10 budget-friendly gifts that really pay off in the long-run
Up your Secret Santa game this holiday season with 10 options that deliver lasting value all year long — and each under €26.
5 min read
The best gifts last a lifetime, and pay for themselves. The second-best are thoughtful and personal, perfectly tailored to the person receiving them. This month, we’ve sifted through the internet to find 10 timeless, affordable gift ideas that are perfect for a gift exchange with friends or coworkers. Each of these presents will last well beyond the wrapping paper — and the best part? Every gift has options under €26 that pretty much pay for themselves, making it easy to spread joy without breaking the bank.
For the food lover who’s obsessed with cooking competition shows
When shopping for the foodie in your friend group, it’s all about finding gifts that make cooking more enjoyable and groceries last longer. Our picks not only improve their kitchen experience but can even save them money over time.
1. Better slicing and dicing
A honing steel is essential for keeping kitchen knives sharp and in top condition. Unlike a knife sharpener, which grinds down the blade, a honing steel realigns the edge, ensuring smoother, safer slicing. By maintaining their knives regularly with a honing steel, your cooking-obsessed friends can avoid the cost of replacing dull knives and enjoy more efficient meal prep.
2. Preserve those summer veggies all year long
For the food-lover who isn’t shy about experimenting, a fermentation guide like “The Noma Guide to Fermentation” opens up a world of homemade flavors. Preserving is an excellent way of transforming food into pickles, kimchi, and condiments at home. Not new to the fermentation game? Gift some timeless glass jars and set them up for another season of success.
For the sartorialist with pro thrifting skills and impeccable style
Shopping for a sustainable fashion lover means finding gifts that help them preserve their carefully curated wardrobe for years to come. These gifts will extend the life of their favorite pieces and reduce the need for constant replacements.
3. Keep that leather like new, honey
Leather honey, a leather cleaner and conditioner, keeps leather bags, shoes, and jackets looking fresh for years. It’s an investment in quality that helps preserve items and saves them from needing to be replaced. Consider this the secret must-have for all your fashion-forward friends.
4. Give their sweaters a glow-up
A sweater stone is designed to remove pills (those pesky little fabric balls) from wool and knit garments. Unlike a fabric shaver, which can sometimes cause damage by pulling or cutting fabric, a sweater stone carefully lifts and removes pills without harming the material. This maintains the appearance of sweaters, significantly extending their life.
For the coffee-any-timer who knows their arabica from their robusta
Gifts that make their daily cup more enjoyable while saving money are a win-win for any coffee enthusiast. These picks allow them to brew their favorite drinks at home like a pro, so they can save on those pricey coffee shop runs.
5. A timeless, analog brewer
A French press is a reusable, eco-friendly way to make rich, flavorful coffee at home. By gifting a French press, you’ll help the coffee fanatic in your life enjoy their favorite brews while also saving money on coffee pods or coffeeshop espresso. If a French press isn’t for them, consider a pourover set-up, an Aeropress, or a stovetop espresso maker as other budget-friendly alternatives to store-bought brews.
6. Milk, but make it fancy
A hand-powered milk foamer creates café-quality froth at home, meaning that lattes and cappuccinos are back on the menu. It’s a small investment that saves money and adds a luxurious touch to any daily coffee routine.
For the backstage passholder who has hi-fi everything
Shopping for a music aficionado means finding gifts that help them soak in the sounds they love. Whether it's protecting their hearing at concerts or preserving the magic of their vinyl collection, these thoughtful gifts upgrade their experience and help them save money in the long run.
7. Dial down the noise
The gift of hearing is priceless, and protecting it doesn’t mean sacrificing sound quality. High-quality reusable earplugs are the perfect way to safeguard one’s hearing at concerts or events, reducing decibel levels while still letting them enjoy the music. It’s a thoughtful investment that saves them money on expensive hearing aids down the line, all while keeping their eardrums safe and their experiences unforgettable.
8. Keep their records sounding timeless
Using a vinyl cleaning kit helps any record collection stay in peak condition. By keeping the grooves smooth and the sound crisp, it extends the life of both the records and turntable. No more worrying about replacing scratched or worn-out LPs! It ’s a fun, easy way to save money while ensuring their precious music collection stays in top shape for years to come.
For the passport stamp-collector who’s always planning their next trip
When shopping for a frequent traveler, look for gifts that make their trips easier and more organized. These practical items will help them save money and reduce stress while on their adventures.
9. No more overweight baggage fees
Save your loved one from surprise fees with a portable luggage scale. It lets them check their bags' weight before heading to the airport, helping them stay within limits and avoid costly overweight charges. This simple tool is a shortcut to stress-free packing and helps their travel budget stay intact!
10. Their own portable treasure chest
It may not be the first thing you think of, but a travel jewelry case is a game-changer when it comes to saving money. Losing a piece of jewelry can be costly, and this thoughtful gift keeps all their accessories organized and protected from damage and loss while on the go.
Gift smart this season with N26
Make gift shopping stress-free with N26 Spaces. Set up a dedicated Space for holiday gifting, budget for each person on your list, and save without the last-minute scramble — so you can give joyfully while also sticking to your budget. Find the perfect membership for you today.
From Swiss shoppers dropping €43 per person on chocolates to 64% of European shoppers opting for second-hand gifts, here’s where our money goes during the holidays.
From Swiss shoppers dropping €43 per person on chocolates to 64% of European shoppers opting for second-hand gifts, here’s where our money goes during the holidays.
