Christmas does not have to mean spending your very last dollar. At Koolred, we believe in being frugal and saving money, as well as going green this festive season. Last year we created our very own Kool recycled Christmas tree using scraps of magazines, old boxes and ribbons.


This year, we will guide you on how you can save money on gifts this Christmas, with the help of four Redsters from different countries. Great budget finds does not necessarily have to be store-bought, they can be homemade as well. With this guide, we hope you will find some perfect gift ideas that are unique, inexpensive and personalized for the season.

Christmas Presents under RM10 (Ringgit Malaysia)

Gift exchange is a popular tradition in Malaysia during Christmas and some friends and co-workers keep up with holiday games like the Secret Santa tradition. Most Secret Santa games have a maximum budget as well so here are some presents that you can get for under RM10.

Indoor Plants (RM7-RM10)


Redster Shannon Lim thinks we can spread the Go Green cheer to our friends by giving them an indoor plant for Christmas. A pot is no more than RM10 and they don’t require any wrapping as well! These gifts are great environmentally friendly alternatives to sending cut flowers as well.


Homemade Jar of Goodies (RM5-RM10)

You can experiment with homemade food gifts. All you need is an empty glass jar (jam jars will be very ideal), a decorated ribbon and contents that you want to fill up your jar with.
If the recipient loves sweet treats, fill up the jar with mini chocolate tablets, candies, marshmallows and jelly beans. Fill the contents layer by layer until the top is filled up. Close the jar and tie a ribbon along the sides of the lid. You may decorate the jar as well with well wishes.


Something for the kids: Angry Birds


One of the hottest trends of 2011 is Angry Birds and if most of the people you’re getting gifts for Christmas are big fans, then you’d love what Redster Joy Chow suggested for Christmas. She found some super Kool Angry Birds merchandise which are all below RM10 each from a whole seller in Petaling Street.

Angry Birds Water Tumbler (RM7)

Angry Birds Chopsticks and Spoon Set (RM7)


Angry Bird Pencil Case (RM6)


Angry Birds Notepad (RM2)


Angry Birds Mobile Case (RM8)


Christmas Presents under ₱100 (Philippine Peso)

Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the Philippines, where the country has the world's longest Christmas season, stretching for over three weeks! Although the festival is a major event, locals have also opted for frugal gifts instead of lavish ones. Redster Kristina Alingalan manages to find some awesome souvenirs that can easily be found in shopping malls.


Fitness Diary (₱70)

Help your friends keep track of all the calories they’re stuffing down during the Christmas season with a handy pocket food and fitness diary. The diary is a great way to keep track on one’s health and well being- and it fits easily into a handbag or gym bag! Great gift for all the gym/ fitness junkies out there!


Desk Calendar (₱99.75)

Not only is it a quirky gift, it’s a great way to welcome the New Year! Everyone needs a new calendar for the year after and you’ll be doing your recipient a great favour by getting them this humorous desk calendar.


Animal Key Covers (₱85)

If you know someone who’s New Year’s resolution is to be more organised, then this is the ultimate gift for him! These cute furry animal key covers will help make life easier and keep your friends from going through key after key as they try to get into their house or car. They can organise each key caps for each of their keys. They’re not only useful but they are cute and fashionable too!


Christmas Presents under SGD$5 (Singapore Dollars)

Christmas in Singapore is often geared with bright lights and beautiful decorations as famous shopping belts will be filled up by locals and tourists rushing to get their Christmas shopping done. However you can avoid the mad retail rush with these tips by local Redster Aaron Ng, who whips up some pretty interesting gift ideas from the Lion City that are inexpensive and are creative as well.


Memory Drawing (SGD$2)

Give your loved ones a special memorabilia by drawing them a photo that best captures a memory between the two of you. For instance, your big brother was the one who introduced you to photography so sketch out a simple black and white drawing of a camera to signify the memory. Frame up the picture and your gift is ready!


Local Food Items (SGD$4-5)

If you're planning on giving a Christmas gift to a non-local, consider buying a local food item. Every locale has its special foods – for Singapore, consider a jar of Ya Kun Kaya or local coffee powder.
Find a unique food item in your area and you've got a great gift at a super affordable price! You may even dress up the gift with some nice cutleries and cups.


Gift Cards (under SGD$5)

If you’re out of time and you’re really not sure what kind of present to give, why not purchase a gift card instead? Websites such as Amazon allow you to buy gift cards at amounts as low as $0.15. These gift cards can be sent via standard mail, email and even Facebook! Decorate or make a cover/ sleeve for the gift card if you’re up for being creative.

There are hundreds of great gifts that you can come up with, even with a budget. You don’t have to spend tonnes of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just put in a bit of time and thought into the Christmas present and we’re sure it’ll be well received.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank Redsters Shannon Lim and Joy Chow from Malaysia, Kristina Alingalan from The Philippines and Aaron Ng from Singapore for collaborating with us in this extra special Christmas feature! We couldn’t have done it without your brilliant help and great photo contributions.

What are some frugal Christmas gift ideas you can think of? Have you ever had to work with a budget during Christmas? Share with us your thoughts this season.