Divorce around the holidays is a double whammy. They'll both leave you stressed, fat and broke. At times you may find yourself balled up on the bathroom floor crying out and sobbing about hating divorce, having no money and wishing you looked better in the dress clothes you wore before you were married. The only calming of the divorce-holiday psycho mess is when you think for a moment that maybe your ex-wife feels the same way. 
Kids, Holidays, Divorce - OH My!
If you think you can't afford it, then think again. Remember your ex will most likely be buying for the kids too, so cut that spending on their gifts in HALF. Seriously, don't overspend. It sends the wrong message to them to include setting a precedent that most couples cannot continue year-after-year (nor should they).
Friends, Teachers & Co-workers
It may be difficult to figure out how either of you are going to afford to buy those extra gifts for the special people in your life at school, the office or around the block. Often, these people may not be family, but they are too important to "skip the gift" during this special season.
However, don't put so much pressure on yourself to buy that amazing gift or gift card for these special folk. Most of them likely know you are going through a divorce and may even appreciate you and your situation more with a humble, yet thoughtful gift.
"It's the thought that counts" Now More Than Ever
The key is being thoughtful because in all fairness, that's part of what makes it humble and without pretensions. It says you cared to get them something and even though it wasn't as grand as years before, it's more meaningful.
In many cases, the fact that you can recognize the importance in giving something meaningful, yet less expensive, says a lot about you and your character. It may lead to more respect and appreciation for you as a person (regardless of what your ex-spouse, thinks, buys and/or is capable of giving).
Great ideas for small gifts around the holidays!
In order to make it easy, we came up with a few ideas that may be just right or lead to ideas of your own!
Holiday Themed Baskets
Create gift sets/baskets (e.g., Gather a box of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa®, chocolate chips, two mugs, spoons, one basket and tissue paper all from the dollar store and the whole thing will cost less than $10). Yes, these items of from the dollar store, but it's not a dollar store item you are giving. Your gift is the basket full of a yummy treat like cocoa, movie theatre (e.g., microwave popcorn, movie theatre popcorn seasoning, two bottles of pop, candies) or cookies (e.g., cookie mix, holiday oven mitts, cookie cutters, etc.). You get the idea!
Homemade Greeting Card
Taking the time to research cool holiday greeting card ideas and/or purchasing a kit to create your own holiday greeting card goes a long way. Even if you don't have anything to go inside except warm wishes for the holidays, the sentiment is appreciated more than that of the person who thinks if they don't have the money for a gift or gift card they should just skip giving altogether!
The key to this one is that the greeting card is homemade. It will mean a lot more than a Hallmark®, because you thought to send even more than their very best! You sent yours!
Tip: If you just can't live without sending some item of extra value, create a mug shaped card, then buy a $10 Starbucks® gift card and stick it on or in the greeting card. The homemade part of it will make it unique and thoughtful and the Starbucks® gift card will be value added.
Baked Goodies
Need we say more? Okay, we'll say more. Nothing says blow-off your diet than the holidays. So, bake away! Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, breads, pies. You name it, no treat omitted. Remember, you're getting extra points because it's homemade.
It's great to consider who you're cooking your homemade goodies for during this festive season (particularly allergies), but don't worry too much about if he/she is going to like what you make (like a fruitcake). Most will appreciate the time and care that goes into making anything for them and those that don't are rude and picky. The key here is to lift your spirits with holiday baking without overspending on time or money!
Crochet
Don't know how? Learn. It's not too hard at all. In fact, many elementary schools teach kids in the fifth grade to knit. Learn to knit, crochet or other form of scarf, mitten, hat or blanket creation.
The key here is don't go overboard; keep it under budget by buying discounted yarn, remnant materials and borrowing knitting needles from mom or grandma. I did this and the mittens turned out so bad that we all laughed and laughed when everyone got a peak at the gift I made.
It's a wonderful memory that didn't bother me at all that they were so silly looking because I knew I made more than funny, lopsided mittens; I made a great memory for years to come that we all still laugh hysterically about 15 years to this day. Plus, the recipient had warm mittens I happen to know she wore for many years regardless of how they looked right out of the wrapping paper. Why? Because they were made with love and sincere effort along with a memory of laughter and happy thoughts during a most difficult time in all of our lives.
Holiday Wreath
Make a wreath from natural items from outside or low-cost items from the craft store, Walmart® and/or dollar store. Even better, combine natural items with store bought items. Just remember to sanitize and/or prepare any items picked up from outside and consider allergies. Make sure the natural items are free of insects, harsh allergens or have any potential to be unsafe when indoors or when cut from their stems.
Some ideas for expensive foundations are wire and/or grapevine (consider using wire to attach free (dry and insect free) pinecones from a local park to wire wreath foundations). The key is to keep the wreath simple. Some of the best wreaths are made from one material. Just Google® pinecone or other inexpensive holiday wreath ideas on a budget!
This idea is great because it's something you can do for very little money and the recipient can put up year-after-year! The key is to keep it simple and low cost.
Arts and Crafts
Do you like to draw, paint or craft?
Use your talent and make a piece of art. It should really showcase a talent you have already established. If you never lifted a paintbrush but somehow think you are going to spend your last few bucks on art supplies for gifts you are going to paint for everyone in your life, think again.
You'll more likely end up frustrated and if you paint watercolor masterpieces like I do, a big grey blob. Do they need to scream professional painting? Absolutely not! Your creation can be just like my mittens (your best effort), but unlike knitting needles and sale yarn, art supplies aren't cheap. So, it's best if you already own some, can borrow some and have some experience with the stroke of a brush.
Also consider some simple craft ideas found on sites like Pinterest®, TikTok® or Etsy® - just make sure you price the cost of ALL materials and remember it's always much harder than it looks. So, unless it's an art or craft that is easy to learn, the key here is to go with what you know, is super simple, cheap or with the help of someone more experienced to avoid frustration and overspending.
Resale
What?! Yes. That's right, consider purchasing some items and/or materials to refurbish, reclaim or restore. You could also gift books, records or antiques from places like Goodwill®, thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace®.
The key is to not take on too big of a project around the holidays.
Keep it small if you plan to refinish, refurbish or bring back to new. Also, don't overspend, just because it seems like a good deal, a vintage Elvis album your friend would adore may still be way out of your budget.
Bottle of Wine
Take a stroll around a wine superstore and you'll never doubt your ability to afford a nice gift under $10 again! Not sure what to buy? It helps to know what types of wine the recipient enjoys (white, red, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet).
The staff is often very knowledgeable at most wine superstores, but it helps to shop during slow times (if you kind find those during the holidays). A local or meaningful wine or specific year can make this gift worth a lot more than a simple bottle of wine, but the key is truly the sophisticated nature of the simple gift regardless of low cost.