Holiday Tips: Cheap Christmas gift ideas

Inexpensive ideas to help you save money this December. Having little or no money for giving gifts this holidays season doens't mean you can't give wonderful presents.

It’s time again for holiday gift giving. Which means for many, it is a time of stress. Giving gifts should be fun, but if you have little or no money, it can be difficult. Here are some ideas for those on a limited budget.

Quality used books. Most cities and towns have a used bookstore. It may take a little time to sift through all the titles, but very often you can find current or classic books at very reasonable prices.

Photo collection. For the price of a small album that holds 6-10 photographs, you can put together old and new photos for some special. This isn’t as bold as putting them in frame yet gives the recipient something to treasure for years.

House plant. If you have plants of your own, it is easy to take a clipping from most species and grow a new plant. This isn’t a last minute gift, but it is easy. Take a clipping and then give it a month or so to take root. Then put it in a decorative pot. You might even want to call it a friendship plant because it is part of your own.

Remainder dishes. Most retailers end up with odd pieces of dinnerware sets and sell them at reduced prices. There is nothing wrong with them; they simply aren’t worth as much outside of the set. However, many people don’t need all their serving dishes or platters to match. Eclectic is in.

Magazine subscription. You can easily give someone many issues of a magazine for less than $20. Try to make it for a magazine that the recipient doesn’t already subscribe to, yet enjoys the topic.

The story of the two of you. For those close to you, write half a page telling about how you met or your favorite aspect of that person. Using your home computer, or by taking it to a printing outlet, set it in an uncommon font and print it on quality paper. Give it as a true gift from the heart.

Offer of services. If there is something you know your friend needs done but doesn’t have the time or skill to do it, yet you do, print a certificate that clearly indicates what you are giving them. Some examples might be: walking the dog every Sunday morning for 6 months, babysitting every other Tuesday evening for 3 months, shoveling snow or raking leaves all season, preparing taxes, or fixing leaky faucets.

Baking cookies. It sounds too simple to be good, but people love home-baked cookies. Put them in a decorative or unique tin and then the recipient also has a keepsake. Another benefit of this is that you can make a couple of batches of cookies and gifts for a few people.

Video of a classic or favorite movie. Still, for many people who didn’t grow up with VCRs, having their own copy of a movie is a special thing. And the cost of VHS movies is at an all time low. Purchases can even be made on-line for delivery to friends around the world.

There are countless ideas for giving affordable gifts that aren’t cheap. A little thought and care can add more value than dollars can bring.