5 Great Ideas for Affordable Christmas Gifts

Christmas is just around the corner. I went into the store the other day to pick up some medicine and was shocked to see some Christmas stuff out on the shelves already. Pretty soon we will be hearing carols and all the fun music. But along with the happy sights, sounds and all things Christmas comes the stress of the holiday shopping.

With the economy on the slow end, and many people without jobs or well paying jobs budgets are tight. But just because your budget is tight doesn't mean you can't get some inexpensive and thoughtful gifts for your friends and family. I have just a few ideas that you might find handy. Remember any inexpensive gift can be spruced up a little with your own personal flare to give it that extra touch.

1. Homemade cookies in a decorative tin: Everyone enjoys cookies or some kind of bake good if you make them yourself and than place them in a decorative tin. You can find the tins affordably at many of your local stores. You can find them at dollar stores, or retail stores even thrift stores. Pick something that fit's the person it's for!

2. Deli Gift Basket: You can get a basket cheap just about anywhere. My favorite places are thrift stores because in a way you're recycling when you buy from there and that is green. Once you have selected your basket head on to the grocery store and load up on cheeses and meats and crackers. Everyone appreciates some nibbles, and putting this array together adds a little bit of elegance.

3. Books: As a book reader I know I love getting a book. You can find many in the sales racks at your local book store. Or you can always go to the second hand book stores, or even thrift stores. Books are so easy to find and at reasonable prices. The book doesn't have to be brand new to give it as a gift just in good shape. What is a better gift that knowledge and entertainment?

4. Pepper Mill and Fresh Peppercorns: I love fresh Pepper and I love to share it. Peppermills are affordable and you can find peppercorns very affordable as well. It adds a little bit of class and elegance to a table. One of my favorite ways to wrap this kind of gift is in a matching dish towel with a nice ribbon. They can use the towel in the kitchen as well.

5. Gardening Gift Basket: Giving the gift of a garden is a good way to encourage your friends and family to be a little more self sufficient. And it is an enjoyable activity over all. Pick out some seeds you know they will like, fruits or veggies or both. Add in some weeding tools, a little shovel some gloves little stakes so they can mark their rows. You can have a lot of fun with it. Put the items in a bucket instead of basket.

No matter what you do for Christmas just make sure you have fun and keep it affordable. Use your creativity and have fun.