Inexpensive gift ideas for the holidays

Here are some good and inexpensive gift ideas for the holidays.

If you are looking for holiday gift-giving ideas and have many people on your list to buy for and not a lot to spend, here are some inexpensive and good Holiday gift ideas.

-- Never underestimate the gift of something homemade...whether it is a batch of freshly made cookies or jams, the person receiving the gift will know that you put time into their gift.

-- Think of what the person receiving the gift may truly need. An elderly person may enjoy video-rental gift certificates or stamps. A busy mom might love a manicure or facial. Try and tailor your gifts to the recipient rather than just buying a generic gift.

-- For service people, think about giving gift certificates to the neighborhood coffee shop or bakery, something that they might enjoy while they are working or before or after work.

-- For a far away relative, how about a picture-calendar with your family photos gracing each month. (you can find these at local photo shops). Or how about a telephone calling card so you can keep in touch more often??

-- For the teenager on your list try a gift certificate at a music store or bookstore. Don't try and second guess their tastes...let them pick out something they'll enjoy.

-- For a teacher, how about stationery or a photo album?

-- A boss or mentor is always hard to buy for..you wnat something meaningful, but maybe not too personal. How about a beautiful frame or plant. If you want to spend a little more, consider a flower of the month club and let your boss receive fresh floewrs for her desk every month.

-- There are many "by month" clubs for different people on your list. These are great gifts because they last all year. Try Beer of the Month, Dessert of the Month, Fruit of the Month, etc.

-- For someone truly special such as a spouse or parent, why not give them a small gift and write them a letter twlling them how much they have impacted your life and what they mean to you. That is a gift they will certainly treasure forever.

-- A great kids gift is an arts and crafts box, fill it with markers, paper, stickers, etc and watch their creativity flow.

--Here are some other great kids gift ideas -- How about a disposable camera and a photo albumn so they can take pictures of their friends. Or, how about small-sized baking utensils and some mixes to bake with you. Kids also love gift certificates to fast food restaurnts, movie theaters, arcades, bowling alleys, etc.

--If you have a whole family of children to buy for, why not take them to see a play, musical or sporting event instead of buying them all individual gifts. This way, you all get to do something fun together.

--Have a friend or relative with a special interest? Why not sign them up for a pottery class, martial arts lessons, golf lessons, etc.

--If you are truly at a loss, make a donation to your favorite charity, or plant a tree in someones honor. These are gifts that truly typify the spirit of the Holidays.

--If you find that you are spending over your budget on Holiday gifts, why not suggest doing a "grab bag" or "secret santa" with office mates or relatives?