How to survive Christmas gifting in this economy: Our 2025 Under $100 Gift Guide

11 Nov

Christmas gifting on a budget? In this economy? Please. We’re all trying to spread joy without watching our bank accounts flatline.

Between rising living costs and lists that keep magically growing, finding thoughtful gifts that won’t send you spiralling into debt feels like a Christmas miracle. You know we live for the festive season (and a good bargain), so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite under-$100 gift ideas for 2025 - the kind that feel good to give (and even better to afford). Whether you’re shopping for your mum, your mate, or that colleague who keeps lending you her charger, these picks are the kind that feel thoughtful, useful, and won’t have you crying when your statement hits in January.

Before you start shopping, a few money-saving tricks we swear by:

1. Sign up for discounts. 

Before you hit “checkout,” see if joining a brand’s mailing list gets you a cheeky discount or early access to sales. Most brands are extra generous this time of year, and that 10–15% off can really add up.

2. Cashback programs are your MVP. 

Programs like ShopBack let you earn a little back while you spend. It might not sound like much, but it really adds up over the holidays. If you’re a points collector, shopping through places like the Velocity Frequent Flyer e-Store or OnePass can help you rack up rewards faster on things you were already planning to buy.

3. Don’t sleep on comparison tools. 

A quick Google (or yep, a ChatGPT search) can help you find the same gift cheaper somewhere else. Two minutes of checking could save you enough for that extra pavlova or bottle of bubbly.

4. Team up for group gifts. 

Going in with friends or family means you can give something meaningful without blowing the budget. It’s the easiest way to go bigger while still spending smart.

5. DIY and sentimental wins every time.

A framed photo, handwritten letter, or baked treat made with love? Priceless. And honestly, people remember those thoughtful gifts way more than another candle (even though, yes, we still love candles).

6. Shop Black Friday sales where you can.

If you can plan ahead, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are absolutely worth it. Just make your list first and stick to it, because those “just browsing” scrolls? That’s where budgets go to disappear.