Christmas has a way of creeping up on us. One minute it's Bonfire Night, the next you're writing a list of twelve people to buy for and wondering how to make the budget stretch. The good news is that a thoughtful present doesn't have to cost much. Set yourself a £20 limit per person and you can still give something useful, cosy and a little bit fun, which is exactly what most of us want to unwrap on a cold December morning.
We've put together our favourite Christmas gifts under £20 for everyone in the family, from little ones to grandparents (and the person who "doesn't want anything this year"). Every item below is in stock at CosyCart at the time of writing, sent from UK stock with tracked delivery.
How to choose a good gift under £20
A small budget works best when you pick one clear idea rather than trying to buy something that looks expensive. A few simple rules help:
- Go for something they'll use every day. Socks, hats, throws and pyjamas get worn and washed all winter, so they're remembered long after the wrapping paper has gone.
- Think warm. Winter in the UK is long, damp and nippy. A gift that helps someone feel cosier at home or on the school run is always welcome.
- Add a personal touch. A matching set, a festive design or a favourite colour shows you've put thought into it, even on a tight budget.
- Bundle up. Two smaller items, such as socks and a hat, often make a better present than one middling one. At CosyCart, orders from £15 get free tracked UK delivery, so pairing two gifts usually saves on postage too.
Christmas gifts under £20 for the whole family
Matching socks for a parent and child: £19.95
Our Gingerbread Men Matching Bamboo Socks (Adult & Child) are a sweet way to start Christmas morning. You get a festive gingerbread design in an adult size (UK 7–11) with a matching child's pair in ages 2–3, 4–6 or 7–9 years. They're made from a soft bamboo blend and can go in the washing machine at 30–40°C. They make a lovely gift for a new dad, a grandparent who loves matching the grandchildren, or a family with a little one who's excited about Christmas.
A festive hot water bottle: £10
Few things beat a hot water bottle on a frosty evening. The Festive Penguin Christmas Hot Water Bottle holds 1 litre, is made from natural rubber and comes with a removable penguin cover that you can hand wash. It's tested to the UK standard BS1970:2012. Remember to fill it with hot, not boiling, water and tighten the stopper well. It's a good-value gift for a student in a chilly flat, an elderly relative, or anyone who's always the first to reach for a blanket.
Fun Christmas socks for him: £11.95
If the men in your life are hard to buy for, a pair of good socks never goes amiss. Our Driving Home For Christmas Bamboo Socks by Swole Panda have a festive design knitted into a breathable bamboo blend, with a reinforced heel and toe. They come in UK 4–7 and UK 7–11, so they suit women too. Pop a pair in a card for a colleague, a brother or a Secret Santa swap.
Warm beanies for winter walks: £12 for two
The Men's Winter Ski Beanies (Pack of 2) are knitted in black with a 3M Thinsulate lining, and they're machine washable at 40°C. Because there are two in the pack, you could keep one for the car and one for the coat pocket, or split them between two people on your list. A practical choice for dog walkers, football dads and anyone who works outdoors.
A cosy wearable blanket for older kids: £10
Teens and tweens love anything they can wear on the sofa. The Daisy Dreamer Kids Oversized Hooded Fleece Blanket has a plush flannel fleece outside, an ivory sherpa lining, a big hood and a front pocket. It's one size, designed for most kids aged 8–15, and about 80cm long. Some colours sell out quickly, so check which are available when you order. It's perfect for film nights, sleepovers and Christmas Day lounging.
Hooded fleece pyjamas for girls: £15
The Daisy Dreamer Cuddly Raccoon Fleece Hooded Pyjama Set is soft grey plush fleece with a sherpa-lined hood and an embroidered raccoon on the front. It's machine washable. Girls' sizes are in stock at the time of writing; adult sizes are currently sold out, so check the size list before you order. If you're between sizes, size up for a roomier fit. New pyjamas on Christmas Eve is a tradition in lots of homes, and this set fits the bill nicely.
A soft throw for the sofa: from £8
A throw is one of the easiest gifts for someone who has everything. Our Flannel Ultra Soft Fleece Throw Blanket is lightweight but plush, and it's machine washable. It starts at £8 for the 130 x 150cm size, which suits a sofa or armchair, with larger sizes for beds. Colour availability changes, so pick from the shades shown as in stock. It's a thoughtful present for a new home, a student or a nan who likes to knit in front of the telly.
Who's on your list? Quick picks by person
If you're short on time, here's a cheat sheet:
- For Mum or Nan: the flannel fleece throw and the penguin hot water bottle together come to £18, with free tracked delivery.
- For Dad or Grandad: the two-pack of thermal beanies, or matching gingerbread socks to wear with the grandchildren.
- For him (brother, partner, colleague): Driving Home For Christmas socks, an easy Secret Santa gift.
- For girls aged 7–13: the raccoon hooded pyjama set for Christmas Eve.
- For teens and tweens: the oversized hooded fleece blanket.
- For the whole household: a throw for the sofa that everyone can share.
Tips for buying Christmas gifts on a budget
A little planning makes a £20 budget go a lot further:
- Write your list early. Note each person, a rough budget and one idea. It stops last-minute panic buying.
- Order in one basket. Delivery is free on CosyCart orders from £15, and our current offers take 10% off when you spend £30 and 15% off when you spend £50. Buying several family gifts in one order can save you money.
- Check the last posting dates. UK delivery slows down in mid-December. Most CosyCart orders arrive about 3–5 working days after you order, but we recommend ordering by early December to be safe.
- Keep the receipt. Unused items can be returned if you let us know within 14 days of delivery, which is handy if a size isn't quite right.
Find more gifts under £20
There's plenty more to explore. Browse our full Gifts Under £20 collection for socks, pyjamas, bathrobes, bedding and little extras that make perfect stocking fillers. Whoever is on your list this year, you can give something warm and thoughtful without stretching the budget.
Happy shopping, and stay cosy.