Five Great Inexpensive Gift Ideas

I always get mixed feelings around the Christmas season. On the one hand, I'm happy to see my friends and family. On the other hand, I dread the thought of having to find inexpensive Christmas gifts that fit my family members and my budget. Unfortunately, you can't give the same gifts over and over again. But at least I can share my top 5 favorite inexpensive Christmas gifts with you this holiday season.

Free Gifts With Purchase

Let's face it. There's a hierarchy to Christmas gifts. You can't afford to give everyone the same quality gift. Usually, the best gifts go to spouses and parents. When shopping for them, head to your local department store and look for something like an expensive perfume or cologne packaged with lots of other small but name-brand items that go along with them. Then, dismantle the pack and give the smaller gifts to others. If you pick the right items, you can get up to six gifts for the price of one!

Goodies in a Jar

This is a great inexpensive Christmas gift idea if you have a lot of people in your family. And, you can make it your own special theme. Imagine never having to go to the mall again and honing your culinary skills at the same time. And, if you can't cook you can just buy the 'plop and bake' kind that you can get in your grocer's freezer section. Families love these gifts, collect the jars, and look forward to guessing what yummy goodies you'll give them the next year.

Gourmet Coffee or Tea

This is a great inexpensive Christmas gift idea for the caffeine lover in your life. Go for the most exotic brands that you can find (www.teavana.com has some great options) and throw in a Coffee mug (two if your giving this gift to a couple). Make sure the recipient likes caffeine though! Most coffee and tea manufacturers also offer decaffeinated versions.

Movie Gift Certificate

This is not only a good inexpensive Christmas gift idea, its also a good way to make friends. If there is someone in your office or at your church that you would like to start a friendship with, give them a few movie gift certificates for Christmas and then suggest a movie you would like to see. Check out the website of a movie theatre near you and they are sure to have some gift ticket bundles available.

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments make great and inexpensive gifts. They vary from $1 to $100 dollars a piece and there are many options out there. Instead of just handing your loved one a box of ornaments, consider looking for some really special hand blown glass items (which will run you around $20) that they can hang on their tree and cherish for years to come. Check out www.ornamentshop.com for some great ornament options.