30 Best Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend ...

Take him to the movies and buy him popcorn, a soda, and some candy. Let him choose the movie, too, no matter how ridiculously violent or scary or plotless, pretend to enjoy it - heck, you may even enjoy it for real! Or, you could host movie night at home with snacks and snuggling.

I've never met someone who didn't like cookies and it's even better if you decorate them with his name, favorite sports team, or inside jokes you two have. All you need is frosting and some imagination. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a master cookie decorator, he'll love the effort you put into it and it'll taste great! You could also buy a kit and make some memories baking cookies together.

Find all the cookie recipes you need here: ‌ ‌
delish.com
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If you need more help, here's a great video for making chocolate chip cookies:

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Miniature golf games are fairly inexpensive but you two will have tons of fun playing. Compete against one another and the winner chooses the prize or just enjoy some one-on-one time with your love. Either way, it's a memorable gift and date so don't forget to take lots of selfies!

Find a mini golf course near you here: golflink.com

Find a great photo of the two of you, have a nice print made, and put it in a manly frame. You can do this for under $20, making this one of the best inexpensive holiday gift ideas for your boyfriend.

If you need a photo for the frame, check out this video for help getting the perfect shot:

Make a set of mugs with a special message on it for the two of you. Seeing your creation every morning when he has his coffee or tea is sure to bring a great big smile to his face.

Scrapbooks aren’t just for girls - who wouldn’t love a scrapbook filled with special pictures and mementos? Include pictures of the two of you, photos from his childhood, special events and accomplishments in his life, souvenirs and future plans and, you can also include a letter or poem to him and some love quotes!

Here are tons of manly scrapbook page ideas: pinterest.com

Break out your pumice and peppermint foot scrub and treat him to an at-home pedicure. Soak his feet in very warm water for ten minutes while massaging his hands with non-girlie scented lotion (no fruits or flowers!). Then pat his feet dry, massage the pumice scrub into them, rinse well, and rub with that same non-scented lotion you used on his hands. Or, if he'd rather not, give him a set that he can use on his own.

Here's a tutorial for making your own manly pampering products: mashable.com

Grab a mason jar or any large container you have on hand and fill it up with grooming goods like lotion, razor, lip balm, shaving cream, etc. You can get some travel size items to stick in there and you can also make some of the items. There are tons of DIY recipes for soaps, lotion, beard oil, and more and of course, you can always buy something too.

Here's a Pinterest tutorial: onecrazyhouse.com

Whether you just started dating, or you’ve been together forever, a coupon book is a great way to give a gift that actually works for you, too. Coupons can be hand-made or printed, and can be for things like “Get out of one argument free” or “Day of football” or “Good for one back massage.” Get creative! Make one or buy one - either way, he'll love the thought and care that went into making the gift.

Here's a tutorial with printables: thedatingdivas.com

If all else fails, why not give him a DIY gift that is heartfelt, shows your creativity and is also unique! You can make something that he’ll use all the time or something decorative like a personalized mug, mouse pad, tablet cover or some wall art!

Here's how to make a DIY coffee mug that he'll treasure forever: acupofgatsby.com

If you want some DIY wall art ideas he'll go crazy for, then head over to buzzfeed.com

If he’s got a favorite sports team, you can probably find inexpensive tickets to an off-day game or event. If that's still out of your price range, give him what he needs to enjoy the event from his own couch, or, just give him a themed gift that aligns with his favorite team or sport.

Watch this handy video to learn how to find the best tickets to concerts and sports games:

Handwritten letters are so much more meaningful than an email or text so why not send him a sweet love note? Get some nice stationery and write him a letter or make a list of things you love about him. You can also spray your signature perfume on the letter before you seal it up so whenever he smells it, he thinks of you!

Use this video to brush up on your fancy handwriting:

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Go to pairedlife.com for some really awesome ideas to use in a love letter for your man.
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If he’s got a sweet tooth, buy a stocking and fill it with his favorite sweet treats to prove you know what he loves. Go for cute and embroidered or glitter-pen it with his name, but either way, he'll love having his favorite treats in the weeks after Christmas is over.

Here's a tutorial for making your own stocking: polishedhabitat.com

If your man is anything like mine, he’s got a favorite pub where he hangs with his mates or a favorite store where he loves to shop. Get him a gift card for that place along with a note encouraging him to go have some fun.

Need some ideas for gift cards a man would love? Check out the top 100 here: dodoburd.com

Check out these cool ways to present a gift card: ‌ ‌
smartfundiy.com

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Get old-school childish and make him an ornament for his tree by using your craft supplies and some imagination to create something with felt pens, glittery gems, and pom-poms. Or buy a kit that helps you on the way but just know that he'll be sure to treasure this gift every year when he sets up his tree.

Check out this video for Pinterest worthy DIY Christmas ornaments:

Here's a tutorial you can pull up on your phone or tablet for some easy and inexpensive ornament making ideas - ‌
goodhousekeeping.com

This is a fun and touching idea that he'll love, so get a jar or box and fill it with strips of paper listing all the reasons why you love him. Write down things you admire about him, things you find irresistible about him, and anything else you want him to know!

Here are some ideas to get you started: enkirelations.com

Show off how well you know your significant other by creating a collage of meaningful pictures. You can include photos of special achievements in his life, photos of the two of you, and pictures of his favorite movie, sports team, car, dream house, etc. Arrange the photos on a 8 x 10 piece of paper or even larger and if you have some extra money, get a frame for an extra special touch.

Here's a really easy video to show you how it's done: ‌ ‌

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You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Invite him over for dinner and surprise him by making his favorite dish! Even if you aren’t the best cook, he’ll love that you made an effort to make something he loves and if you're not much of a cook, surprise him with a meal kit or pre-made dessert.

Use this recipe to make the world famous engagement chicken:

Here's a collection of quick and easy recipes: countryliving.com

Paint and sip events are so popular right now, but they can get pricey. So, why not DIY it up and grab a bottle of wine or whatever drink you both love, grab some watercolors, inexpensive watercolor paper, and get artsy.

Here's how to host your own paint and sip party: happinessishomemade.net

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It's so much fun to take him to the ice rink for skating and if there’s no ice rink where you live, you can take him roller skating. Wear your cutest hat and mittens, or if it’s inside, impress him with your backwards skating skills, and then, treat him to cocoa or a milkshake for a gift that will give you both some great memories in the years to come.

Get some skating tips here:

Surprise your guy with a wash and detail of his car! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate a clean car and you can tuck away a love note somewhere or create a DIY air freshener to add a special little touch. If washing and cleaning his car is too big of a chore, get him a gift card at his regular car wash spot. Wrap up some car washing equipment so he knows what you're planning on Christmas morning when opens his gifts.

If you've never detailed a car, here's how to get the job done:

Here's how to make a DIY car air freshener: onegoodthingbyjillee.com

If your boyfriend's idea of the ultimate meal is a big 'ol steak, then a DIY steak rub will be a really useful gift. Steak rubs are usually easy to mix up and if you can find a nice tin or other container, it'll look gourmet and restaurant-worthy! Or, you could always buy a pre-made one if you want something from a restaurant or store that he really loves.

Make the gift even better by cooking a steak for him: ‌

Here's a collection of tasty rub recipes: foodbeast.com

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Does he love to read or is he maybe more a coffee table book sort of guy? Either way, you can surely find a novel or collection of inspiring photo books that he'd be interested in on eBay, Amazon, or a vintage bookstore.

Speaking of food, if your guy is more of a sweets guy, make a candy gram, which is a sweet little note plus his favorite candy so he won't be able to resist. Check out Pinterest for lots of great ideas on creating a fun candy gram.

Here's some Pinterest inspiration: pinterest.com

Check local craft stores for sales and coupons and get a shadow box. You can typically find one for about $10 unless you want to get really fancy. Next, add a favorite photo of the two of you and add mementos from a special trip or date with as few or as many things as you like!

Here are some ideas for outfitting your shadow box: pinterest.com

If your man is of legal drinking age, pick up some mini bottles of his favorite drinks and treats, glue them onto sticks and arrange them in a bouquet. You don't have to buy tons of stuff to achieve this: just pick up a few things and arrange them for a super fun and unique gift he'll adore!
Here's how to do it: twochicsandablog.com

Picnics are romantic and a great way to show your boyfriend you care! Pack a basket with his favorite sandwich and some chips, a side dish, drinks and even some dessert. You don’t have to spend a lot of money because you can just make some simple sammies, maybe a pasta salad and bake some cookies. These items shouldn’t cost much and a picnic will make a great memory and you can wrap up a cookbook or basket so he knows what you have in mind.

If he he likes trying new foods, here are some great picnic recipes to try: saveur.com

You may have seen these giant love letters floating around Pinterest where you write a love letter on poster board and swap some of the words with names of candy. For example, you can write "Your love is," and then tape a box of Good and Plenty candy or "You bring me," and then add a Mounds bar "of happiness and joy."

Here's a tutorial:

Whip up a healthy snack for your man by creating a trail mix made of all his favorites or look for a seasoned nut recipe on Pinterest that you know he'd love. Once you're done with the recipe, place the snack in a fun mug or even a plain brown paper bag with a ribbon.

There are some great trail mix recipes at ‌greatist.com.

Dipped fruit bouquets are adorable and so good, but the price, not so much. Make your own edible arrangement by cutting fruit with cute cookie cutter shapes like hearts and stars and then place them on skewers. You can also dip some of the fruit in chocolate to make it extra tasty!

Here's a tutorial: thedailygoodiebag.com
Here's how to do it for under $20: jujusprinkles.com

See - there are so many ways to show your affection and love without spending a ton of money. I’m sure there are a lot of other great ideas out there, too! What is your best inexpensive gift idea for your boyfriend and what did your man think of it?