Christmas Gifts for a Son on a Low Income

Think of your son's personal interests when choosing his Christmas gift.

There are specific challenges when it comes to purchasing a Christmas gift for someone on a low income, even if that person is your son. One challenge may be that he is reticent to accept your generosity, knowing that he can't respond in kind. However, by choosing a Christmas gift based on his needs, interests and personality, you will find something that he enjoys receiving just as much as you enjoyed giving.

Functional Gifts

An article published by Six Wise reports that men are more likely to appreciate gifts that are functional over those that are sentimental. If his income prevents him from replacing basic household necessities when they become damaged or outdated, your son might appreciate simple items such as new sheets, bath towels, small kitchen appliances or power tools. Clothing, shoes and well-worn personal items he can't afford to replace would also be thoughtful Christmas gifts for someone on a low income.

Personal-Interest Gifts

If your son's economic situation has caused him to put his own interests and hobbies on hold, buy him a Christmas gift that will help him reignite a lost passion. Gift certificates for book stores or music stores are simple to purchase, but the impact of receiving them may be dramatic for someone who has not been able to purchase a new CD or book for some time. Purchase certificates for a round of golf or tickets to a movie, sporting event or concert, or pay his membership dues for a team or club that he once enjoyed.

Career-Advancing Gifts

If your son's income is low because he is between jobs or still looking for the right career, give him gifts that will help him succeed professionally. Books on career choices or entrepreneurship, a new suit or briefcase for interviews or an assortment of professional stationary might give him the extra confidence he needs to succeed in the coming new year. Choose Christmas gifts that genuinely support his career dreams, not the ones you believe he should be following.

Completely Practical Gifts

It may be that your son's situation is so serious that basic food and shelter are his main concerns. If this is the case, give Christmas gifts that meet basic requirements and free up some of his limited cash for other things. Purchase gift cards from the grocery store or pay for his enrollment in a grocery service that will deliver basic goods on a weekly or monthly basis. Pay his rent for a month or more if you can afford it. If he requires Internet service at home, prepay his bill for one or more months. Buy him a large assortment of toiletries, including his favorite brands of shampoo, soap, aftershave and deodorant. A gas card or yearly bus pass are also useful Christmas gifts for someone with a low income.

References

• Six Wise: How to Choose the Right Gifts for Men