5 Unique Christmas Gifts Under $5

Christmas should be a joyous season- not a stressful one. But expensive shopping can sometimes turn generosity sour. This Christmas, look for gifts that are both unique and inexpensive, and show loved ones that you care without spending your savings. Listed below are 5 unique Christmas gifts that you can buy or make for under $5.

1- Short Story

Make a personalized and unique Christmas gift under $5 by writing a short story featuring your friend or family member as the hero of the story! The possibilities are endless when you let your imagination run. This gift can be made for free if you choose email as the delivery method. Otherwise, it will cost the price of the paper and ink. For a bit fancier package, print on nice paper and put it in a three-ring binder or report cover (between $1 and $4 at Office Max or Staples). If you've never written a story before, be sure to visit websites like http://www.write-your-short-story.com/ and http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Write_a_Short_Story to learn some tips about writing. And be sure to start early. It may be harder than you think!

2- Memory Jar

Take a jar from your kitchen, or buy a new one from Hobby Lobby. Decorate the jar with ribbon, paint, and glitter or paste photographs around the outside. On small pieces of paper, write 52 separate memories that involve the person you will give this gift to. If you're the artistic type, you could draw a picture of each memory instead. Include an instruction card so they will know to read one note each week for the next year. This is a very personal and special Christmas gift that can be made for under $5.

3- Oranges

Giving oranges for Christmas is a tradition that has waned in recent years. Revive it this year and save yourself some green. With fresh oranges averaging about 50¢ each, you can afford to get a whole bagful and still walk away under $5. These make great stocking stuffers, and are healthy too, especially in the winter when a good dose of Vitamin C can help ward off colds and flus. If anyone wonders about the gift, tell them the story of the orphans who only got oranges once a year.

4- Craft Supplies

If you have a crafter or artist in the family, you can give them Christmas gifts that are both practical and inexpensive. Is your sister a crocheter? Choose some beautiful yarn for under $5. Is your mother a scrapbooker? She might appreciate some nice stickers or a new stamp. Is your cousin a painter? You can buy easel accessories or sketch pencils for under $5. Check the crafting aisle for gifts under $5 that will encourage your talented loved ones in their creative endeavors.

5- Hollow Book

Visit your local used bookstore or dig out a dusty old hardback tome from your own collection. Open the book and take an X-Acto knife to the pages. Cut out a large square in the center of the pages and glue the outer edges of the pages together. You've transformed a copy of The Great Gatsby into a secret safe! Unique, personal, and under $5. Just be sure it's not a first edition before you start cutting.