30 affordable gifts that you won't find on the high street

Struggling with Christmas shopping? Put your feet up and browse our bumper guide to frugal and unique gifts!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Personally, the thought of fighting through a packed John Lewis (yet again) fills me with dread.

But it doesn't have to be that way. We've put together a guide to 30 gifts for men, women and children that you won't find on the high street.

Each one is under £20, and they've all been created by designers based on Folksy, a UK online marketplace dedicated to selling hand-crafted goods.

So, if you want to dodge the high street rush and buy affordable gifts that really are unique, read on!

Jewellery

1. This unusual Erinite and sterling silver leaf pendant from Trinket Box Jewellery comes in at £12.50, and would make a beautiful gift for a sister, girlfriend or wife.  

2. This highly detailed felt heart brooch is one of many handmade accessories at Applique Originals. It costs £6.50, and I reckon this would be a great present for a sister or niece.

3. Are you away from a loved one this Christmas? This little brass envelope pendant (complete with removable love note) from Maria Allen might be the perfect way to tell them how you feel. And it shouldn't break the bank, coming in at £19.

4. This red poppy fabric necklace from Nuada accessories would a great present for anyone who likes statement jewellery. It costs £9.50, and can be bought with a matching ring and/or earrings.

5. NelliD makes a wide range of cute and quirky resin jewellery. I think pieces like this key to my heart pendant would be a particularly good gift for teenage and 20-something girls.

6. And finally, this enormous yellow button brooch from Beaky would be a great stocking filler. It would look lovely brightening up a dull coat, comes in lots of other colours, and costs just £3.

Clothing

7. If you buying for a baby or toddler, take a look at these hand knitted Rudolph the Reindeer baby booties from Little Pudding. They're £9 - much less than you'd pay for an equivalent level of detail and quality in a big name store.

8. If you're stumped for what to get a brother, cousin or male friend, check out this rather stylish Mr Britain T-shirt by She Draws. It's priced at £14, and is a good quirky mix of smart and casual.

9. Finally, this boyfriend neck warmer from Silky Prudence would be perfect for, well, boyfriends! At £22.50, it's a tad over our budget. However, the shop is offering UK buyers free postage and packaging during December, which makes things a bit more manageable.

Accessories

10. This intricate leather case from Beautiful Skin has been made to protect an iPod or iPhone. Each case costs £20 and there are lots of designs to choose from, so there's sure to be one that suits that tech-loving friend.

11. Still trying to find stocking fillers? One of these illustrated birdie mirrors from Lou Peajeux would make a really cute and quirky gift; and they cost just £3 each.

12. One of these small Japanese fabric purses from Haptree would also do the trick for little girls. They're £4.50 each, can be attached to a key ring and come in a range of cute fabrics.

13. These in vino veritas cufflinks from Much in a Little have been individually handcrafted in porcelain. They cost £15, and would be perfect for the dad, husband or brother who likes a glass of something.

14. Finally, this bright fishy tote bag from Nics Knots would be perfect for little girls (or boys!) who want a handbag like their mum. It's probably cheaper than mum's handbag, too, at just £5.

Gadgets

15. For the geek in your life, what about this one-of-a-kind yew branch memory stick from Tree Gems? As the name suggests, this 2GB memory stick has been crafted from a branch of yew wood. It fits onto a key ring, and costs £19.50.

16. Are struggling to buy for a keen fisherman? This unusual 'the one that got away' tin from Come Day Go Day might be the answer. It can be used as a fishing fly tin or pillbox, and is priced at £8.

17. Finally, this reclaimed walnut flower press from London Clay Birds would be a fab gift for anyone into nature. It's beautifully made and great value for money, at £16.

Paper goods and pictures

18. This bunny rabbit alphabet from Lucy Player Graphic Design would be a lovely present for a young child's bedroom. It's cute and educational - and all for just £7.

19. This vibrant mini leather journal from Susan Green Books is £10, and I've seen less exciting equivalents in high street stores for twice that. I think this would make a great gift for anyone who regularly takes notes or just enjoys making the odd list!

20. Look at this Plans for global domination notebook from The breakfast of Champignons. It costs £7 and I think it's got boyfriend, husband or dad written all over it...

Homeware

21. This little porcelain petite jug from Caroline Green Pottery is sweet, chic and elegant. It would be perfect for serving milk or cream, and at £20 would make a lovely gift for a mum, auntie or gran.

22. Honey or jam lovers should adore this flowers and bee pot from Julia Smith ceramics. The intricate design has been hand illustrated, and I think it's really good value at £20.

23. This jam jar wrap from The Cotton Potter is such an ingenious idea. Essentially, you use it to transform a jam jar or tin can into an attractive receptacle for flowers or pens. It's priced at £8 and is another lovely gift for a mum, auntie or gran.

24. Dog lovers should appreciate this very cheerful terrier tea towel from Forever Foxed. The design has been screen printed onto linen union fabric, and each towel costs £8.50.

25. Look at this beautiful angel wings handmade soap from Soapy Chica. It gives off an antique blossom scent, is suitable for sensitive skin and costs £3.99 - perfect for those lucky mums, aunties and grans.

26. If you know someone who's a fan of all things vintage, this upcycled candle holder from Loglike should hit the nail on the head. It's been made using a 1960s bone china saucer and Lace wood, is totally unique, and is priced at £11.95.

27. Alternatively, you could get a quirky vintage candle from Mr Wick: This candyfloss scented candle has been made in an antique blackcurrant pastille tin, and costs £13.

28. Finally, this terribly stylish Royal Grafton teacup candle from Sweet Scented Soy is just £13, and comes with a matching plate of 27 mini heart melts. This would make a great present for anyone who appreciates china!

Toys

29. What kid wouldn't want to make his or her own sock monster? This kit from Made by Kate allows them to do just that. It costs £15 - a small price to pay for a bit of peace and quiet after Christmas dinner.

30. Last but not least - on the subject of socks, this snow sock bear is just one of many sock toy creations at OddSox. He's priced at £10, and would make a lovely cuddly toy for any child old enough not to swallow his buttons.

Happy frugal shopping!

Tell us your tips

Got any tips on where to find the perfect - but cheap - Christmas gift? Share your tips with other lovemoney.com readers using the comments box below!

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