Small Holiday Gift Ideas
November 19, 2025
Small Holiday Gift Ideas: Pair Small Gifts with Gift Cards
How do you add even more delight to small holiday gifts? Topping them off with a well-matched gift card. It’s an ideal way to personalize a gift with a hand-picked item and a gift card that allows them to choose something extra. This has become a popular way to gift, as it makes for a convenient and thoughtful approach to gift-giving. Plus, the creativity of the theme mixed with the practicality of a gift card can be appreciated by any recipient.
What are good small holiday gifts?
To determine what to give someone, first focus on their hobbies, interests, or goals. The way they spend their spare time or money is telling of the things they enjoy most. Are they a sports fan, or do they themselves play on a team? Do they love cooking or trying out a new restaurant? Is their dream day spent at the spa or doing at-home self-care? Whether it’s one of these options or even their love for home décor, sitting down with a good book, or drinking a premium cup of coffee, begin thinking along these lines. These considerations will point you in the right direction for a meaningful gift—and one that doesn’t break the budget so you can add on a gift card for their gift of choice. Still wondering about a winning combination? Seasonal gifts that evoke coziness or memories of holidays past are another excellent starting point. Read on to find more small Christmas gift ideas for every budget and every person on your list.
How much should you spend on a holiday gift or gift card?
It’s up to you as to how much you want to budget for a holiday gift or gift card, however, here is a little guidance to help you decide.
Personal preference: Maybe you want to splurge on a gift for a family member or close friend. Or you might want to get a gift for several people and prefer to buy smaller gifts for each. Start by determining who’s on your list and how you want to celebrate with gifts this season.
Spend what you can afford: Be sure to stay on budget so you can deliver happiness without worries. Loved ones and friends can all appreciate that it’s the thought that counts.
Take advantage of a range of gift card values: Vanilla® Visa® Gift Cards are available in values from $10-$500, allowing you to choose exactly what you want to spend with a design that’s special for each recipient.
Pair a gift card with a small gift: Show thoughtfulness for anyone you know by picking out decorative gift cards that match well with small Christmas gifts and holiday gifts. Specially selected gifts and fitting gift card amounts allow you to spread more joy.
Explore a Range of Small Holiday Gift Ideas
Ready to uncover a perfectly paired gift? Check out these options to find a clever theme and an unforgettable surprise for each recipient.
Comfy + Cozy Gift Card Pairings
Present little luxuries during the sometimes-hectic holiday season. Ideal for anyone, these snuggly groupings are a real treat this time of year.
- Soft Throw Blanket + Magical Holiday Gift Card: Have fun with colors and patterns for a dreamy combination with a themed gift card.
- Fuzzy Slippers + Magical Reindeer: They’ll be walking on clouds with this delightful gift.
Sentimental Gift Card Pairings
Reminisce about holidays past with a small yet distinctively decorated gift and an easy-to-create custom gift card featuring a memorable photo.
- Miniature Stocking + Custom Gift Card: Pick out a tiny stocking and embellish it with beading or festive trim with the gift card tucked inside for a tiny but exciting treat.
- Photo Frame + Custom Gift Card: Buy a wood frame from the craft store for kids or family to decorate themselves to add extra personalization.
Foodie Favorite Gift Card Pairings
Make it a delicious yet tasteful gift with gourmet items in their favorite flavors coordinated with a joyful gift card.
- Hot Cocoa Bombs + Magical Snow Globe Gift Card: Festive and delightful, this is a spectacular combo.
- Popcorn Tin + Magical Snowman Gift Card: Bursting with fun, this duo makes for a scrumptious holiday snack.
- Holiday Cookie Recipe Book + Gingerbread Man Gift Card: Bring their favorite desserts to life with a special recipe book and a gift card they can use to purchase baking ingredients and supplies.
Self-Care Gift Card Pairings
Indulge them in a fragrant gift wrapped with a cheerful gift card. It’s a relaxing option for them and a convenient choice for you.
- Bath Bombs + Magical Santa Gift Card: Dazzle them with an extravagantly scented gift plus an enchanting gift card.
- Travel Size Cologne or Perfume + Snowy Ornaments Gift Card: Spice up the season with their favorite scents and this picturesque gift card.
Hobby-Focused Gift Card Pairings
Show you know the things they love with gifts that speak to their interests. It can be quite simple to surprise them with specially selected small gifts and gift card sets.
- Tech Accessories + Gold Tree Bow Gift Card: Consider giving laptop sleeves, bags, or cases for a brilliant gift, and encourage the recipient to use their gift card to purchase matching accessories or essentials.
- Sketchbook + Happy Dots Holidays Gift Card: Add a touch of creativity to the holidays with an artistic approach to gifting, including a gift card the recipient can use toward their preference of specific art supplies.
- Golf Tees or Ball Marker + Christmas Thank You Gift Card: For the avid golfer, colorful tees or patterned ball markers packaged with a festive gift card is a hole-in-one present.
Get Ahead of Holiday Gifting
These small holiday gift ideas are unforgettable for all your gatherings, but what about those who are at a distance? Handle all your digital gifting now with scheduled delivery—and check it off your list. You can schedule up to six months in advance, allowing you to select your virtual gift card of choice to arrive exactly on time to their inbox. You can appreciate the ease of the gifting experience, and they can enjoy the delight of spending their gift card as they please.
Celebrate with the Merriest Holiday Gift Card Pairing Ideas
It’s the season of wonder. A time for looking back fondly on years past and creating new memories. Consider these ideas for presents that capture the spirit of the season. Start by setting your budget and then finding a theme that fits for each recipient. Each gift can be wrapped and placed under the tree, hand-delivered, or—depending on the size—used as small stocking stuffers. Whether they’re paired with other small gifts or sent as a virtual design scheduled for delivery right on time, gift cards add magic to the moment as recipients can start dreaming about how they’ll spend them. No matter how you deliver them, gift cards are a thoughtful and versatile gift for the holiday season.
Custom Gift Cards FAQ
Can I choose the amount on a custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Yes, the custom Gift Cards and custom eGift Cards are available in the same denominations as the Visa Gift Card designs on the Vanilla Gift site, between $10 - $500.
How long will it take to receive my custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Shipping time for physical custom cards will depend on the shipping method chosen.
USPS – $1.95 per card, with cap of $5.95,
Orders $200 or more are shipped via FedEx
FedEx Expedited: 3-4 Business Days - $10.95
FedEx Rush: 2-3 Business Days - $17.95
Most eGift Card orders are delivered within 5 minutes but can take up to 24 hours.
Are Visa Custom Gift Cards or eGift Cards reusable?
A: No, Vanilla Visa Custom Gift Cards and Custom eGift Cards cannot be reloaded. If you want to give multiple custom-made gift cards of the same design, consider ordering more than one at a time.
Do I need to activate my custom Visa Gift Card or eGift Card?
A: Yes, the customer must activate their physical custom gift cards at balance.VanillaGift.com or by calling the toll-free phone number on the back of the Physical Gift Card (1-833-322-6760). Customer will need to provide the Gift Card Number, Valid Through Date, and Security Code located on the back of your gift card.
Vanilla Visa eGift Cards do not need to be activated prior to first use. They are activated upon purchase and shipped to the recipient’s email ready to use.
Where can custom Visa Gift Cards or eGift Cards be used?
A: Visa Gift Cards can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the United States and the District of Columbia. Visa Gift Cards may not be used for recurring billing or at ATMs.