Given that the media has been bombarding us with the news that we are either in, or quickly approaching, a recession “the likes of the great depression”, perhaps it’s not a bad idea to scale down the level of gift-giving this year.

We’re not suggestion being “cheap” or becoming Scrooge; simply, to be thrifty and put more thought and personal touch into gifts this year rather than focusing simply on monetary value. The goal is to express your thoughtfulness and care to your loved ones this Christmas season without having to spend all of your savings. That said, here is a list of ideas for inexpensive gifts:

1. Photo Christmas gifts: there is an incredible selection of pretty neat items you can order (or make) that involve a favorite photo you select. If you have a child, it’s a no-brainer: grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins will love a t-shirt, mouse pad, Christmas ornament, whatever with Jr.’s latest school picture on it. Walgreens has a nice selection of these and if you watch for specials and coupons, you can get good discounts. You can even order it online and save money on gas!
2. Family gifts. Rather than buying multiple gifts for your best friend and her 5 kids, why not give one Christmas gift to all 6 of them that they can enjoy as a family? Not only will this save you money, it encourages a special family event. Some ideas: a great classic board game such as Monopoly; funny games such as Balderdash; educational games like Trivial Pursuit. Another great family gift: put together a “movie night” bag, either for in-home or theater: include a gift card for the local movie store or a set of theater passes: some microwave popcorn, soda and candy, and all the ingredients for a fun family night are there at minimal cost!
3. Shop for Gifts at the Dollar or Thrift Stores. I know: that sounds really cheesy, but honestly you can find some pretty nice stuff!
4. Homemade coupons. Basically, you are giving a (hand or computer created) gift certificate for something that you plan to provide: it can be a service (like XX hours of babysitting services, yard work, auto detailing, maid service) or whatever specialty you might be able to offer. The gift of your time is indeed valuable!
5. Homemade gifts. Most people will cherish and appreciate home and hand-made Christmas gifts because of the effort the giver exerted just to come up with the present. Do you have a special hobby such as knitting, painting, photography, crafts or woodworking? Your time again is certainly valuable, and the receiver of the gift will no doubt appreciate the gift of your time, as well as your skill. Be creative.
6. Home-cooked Christmas treats. I know, everybody dreads the arrival of Aunt Bea’s annual fruitcake, but you must have at least one special recipe for cookies, sweets, or breads. You can give out these home-baked treats by wrapping them up in a nice cookie jar or box. Sweet bottled sweets like jams can also be placed in beautifully-shaped glass bottles that are perfect for display while baked special bread can be placed in personally crafted colorful boxes.
7. Buy Christmas Gifts off-season. If you watch for sales and shop well in advance of the Christmas season, you are more likely to get gifts at reasonable prices. Start a Christmas list with ideas well in advance so that when you see them at a discount, you can pick them up handily.
8. Gift Baskets. Ones that you create yourself; not pre-packaged! Buy a nice basket from a thrift or dollar store, decide on a theme: soaps and lotions, nice chocolate bars, inexpensive (but good) wine with cheeses, fruits, coffee and teas. The key is getting your contents from reasonable sources (dollar stores, Trader Joes, even Walmart).

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone: these gift ideas are both thoughtful, yet frugal at the same time.  Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received.

Readers, any other great ideas for inexpensive yet unique holiday gifts?

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