A Guide to Christmas Shopping on a Tight Budget

I am sure that you have heard about the massive amount of Americans who lost their jobs in the month of November. It is a discouraging time for many Americans who are out of work and facing a very tight budget. The holidays are fast approaching, and with this economy in the grim state it is in, that is enough to make you sit down and cry.

If you are desperately seeking affordable gifts this article should be helpful to you, as I have some fantastic thoughts on gifts from the heart, that will be easy on your wallet, and will delight the intended recipients.

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A favorite and extremely inexpensive gift of mine can be created with minimal effort and investment. Head to your local grocery store or better yet, Wal-Mart. Purchase inexpensive plain coffee mugs for about fifty cents each, then head to the coffee, tea and cocoa aisle. Select several boxes of hot cocoa, such as Swiss Miss French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate, and also a traditional box of cocoa, with and without marshmallows. Also pick up a box of assorted flavors of tea bags, and possibly a box of hot apple cider. In each mug, place one of each cocoas and a few tea bags. You can add a candy cane or a few pieces of Christmas candy. Wrap the mugs in a holiday colored cellophane wrap. This inexpensive mug of cocoas and teas is a great gift, to warm up the recipients on a cold winters night.

Mostly everyone realizes how tough times are, and this year the thought will definitely be the most important part of any gift offered. If you have a set amount to spend on each of your friends and loved ones, consider purchasing gift cards in denominations of five or ten dollars at stores such as Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree or even McDonald's. It isn't the amount that counts. Mostly everyone shops at stores such as those I mentioned, and this gift will allow the recipients to purchase what they desire. Chances are the recipients will receive gift cards from many people, and they can be combined to purchase the items of choice.

Another great idea, is to offer the gift of time. My friend Shiloh seriously has everything, except a minute of free time. Each year we exchange the gift of 2 hours time. We help each other organize closets, fold laundry and do mundane tasks that can often times be over looked due to lack of time. For two hours I am sort of like her maid, and according to Shiloh this is the greatest gift she receives all year long.

Christmas is not about the amount of money you spend, it is about Jesus, love and family. There are many options out there for shoppers on a budget.