15 Last-Minute Gift Ideas Below RM30

What is the year end festive season without gifts?

Christmas celebrations, ‘virtual’ office parties and New Year countdowns means that during this time of the year, you’re surely busy scraping every last penny and drawing up an elaborate plan on how to buy presents without breaking your bank account.

We’ve put together a list of 15 gifts you can get everyone on your list – yes, everyone makes the cut – and you can easily get any of these items under RM30 or less if you make use of promo vouchers, so don’t worry about going broke this festive season:

1. Phone holder 

It’s impossible to go wrong with this. It’s 2021. Phones are no longer a luxury, they are a necessity. Most people can live without anything, but not their phones. Phone holders or stands are universal gifts for people in every age group, regardless of gender, interests, religion, or age.

2. Coasters 

 

Coasters are a great gift – especially for that one friend with OCD and cannot stand water ringlets on the table. It’s useful for house parties and can also be used on a daily basis.

3. USB hub  

An ideal gift in this tech-dominated world. Any colleague or friend will surely welcome this handy gift that can be used to connect and charge multiple devices at the same time.

4. Powerbank

When you own a smartphone, you also own a powerbank – there’s no way around it – especially if you’re always out and about. Malaysians are addicted to the likes of Facebook and Instagram, and all that photos and videos can drain your battery really fast. Powerbanks are great gifts because they help keep the battery charged at all times and keeps everyone connected!

5. Make-up bag

Honestly, any kind of storage bag is a useful gift. From the clutter on our desks, on our grooming table, the kitchen, the bathroom, the TV console, to packing up that suitcase during a holiday – they are helpful when it comes to organising and removing clutter. 

6. Water bottle 

It’s important to stay hydrated, and having a water bottle with you at all times will remind you to get your daily water intake. A nice water bottle is a thoughtful gift that your friends that bring to the gym or to work every day.

7. Reusable straws   

More and more people are turning into environmentalists to do their part in saving the planet. Get onboard the green train by gifting your friend this useful kit that’s great if you are out and about,  and need to grab a drink.

8. Indoor miniature plants

House plants are great for busy city workers who don’t have the time or the space to keep a lush green garden at homes. The growing popularity of miniature succulents and ferns that can thrive in indoor environments means this gift will surely bring positive vibes to your friends and colleagues.

9. Portable hand sanitisers

Everyone needs one these days as we adjust to living in the new normal. Pocket size refillable hand sanitisers are a must wherever we go and will be a handy addition to anyone’s bag this holiday season.

10. Pen holder 

Whether you have an office job, running your own business, or regularly working from home, a pen holder can help to organise all the clutter on your desk.

11. Bluetooth speaker 

There will be plenty of parties during Christmas, and music is the life of any party. A bluetooth speaker is a great gift that can be used all year round for any kind of party or gathering with family or friends – even during intimate dinners. 

12. Face sheet masks

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or up all night playing an online game, your skin will need a little TLC and a facial treatment mask will do the trick. Can’t say no to this!

13. Pocket trivia games

Ideal gift for the year end filled with holidays and family gatherings. You can’t go wrong with a party card game. It’s compact and mobile – and you can choose from a wide range of categories like movies, sports, music and more.

14. Shoe storage bag 

This is a great gift for someone who loves outdoor activities like football, hiking, bowling, dancing – or simply for anyone who has a lot of shoes. 

15. Flash drive

In this digital age that we live in, everyone needs a flash drive, regardless of its size. There are plenty of options you can browse online for some quirky thumb drives that matches the personality of the person you’re buying it for.

We hope these ideas are helpful and will help lessen your financial burden this festive season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This article was first published in 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.