JASMINE FRAGRANCE ❤…
  • GREAT FOR YOUR SKIN ❤ Why waste…
  • THE IDEAL HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA ❤…
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE ❤…

An aromatherapy kit for the bathroom is an example. This home spa gift basket holds nine lavender-and-jasmine scented products that’ll turn the morning shower into a sensory getaway. That 10 glorious minutes of self-care will hopefully distract your loved one from her money troubles and brighten her day.

12. Luxury toothpaste

Marvis Toothpaste Flavor Collection Gift Set , 7 Count (Pack of 1)
  • Discover the unique experiences of…
  • Set includes 7 travel sizes:…
  • Made in Italy using precise,…
  • Helps prevent tooth decay, tartar…

Luxury toothpaste can serve the same purpose. And yes, luxury toothpaste is a thing! Take a look at the Marvis flavored toothpaste collection, which includes jasmin mint, mint, ginger mint, and cinnamon flavors. The set has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, based on 2,139 customer reviews.

13. Scented shower head filter

i-Water Classic Vitamin C Aromatic Shower Filter Lavender | Easy to install | 5 Flavors | Removes Contaminants Like Chlorine for Brighter Skin and Hair…
  • Aromatherapy | Make every day spa…
  • Remove Residual Chlorine | Many…
  • Vitamin C | A popular cosmetic…
  • Skin Moisturization | Our filters…
  • Easy to Install | i-Water Classic…

I have a scented shower head filter and it is AMAZING. This makes for a lovely gift that your giftee can enjoy each and every day. This filter infuses shower water with Vitamin C for healthier skin and hair. Plus, it leaves behind a lovely lavender fragrance.

14. New bath towels

Sale
Ariv Towels 4-Piece Large Premium Bath Towels Set for Sensitive Skin & Daily Use-Soft, Quick Drying & Highly Absorbent for Bathroom, Gym, Hotel & Spa- 30″ X 52″- Duck Egg
  • Great Quality – Woven with a blend…
  • Great Value – The set includes 4…
  • Ultimate Experience – Our towels…
  • Easy Care – Machine wash cold….
  • Large Bath Towels – Our generous…

New bath towels are very practical gifts, but they’re also experiential. They add color to the bathroom plus comfort and texture to the post-shower ritual.

Choose the color strategically. For the friend who’s feeling down, a brighter color can add some zing to her morning — but you don’t want to clash with her bathroom either. A neutral like navy is almost always a good choice, because it’s more interesting than gray or beige and it goes with nearly any décor.

Try Amazon for affordable bath towels. And don’t skimp on size. No one likes a bath towel that fits like bodycon.

15. Cashmere socks

BRUBAKER 4 Pairs Thick Cashmere Socks – Grays Colors – Size EU 35-38 / US 3-6
  • Material: 40% cashmere / 48%…
  • Colors: Gray
  • Superb quality and high-quality…

Fuzzy socks are a touch cliché as a holiday gift, but cashmere socks change the game just enough. This four-pair set from Amazon is affordably priced and they’re not so fancy that your giftee won’t want to wear them.

16. Soft blankets

Sale
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket Twin Size for Couch – Thick and Warm Blanket for Winter, Soft and Fuzzy Fall Throw Blanket for Bed, Navy, 60×80 Inches
  • Reversible Softness: Titled the…
  • Thick & Warm: The Bedsure Sherpa…
  • Versatile: This twin blanket (60″ x…
  • Giftable: Available in multiple…
  • Enhanced Durability: Made with…

Finally, you can spread warmth and comfort with a Sherpa fleece blanket. You know, just in case your giftee has considered turning down the heater to save on utility bills. If things aren’t quite that bad, she can at least enjoy some cozy TV watching on the couch. Pair this blanket with her favorite tea and a cute mug to make it a complete experience.

17. Inscribed bracelet

A bracelet with a motivational message can be just the thing your friend needs to power through tough times. You can find many options on Amazon, but take care to select phrasing that feels personal. A generic-sounding message can easily land wrong. 

The safest bet would be to personalize a bracelet with a reference to an inside joke between the two of you. That way, your gift inspires a laugh and doesn’t make your friend feel pitied. 

18. Your time 

Holidays are frustrating for households dealing with money challenges. They may feel pressure to give gifts, even though they’re struggling. If you suspect this is happening with someone you know, offer to help. Suggest the two of you get together to make low-cost gifts for friends and family. You can donate the supplies and your time. In return, you share a memorable bonding experience with your friend. 

Useful gifts for loved ones who are struggling 

A fun phone charger or dishwasher-safe water bottle may be the typical practical gifts, but there are better choices for friends who are struggling financially. Gift them essentials like food, groceries, or pet supplies. Or go for small indulgences to brighten the day, like self-care products. 

I don’t know your friends personally, but I’d venture to guess they’d also love and appreciate your presence and support. Simply letting them know you’re there for them could be the best holiday gift of all. 

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Sunday 15th of November 2020

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