Photo Book of Memories

• A photo book can make an ideal cheap gift for your wife if you have access to digital pictures. Big-box retailers and online sites offer customizable photo books that you can choose, with special-occasion templates, colors and add-your-own text. The book will show your wife you cherish the memories with her and took the time to create something yourself.
  
  

Wife Day Off

• A cheap alternative to a gift can be giving your wife a day off from all her daily duties. Set aside a day she does not have work for her to relax and tell her you will take care of the cooking, cleaning and children. Additional items such as a massage, special dinner and night at the movies will add to your wife's day off and be very economical.
  
  

Flowers and Wine

• Fresh flowers and a bottle of wine always make for a perfect cheap gift for your wife. Purchase these from your local supermarket or many larger retail stores for less then $20. This quick and easy gift allows you to choose the type of flower and wine your wife likes.
  
  

Special Dinner at Home

• A home-cooked meal is a cheaper alternative to an expensive dinner at a restaurant. Choose either your wife's favorite recipe or surprise her with a new one. Prepare a few days before by buying all necessary ingredients, readying the table setting and decor. Whether it be a surprise or planned dinner, it will make a thoughtful cheap gift your wife will appreciate.
  
  

Literature

• If your wife is an avid reader of books or magazines, a year's subscription or a few paperbacks will make a good cheap gift. Find a magazine your wife has interest in and purchase a yearly or multiyearly subscription, which gains you a substantial discount over the retail price. You can buy inexpensive books online or at bookstores.