{"id":1133484,"date":"2022-11-08T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=1133484"},"modified":"2025-12-01T15:24:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T22:24:08","slug":"practical-gifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/practical-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"18 practical gift ideas your cash-poor friends will love"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I thought last year was tough. But this year has brought a different set of challenges to the fore. Shrinking job opportunities and still-high grocery prices are taking their toll on households around the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You likely have friends and family members who are struggling to make ends meet. Maybe rising prices have thrown their budget out of whack, or they’ve been targeted by cost-cutting measures at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t feel right to gift indulgences to someone who needs ultra-basic, practical things like cash and food. Nor is it appropriate to give your proud best friend a $50 bill tucked in a holiday card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there is a middle ground \u2014 where you can satisfy a good friend\u2019s basic needs without being offensive. Try these 18 practical gift ideas on for size. The first seven are gift cards, followed by 11 giftable essentials. All 18 are sure to be appreciated and loved by those who aren\u2019t as financially strong this year as they\u2019d like to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best practical gift ideas <\/h2>\n\n\n
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1. Walmart or Amazon gift cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/g>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/clipPath>\r\n <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a> is a nice choice. These retailers carry every basic you can think of \u2014 including food, clothes, shoes, and toilet paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry about a Walmart or Amazon gift card feeling too generic<\/a>, either. You can easily add a personal touch by making a card or holder for that gift card. For inspiration, see this tutorial<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a> for adorable, hand-made fabric gift card holders. Or, if you\u2019re not crafty, pair the gift card with a simple bouquet of flowers. It\u2019s a nice touch that\u2019s sure to brighten your friend\u2019s day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Grocery gift cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A grocery gift card tucked into the default sleeve might feel like a handout. Here\u2019s how to get around that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know your friend\u2019s 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, \u201cI know you love these cookies. You can use the gift card to refill your supply when these run out.\u201d Of course, your friend can use the gift card for whatever she wants, be it wine, cookies, bread, or another essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pet supplies gift cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 though it\u2019s also a thoughtful idea on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s face (and to Fido\u2019s).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Local restaurant gift cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A touch more indulgent is a gift card for a local restaurant. It\u2019s still food on the table, though, and helps your giftee stretch her own funds a little further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for local restaurants that are reasonably priced, so your friend doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Netflix gift cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how to buy Netflix gift cards. <\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Gift cards for household tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever seen a friend\u2019s housekeeping skills disappear when she\u2019s under stress? I have and it\u2019s not pretty. It happens because stress consumes so much energy that there\u2019s not much left for cleaning the house. Your friend who\u2019s struggling is likely focused on bigger problems, like not having enough cash to pay the bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Calm gift card <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read next: Top gift cards for acquaintances to besties<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Underwear<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"AdoreMe
AdoreMe gift card<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Underwear may be the world\u2019s most practical gift idea, but it\u2019s hard to pull off. You risk guessing the wrong size or grossly misjudging your friend’s personal style. Imagine gifting lacy Calvin Klein panties<\/a> when she really wants a bulk pack of hipsters from Target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get around the risk and the awkwardness with an AdoreMe gift card<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>. AdoreMe is like Fabletics, but for underwear. You can subscribe and get VIP perks or you can shop full price<\/a> on the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Meal subscription<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A meal subscription is a fun way to put food on the table. It\u2019s particularly appropriate for your friends who (1) like to cook and (2) like to throw themselves into tasks when they\u2019re stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, I get a lot of satisfaction from chopping vegetables; it\u2019s a clear task that\u2019s easy to complete as long as I am focused. And being focused on chopping means I\u2019m not thinking about my budget or the economy or politics.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My pick for meal subscriptions is Dinnerly<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s affordable and the recipes are tasty and straightforward. A two-person meal is about $10, plus shipping. Dinnerly doesn\u2019t have an official gift program, so you\u2019d have to get creative by setting up a subscription in your friend\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hello Fresh is another option. It\u2019s more expensive, but Hello Fresh does offer gift cards<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Bulk food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Omaha Steaks<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a> 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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>, but that\u2019s a less exciting gift to open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Home spa gift basket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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\n \n \"Mothers\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
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