Almost Broke? Gift Ideas Under 10 Dollars

With the economy in a crisis, most Americans have a lot of week left at the end of their paycheck, and finding inexpensive gifts for special occasions can be challenging. I gathered several of my friends and asked what they would most like to receive from a friend on a limited budget, and I was given many great ideas.

· On pretty paper, write the "Top Ten Reasons Why You're the (Man, Woman, Friend) For Me." Then put it in a nice frame. These should be serious reasons, as we all would really like to know what others love about us.

· Decorate a plain photo album to make it personal. Ideas include scrapbook cut-outs, letters, pretty papers, etc. Then on the first page, include a picture of the two of you together.

· Buy a nice card and include a coupon for a service that would be appropriate. (Do your friend's laundry, do the dishes for mom, a massage for your husband, wash your wife's hair for her.)

· Make a CD of relaxing songs (or romantic songs with meaningful words for your wife or girlfriend) and include a scented candle.

· Buy a cute coffee mug and include a few envelopes of gourmet instant coffee.

· A pretty journal with a special inscription inside from your heart.

· A candy dish from the dollar store filled with miniature chocolate bars.

· Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar.

· A book of poetry (or other favorite book) with a handmade bookmark.

· A china teacup and saucer (check the thrift stores) with a few bags of herbal tea.

· A pretty basket filled with muffins.

· Stationary made on the computer along with colored gel pens. Tie the stack of paper with a ribbon and don't forget envelopes.

· A deck of cards and a book of card games. (You can make the book of card games with information from the web.)

· Make a "things you love" book with pictures of that person's favorite things (foods, places, people, hobbies, television shows, etc.)

· A pretty tray with home-baked cookies.

· Crossword puzzle books along with sharpened pencils

· A mirrored compact with a list of what is beautiful about that person.

Don't forget to wrap your gift in pretty, bright paper. Most people enjoy getting a thoughtfully wrapped inexpensive gift much more than an expensive one in a brown paper sack. Use ribbon and tissue. (Check the dollar store for paper, gift bags, tissue, and ribbon)

Polls show that thoughtful gifts are remembered much longer than gifts bought hastily. People especially appreciate handmade items or home-baked goods. Just because your budget is limited doesn't mean you can't come up with a nice gift for that special person in your life. Use your imagination and these suggestions and make that next holiday special for your loved ones.