Does your family go overboard for the holidays?

If you have a big family and an even bigger shopping list, it’s hard to stay on a budget. Especially since everybody else is going on a shopping spree every year and you’ve got used to splurging to show the love. 

We get it! A frugal Christmas just doesn’t have the same ring to it as a Magical one. The good news is that magic, as well as appreciation or love, doesn’t have a price tag on it. So it was never about how much you spend on the gifts. 

If this holiday season finds you in a bit of a pickle, if you just bought a new place, are currently planning a wedding, adjusting to life with kids, and are strapped for cash, no need to despair. Tello made a plan for cool ideas that you can do or buy this year, that are both affordable and thoughtful. 

🔔 Before we get to it, remember that what you love about Christmas cannot be found in a store window. Baking cookies with your mom, watching your favorite movies, skating, Christmas lights, and seeing friends’ old Santa pictures. 

1. Keep it Personal 👪

Getting each member of the family the perfect gift puts a lot of pressure on people and budgets. 

First things first: if you need to be a penny pincher, don’t be afraid to let people know that this year, you’ll be focusing on just one gift per person. Explain the situation nicely and keep in mind that excessive gift giving does not make a better sister, father-in-law, or nephew. 

Second: add a personal touch to your ideas. Here’s what you can do instead of buying something, to make your loved ones feel special:

❄️ Home baked goodies – you can’t beat that! As the saying goes, baking spirits bright!

❄️ Creative cards

❄️ DIY Artsy Decorations – plates, mason jars, tree decorations

❄️ Handmade jewelry, if you’re feeling adventurous 

❄️ A coupon for a free night of babysitting

2. Best gifts under $25 or less 🎁

If you’re going for presents, we don’t want to take the fun away from that. Instead we’re here to share our top 25 Christmas gifts under $25. 

• Mini Pocket Drone With HD Camera $24.99

Want a drone that you can easily carry around everywhere? This Mini Pocket Drone With HD Camera is small enough to fit inside your pocket without losing any of its premium features. Your dad and son/nephew will love it!

• Tree Decorations from Joann’s Crafts

They have everything from a stacked books ornament, a camper van, gumball machine, tool bag or a flamingo to put in your tree, starting from $4.99 even. Plus you can find everything for people into DIY or crafting!

• Sony SRS-XB01 wireless speaker $14.95

CNET vouches for this speaker and we trust their word when it comes to tech. Especially in such a lovely color. This is such an affordable solution for music in kids rooms. 

• Silk Magnetic Cable Wrangler – $19.99

There’s a good chance you’re within 3 feet of some tangled charging cables right now or you have a friend who is constantly losing that one cables he needs in the clutter. Messy cables no more! It looks cool, tidy & works because of magnets! 

• Anker PowerCore 10000 $25.99

This little number is a gift that anyone would find in handy, no matter the age. It fits easily into any pocket or bag, making it the perfect charger for on the couch, on a plane, or anywhere else your phone needs a boost. This way, you’ll avoid any low battery panic. 

• Monogram Pin $12.00

They’re jolly, joyful & personal! You can buy one for your mom/daughter and one for yourself. The compliments & question you’ll receive when wearing them are guaranteed. 

• For your tween/teen daughter or niece

You can’t go wrong with  Anya Travel Mug ($16.00), Bess Velvet Headband ($15.00), Winky Lux Mini Lip Pill Gift Set ($16.00), Aliza Hair Clip Set ($18) They will feel spoiled and pampered.

• For your tween/teen son or grandson

We’re sure you’ve noticed by now the ‘90s are back and they’ve taken control over your kids. If you want to add a cool factor that has a warmer purpose, get your son a UO Ribbed Beanie ($15.00). If he’s into water sports, a MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag is going to be the perfect accessory (choose a 20L size and pay just $17.99). How about a Solar Photography Kit to spark up their creativity? 

• For the entire family

1. Awkward Moment Card Game ($19.00) – this is a good one for the entire family, if you want to foster communication and make life situations more relatable. It was developed by a college professor who would like to change the way people think about certain psychological issues and it will help your teen be prepared for those embarrassing times before they happen through decider, moment, and reaction cards.
2. Mixtape Card Game ($25.00) – up for some nostalgic fun? This game invites you to tell the story of your life through the soundtrack that backs it and to discover different sides of each member of the family. 

• Mugs $12 – $14

We all have that one crazy cat friend, an uncle that spoils his dog and a talkative cousin that can’t wait to tell you all about his life. There’s a mug for everyone, trust us. Here are some awesome ones from https://www.anthropologie.com/. 

• Collapsible Water Bottle $13.20

Great for travel, working out, everyday – it might seem weird at first, but this will save your day so many times. It’s perfect for packing empty and then filling up after you’re through airport security to have water on the plane and in your meetings. 

• Zodiac Candle

Each scent and stone in our Zodiac collection has been inspired by the zodiacs corresponding earths element. Each of our candles are hand poured with all natural, American grown soy wax, wood wicks, and premium fragrance oils.

• Kitchen Essentials Herb Planter $18.00

Plant the included organic seeds, put water in the reservoir, place the jar in a sunny window or under a grow light, and get growing. Choose basil, parsley, or cilantro.

• Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker, Red $24.79

This little number will be the answer for hectic mornings, especially for families with children or for students that want to save time. Breakfast in 4 easy steps: 1. Add bread and pre-cooked meat or cheese to the bottom layer. 2. Add egg to the egg plate. 3. Top egg with 2nd slice of bread. 4. Slide egg plate out and remove sandwich.

• Books

No holiday gift guide from Tello would be complete without dropping some of our favorite books this year. We vouch for them and bet you’ll love them as well. 

1. City Of Girls – by Elizabeth Gilbert $14.69
2. Fifty Things That Aren’t My Fault: Essays From the Grown-up Years – by Cathy Guisewite $18.98
3. Modern Love, Revised and Updated: True Stories of Love, Loss, and Redemption – by Daniel Jones $13.69
4. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders – by Joshoua Foer $19.59
5. Ego is the enemy – by Ryan Holiday $14.84