Clever Classic Recession-Proof Gifts

Recession proof gift giving doesn't have to mean Scrooge like stingyness. You don't have to sacrifice good taste and quality on the cheap. Here are five clever, classic and inexpensive gift ideas for the holidays or any time of the year. Each can be had for under forty dollars and most for 20 dollars or less.

1. Greeting Card Sampler. When my maternal grandmother was alive she had 7 grandchildren living all over the country. We chuckled at her birthday cards with obligatory ten dollar bill insert well after all of us were well into our thirties and established financially. As my grandmother got on in years it became increasingly more difficult for her to get around, but she still never missed any birthday, anniversary, or graduation greeting card.

One year for 'Christmas I gave her a greeting gift card box. I shopped for greeting cards for all occasions including anniversary, congratulations, thank you, sympathy and yes, of course the birthday cards (both adult and juvenile). I also packed the box with a dozen or more plain notecards and a roll of stamps. Grandma no longer had to stop at the stationery store and even make a stop at the Post Office. Its a great gift for shut ins or people like you and me with little time to spare. Inexpensive, thoughtful and clever cheap! $20

2. The Granddaddy of Gadgets. Long before today's high tech appliances and tools was the Swiss Army Knife. Not just for campers, the Swiss army knife remains ever reliable in its usefulness and won't break the bank. Its a great gift for both genders and comes in a wide variety of upgrades. The original classic version can still be found for under 20 dollars and its five sturdy tools are ever so handy in a fix. It comes with a key ring attachment, is lightweight and durable. Just don't make the mistake my best friend did and leave it on they key ring while you travel by air. Its not permitted onboard any commercial aircraft. $17.95

3. Great Family Gift. A great value and whether you choose the plug in electric version or the eco-friendly ball version, the ice cream maker is a hit with both adults and children. Families trying to save during these rough economic times need not sacrifice the sinful pleasures of this creamy confection. Several five star rated electric ice cream/frozen yogurt makers are available online for less than 40 dollars making this gift pay for itself after only a few uses. The frozen ball maker available in both pint and quart sizes come in at under 30 and 40 dollars respectively. Kids love the novelty of tossing the frozen ball and its a hit at birthday parties. Cheap doesn't have to mean giving up ice cream night. $30 to $40

4. Relax and Enjoy. My favorite gift to a loved one or friend is the hour long 20 dollar full body massage. Yep, twenty dollars for a full hour of relaxation and soothing those tired muscles. Where to find this gem? Call your local technical or vocational school and inquire about their massage therapy program. Licensed massage therapists are required to "practice" for several hours before becoming credentialed. 'After their academic training is almost completed clinical training beings. Give a gift to someone who can use stress busting and set up an appointment for them. They will be impressed with your extravagance but if they demur based on the not so cheap value of your gift, remind them of the role they play in helping a new therapist get their license and enter the working world. Cheap? Maybe, but your giftee won't notice or care after an hour of this luxury, I guarantee this is one gift that won't be returned or regifted. $20

5. The Emergency Gift. Its that gift that you forgot to get someone for the holidays. It's 'a co-worker, one of the kids' teachers or coaches or even the dog groomer. Instead of being embarrassed when someone hands you a present, have an emergency gift bag on hand at the office and at home. For the holidays you can fill it with an extra batch or two of your homemade cookies or cranberry bread. Drop in a few packets of gourmet instant cocoa, coffee or chai (or an assortment of all of them), a copy of a favorite themed cd or dvd, and a scented candle. Try to make each emergency bag either gender friendly and splurge a little on the packaging. It doesn't matter what you choose to include as long as it is elegantly and thoughtfully packaged. $20