Despite our superpowers of organisation, even the best laid Christmas present plans can go awry – a relative brings a plus one, your neighbour brings something for your kids, or you might need a smaller Christmas gift as a thank you for a family friend or your work Secret Santa. Here is a thoughtful list of Christmas gifts under $30 that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Christmas Gifts for Creative Types

A selection of Christmas gifts for people who love colour, shown on various brightly coloured backgrounds. Products include things like pencil sets and colourful vases. 

Whether they love doodling, sketching or finger painting, a bit of artistic expression is always good for the soul, especially during those lazy summer days just after Christmas. If they're into colouring books, these Derwent Academy Coloured Pencils will let them relax and colour for an hour or two. 

Into sculpture? Add some wild or native flowers to this ceramic vase three-pack from Australian artist Rach Jackson to bring cheer and brighten up their kitchen or workspace. Or this quirky bubble-shaped Otto Eclectic Vase is perfect for a few stunning stems.

Give the painter or sketcher in your circle inspiration to pick up their tools again with this eight-pack of pastel POSCA paint markers. Each comes with a non-toxic, water-based formula that creates a gorgeous gelato shop of pale pinks, blues and lemons that can be used on a variety of surfaces. This Born Watercolour Set has 24 vibrant colours to choose from in a convenient carry case, ideal for taking with them for an impromptu landscape painting of the beach or bushland on a summer road trip.

What to Try

SEE ALSO: 13 Great Christmas Gifts Under $50

‍Christmas Gifts for the Person on the Go

A selection of Christmas gifts for people on the go, shown on various brightly coloured backgrounds. Products include things like wireless earbuds and a crossbody bag.

Whether they’re a busy office worker with a long commute, a student trying to stay on top of assignments or a parent who has to juggle kids’ extracurricular activities, these little gifts are designed to lighten the mental load. 

The Legami Magnetic Notepad comes with its own pencil and is a cute, eyecatching way to jot down shopping lists and household comings and goings. Plus, its magnetic backing means it can be stuck easily to the fridge so they can meal-plan for the week. 

If they’re spending long hours going to and from work or uni on the train or bus these Otto Wireless Earbuds are an affordable way to catch up on podcasts or listen to their favourite tunes. Connectable via bluetooth, they give five hours of listening time without its charging case and 15 hours with it. The Otto On the Go Crossbody Bag is also ideal for carrying your earbuds, phone and cards from place to place. It has two compartments and a long strap to keep you hands-free.

More personal than a calendar and more uplifting than a diary, this beautifully illustrated Personal Goals Planner has room to jot down appointments, important dates, contacts and your long-term and short-term goals for 2026.

What to Try

‍SEE ALSO: 12 of the Best Tech Gifts for Christmas

Christmas Gifts for the Kids – or Kid at Heart

A selection of Christmas gifts for kids and the young at heart, shown on various brightly coloured backgrounds. Products include things like a squishy unicorn pen and a Winnie the Pooh tea cup and spoon.

For those who love a bit of whimsy, the Legami Squishy Gel Pen Unicorn is a black ink pen with a soft body and cute unicorn charm at its head, ideal for note taking in class or diary entries at home. 

Turn their favourite memory, pet or family portrait into a 120-piece or 300-piece Personalised Jigsaw Puzzle, customisable with Print + Create.

Hot Tip: Personalised items ordered from Officeworks Print + Create require seven to 10 business days for printing. Express same-day photo gift printing is available at selected stores. Same-day photo gift orders must be placed in-store at the photo kiosk.

And for fans, young and old of Britain’s favourite honey-loving bear, the Winnie the Pooh Tea Cup Set is a sweet way to sip on their morning cuppa or babycino, with a special bear marked on the spoon.

What to Try

SEE ALSO: Best Christmas Gifts for Kids