š Thoughtful gifts, like handwritten letters or DIY crafts, often have a bigger impact than expensive ones.
šØ Creative, personalized gifts like scrapbooks or experience-based presents can be meaningful and budget-friendly.
š Custom items, such as engraved bracelets or charm necklaces, are affordable and feel extra special with a personal touch.
Have you ever tried to find the perfect gift without spending too much money? It might sound challenging, but some of the most meaningful gifts don't come with a big price tag. In fact, gifts that cost little or nothing can often leave the biggest impression. From handwritten letters to personalized keepsakes, these gifts are all about thoughtfulness, not price.
So, if you've been wondering what gift to give a best friend on her birthday or need ideas for gifts for teenagers that cost less than $25, you're in the right place. Stick around to discover creative, meaningful, and budget-friendly gift ideas that anyone can give and love.
Plus, weāll share real stories from teens using Modak who gave unforgettable gifts within a budget. These insights are based on responses from a February 2025 survey conducted by Modak among a group of teenage customers.5
When it comes to gifts, price doesn't equal value. The most memorable presents often come from the heart. Take it from one teen using Modak who said:
"I gave my friend a handwritten letter filled with memories, encouragement, and gratitude. It didnāt cost anything, but it meant everything because it came straight from my heart."
A letter, a jar of notes, or a simple homemade craft can create long-lasting memories. So, before you start shopping, remember that sometimes the most thoughtful gifts leave the biggest impact.
Scrapbooks are a fun, affordable, and meaningful way to share memories. All you need is some paper, glue, photos, and creativity. As one Modak teen shared:
"I made a scrapbook full of 3 years we have been together. It showed pictures from the beginning of our relationship when we were awkward and cringe to now, all mature and grown up."
What you'll need:
Why it works: This gift shows effort and sentimentality. Plus, looking back at those memories will always bring a smile.
If you want something timeless, go for a photo album. One Modak user explained their idea:
"I would create a personalized photo album filled with special memories weāve shared. Using printed photos and handwritten notes, Iād highlight moments that brought us joy and laughter."
āI would gift a photo album. During the years we have known each other I would take photos of our favorite memories and put them in an album, after putting it in the album I would do a dramatic but sweet surprise to give it to her.ā
Cost: Around $20 for an album and photo prints.
A heartfelt letter never goes out of style. One Modak user shared their experience with this gift:
"I gave my sister a heartfelt letter on her birthday, expressing gratitude for her unwavering support. It cost nothing but time, yet meant everything to us."
Pro tip: Create a 'future letter' for your friend to open on a special date. Seal it with stickers and decorate the envelope.
Sometimes, an experience is better than a physical gift. One Modak user shared how they made their brotherās day by organizing a special night:
āI one time planned a video game and movie night when my brother was having a bad day and I made all of his favorite snacks and everything. When he came out of his room he saw everything and was really happy and excited that I did that.ā
Cost: Free if you already have snacks at home. š®šæ
Personalized items feel special because theyāre one-of-a-kind. One Modak user shared a clever idea: they would set aside a small amount of money, grow their savings over time, and then use it to buy a meaningful engraved piece of jewelry.
Estimated cost: $15ā$20.
šŖ Modak lets teens earn MBX points through challenges like walking, which they can use for gifts.
š° Teens can manage their finances and save for gifts while learning valuable money skills with Modak.
š Modak helps teens develop good money habits, making it easier to save for gifts and personal goals.
Start your financial journey now!
Everything you need, fast, safe and simple.
ā
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
Unordered list
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
A charm necklace is a meaningful and thoughtful gift, perfect for celebrating friendships, special moments, or simply showing appreciation. Unlike everyday accessories, a charm necklace can hold personal significance, making it a cherished keepsake. Whether it features initials, symbols, or small pendants that reflect someone's personality, itās a way to carry a reminder of a loved one wherever you go.
A Modak kid shared a story about how they turned a friend's thoughtful gift into inspiration:
"Lily noticed I wasnāt myself. Without saying anything, she handed me a small box. I opened it to find a charm necklaceāa little heart-shaped charm with a tiny star in the center. 'Itās for you to remind you that even when things donāt go perfectly, you still shine,' she said. I couldnāt believe it. It wasnāt just a necklaceāit was her way of telling me that I was still important, even on my worst days."
Estimated cost: $10ā$15.
Custom journals are a fantastic way to stay organized or capture your thoughts. They can serve as a diary, planner, or creative space for writing and doodling. Plus, they make a thoughtful and unique gift for loved ones!
"My friend Lily always carried a little notebook with her, scribbling down thoughts, quotes, and doodles. So, I bought her a soft-cover journalādeep purple with a silver moon design, something I knew sheād love. On the first page, I wrote a note thanking her for being the best friend anyone could have. I also filled a few pages with funny quotes, memories, and silly drawings. When I gave it to her, she hugged me right away. āThis is perfect,ā she said, flipping through the pages with a huge smile. (...) Sometimes, I think about how small, thoughtful gifts can make such a big difference."
"If I were to buy a gift for $20 or less, Iād choose a personalized journal. Itās thoughtful, encourages creativity, and suits anyoneāwhether they love writing, doodling, or planning. Adding a handwritten note inside makes it even more special. (...) The value of such a gift goes beyond its price."
Create a basket with a fun theme, like 'self-care' or 'movie night.'
Estimated cost: $20ā$25.
Whether itās a DIY friendship bracelet or a painted mug, handmade gifts show you care. One Modak user made a funny, personalized sticker for their sister:
"A special gift that I would give my sister would be a sticker that says 'I donāt know' because thatās what she always says. And she loves stickers, she puts them all over her water bottle!"
āOne gift that I made was a 8-page long love letter written to my boyfriend. I spent 2 whole days sitting and writing. I wasnāt thinking. Just writing and when I finished it I made some cookies, sugar cookies to be specific those are his favorite.ā
Cost: Free if you make it yourself.
It's a gift of self-careāan opportunity to pause, recharge, and step away from the hustle of daily life. Itās a meaningful gesture that promotes rest, relaxation, and overall well-being. A spa day gift is more than just a simple present; itās a complete experience, a luxurious escape designed to nourish both the mind and body.
āIf I could create a special gift for them it would be for my mom and I would give her a spa day because I haven't done that in a long time. Also because she loves it when I do that for her and because she has done a lot for me I would want to do that would help her relax. ā
Cost: Free if you do it at home.
āāMemories live in our hearts, preserving special moments forever." Our Memories Jar allows you to start each day by capturing cherished memoriesāfilled with the people and places that have brought you joy and shaped your journey.
āāI would create a personalized jar of āReasons Youāre Amazingā for someone special. Inside, Iād include small handwritten notes with memories, compliments, and encouragements. This thoughtful gift, costing under $20, would remind them daily of their kindness and the impact theyāve had on my life.ā
Spending quality time with someone can be the best gift of all. One Modak kid shared how they made a special memory:
"The gift that I gave was spending time, and spending time is priceless. I gave it to my brother because heās four years old, and he is so fun to play with."
A picnic is a wonderful way to spend meaningful time with a loved one. You can prepare a few snacks, bring a blanket, and enjoy a day outdoors together. Itās a chance to disconnect from screens and truly connect with someone important to you.
What you'll need:
Estimated cost: Free if you use what you have at home, or up to $15 if you buy extra treats.
Why it works: A picnic offers a mix of fun and relaxation while creating lasting memories. Whether itās with a sibling, a friend, or a parent, quality time is always a gift worth giving.
A bouquet is more than just a giftāit carries meaning, emotion, and memories. Whether handpicked or arranged, the flowers you choose add sentiment. Sunflowers, daisies, and wildflowers symbolize joy, while pink roses and lavender convey love and tranquility. Pressed or dried flowers make it even more personal.
"He handed me an old shoebox filled with seedsāsome labeled, some not. They werenāt just seeds; they were summers spent together, stories shared under an oak tree."
Years later, those seeds grew into sunflowers and tomatoes, a living reminder of their bond. A bouquet, much like those flowers, can capture a moment and the people we cherish.
"I gave you a pressed flower because it reminded me of how small moments with you are so beautiful and rare."
Flowers may fade, but the memories they hold last forever.
Holidays can get expensive, but creativity goes a long way. Here are some fun, low-cost gift ideas for Christmas:
Pro Tip: Add a personalized touch with ribbons and handwritten notes.
A good budget for gifts depends on personal finances and the occasion. For birthdays or holidays, some may find $15ā$25 to be a common range for gifts for teenagers, but individual budgets may vary. The best approach is to set a budget that aligns with your financial situation and comfort level.
The 5-gift rule suggests giving five types of gifts:
Small gifts can be thoughtful without being expensive:
The 3-gift rule is simpler:
Need money to buy that perfect gift? Modak makes it easy to earn while you learn1. With Modakās in-app challenges and the Walk to Earn feature, you can earn MBX points2 just by walking3. The more you engage with challenges and daily step goals, the more MBX you can earn.
Plus, Modak helps you learn about money management and develop good habits. Whether you want to save for gifts or just earn some pocket money, Modak turns learning into fun.
Download Modak today and start earning while you walk!
Finding a meaningful gift doesnāt mean you need to spend a lot. As many Modak users have shown, a simple letter, a personalized scrapbook, or a planned night of fun can mean the world to someone.
So next time you're stuck on gift ideas, remember: thoughtful gifts donāt need big budgets. And if you want to start earning rewards that can be turned into money for your gifts, Modakās got your back.
ā
ā
ā
