Initially I thought this was a “vacation-related” tips request, then I remembered Lemmy is mainly US English not UK English. You can buy a pyrography set, an engraving tool some sandpaper and the things needed for acid etching for less than $10 With a little practice you can make a cheap gift more personal by adding the recipients name or a message personal to you both on wood plastic, metal or glass. I used some vinegar, a q-tip, 9v battery, electrical tape, salt and copper wire to acid etching a hunting knife last year as a gift.

I've a friend who saves gift bags given to them and reuses them. There's gift bags that have made the rounds several times around the friend's group at this point.