Inexpensive Gift Ideas

There is nothing worse than starting the New Year in debt after overspending on an extravagant Christmas - and even the most careful and frugal of us can find it hard to make our budget stretch to all the Christmas gifts we would like to buy in the holiday season.

We have gathered together some inexpensive gift ideas which you might like to consider. Although inexpensive, all will still be appreciated, especially if you take some time on the presentation and packaging of the gift.

Cookies

Bake a large batch of your favorite cookies. Set the cookies on a pretty plate (you can use a large white plate bought inexpensively from a large store or even a thrift shop or garage sale), and use colored cellophane to cover the entire package. Tie the cellophane at the top, using ribbon, and make a large bow. Homemade cookies are a great present anyone would enjoy, and the cost to you is minimal.

Jam

If you enjoy making jam, why not give this as a Christmas gift?  Buy a small wicker basket, and fill the basket with jars of homemade jam.  Decorate the jars with bows or ribbon.  Put the jars in the basket and either decorate the basket with ribbon, or cover the basket with color cellophane and tie the cellophane at the top with ribbon. You may choose to add a small box of special crackers as well.

Candles

Candles are a great gift for anyone, and are inexpensive as well. Purchase about a dozen small scented candles and one or two candle holders. Put the candles and candle holders in a small basket. Cover the basket with colored cellophane, and tie the package at the top with different color ribbons. Alternatively look for cream or white pillar or Church candles (you can sometimes find these at very reasonable prices off season) and dress them up with gorgeous, extravagant Christmas ribbon. You could tie on a small Christmas tree decoration, or perhaps a small arrangement of pine cones and holly, for added charm.

Picture Frames

Why not purchase picture frames?  For instance, buy two each of a 3-1/2 by 5 inch; 4x5 inch and 5x5 inch picture frames. Decorate them with a bow at the top center of the frame, or in the center of the frame. A small bundle of frames tied together with a large ribbon looks wonderful too.

Here is another inexpensive idea.  Buy or make a small Christmas stocking and stuff it with little treats: sample sizes of bath oil and body lotion, a nail file, chocolate coins, a nice pencil or pen, a small notebook, and so on. Match the bits and pieces with the recipient and have some fun!

Remember, Christmas isn’t about expensive gift giving.  It is the thought behind the gift that counts!

More Christmas Gift Ideas