How to Choose a Birthday Present Under $10

The special thing about birthdays is that they only come once a year. The challenging thing about birthdays is that they can be expensive. So why not learn how to choose a birthday present for under $10? Follow the 6 steps below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know the person you are buying for. Not every person has the same tastes. Some people may love wine and gourmet cheeses, while others enjoy sloppy cheeseburgers from a food truck vendor. Familiarize yourself with the person’s likes and dislikes. This is a great way to narrow down the gift selection.
2. Visit discount stores. Fortunately, today discount stores have a variety of brand name items, from colognes and perfumes, to ties and cufflinks. A small brand name gift is always nice.
3. Choose a gift card for music downloads. You can pick up a gift card at many retail stores. Usually one downloadable song can be purchased for a minimal fee. Nicely signed gift cards add a more personal touch.
4. Choose their favorite candy. Chocolate isn’t the only tasty candy. Jelly beans, gummies and hard candies are sold in multi-colored, pre-packaged gift boxes or bags. The best thing about buying these items is that you can simply sign your name and pass it along.
5. Choose a few votive candles. You can purchase scented or unscented pre-wrapped votive candles and one votive candle holder. Just place them in a gift bag and you will have a great birthday present under $10. Get creative by choosing different fragrances.
6. Choose a paperback book. Paperback books are always less expensive than hardcover books. Choose a book by the person’s favorite author. You can also choose a book by the genre. Reading summaries may seem tedious, but they are well worth it. Pick up a gift card from the bookstore if you are not sure what type of book to choose.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a funny card. Funny cards always put a smile on your face. Another safe bet is choosing a birthday card that makes noise or plays music.
• Choose a birthday balloon. Hopefully the birthday guy or gal won’t be too embarrassed when lugging a giant balloon home.
• Do not forget about outlet shopping! Many popular stores have outlets that sell items well beneath the retail prices.
• Do not buy fragrances on a whim! Smell the fragrance and only buy it if it smells like something they already have. Don’t buy a floral fragrance if the person is allergic to flowers.