Fun Holiday Gifts While on a Budget

The approaching holidays have budget-conscious consumers searching for unique and fun holiday gifts that won't break the bank. With a little creativity you can find or make fun holiday gifts-within your budget-for everyone on your list.

Who doesn't love a delicious, homemade holiday treat? This year, instead of the usual red and green tree-shaped sugar cookies why not try your hand at creating a fun holiday gift like homemade marshmallows? It's a little time-consuming but making this delicious, fun holiday treat sure beats fighting the crowds at the mall. You may already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and creating a batch of this budget-friendly treat should cost less than $10. You can cut the batch into about 24 large marshmallows and divide them into 4 to 6 gifts. To make them even more fun and decadent, add peppermint extract or dip them in chocolate. Package them in a cellophane gift bag tied with beautiful ribbon. You can even pair them with individual packages of hot cocoa and an inexpensive set of fun holiday gift mugs.

Custom apron sets sound extravagent but these stylish, fun holiday gifts are easy on the budget and they're versatile, too. Available in a variety of fabric combinations, matching apron sets for girls and dolls are a perfect, affordable fun holiday gift. You can add a matching apron for mom or grandma. Custom sets are available at Tadpoles and Tulips. Check out their fan page on Facebook to place an order.

Magazine subscriptions are a fun, budget-friendly holiday gift that keeps on giving year-round. There are thousands of magazines to choose from, so you're sure to find one for every person on your list. There are several discount magazine subscription companies or you can sign up directly on your chosen magazine's website. A nice way to give the gift in person is to purchase a recent copy from the bookstore or news stand and send in the subscription card. Then wrap the magazine with a gift card, letting the recipient know they will be enjoying this magazine all year long.

A photo DVD of the year's favorite moments is a personal and fun holiday gift. You can create them on websites such as OneTrueMedia for around $24.99, or create your own on your computer and burn a DVD to really stay within your budget. Photo-memory DVDs are a fun holiday gift for friends, teachers, kids, parents, and grandparents. Wrap the DVD in a fun gift box or bag and include a bag of popcorn. If you have a little extra in your budget, add a toasty fleece throw (about $9.99) so your gift recipient can snuggle down for a night of home-movie memories.

If there's someone on your list who's on an even tighter budget than you are, here's a budget holiday gift idea that's practical, homemade, and fun. First, plan a budget-friendly menu. Simple dishes such as pasta, lasagna, meatloaf, chicken, and tacos all include ingredients that are easy on the budget, especially if you clip coupons and catch the sales. Depending on your budget you can make a variety of meals for up to a week, or you can go with a fun theme. For an Italian dinner, for example, include breadsticks, a jar of olives, and your favorite pasta dish. Include a CD of Italian music to make it extra special, all for less than $20. After you prepare the meals, pack them up in a gift bag or a wicker basket lined with a pretty fabric napkin (usually about $1.99 from big box stores). Print out heating and serving instructions, and voila! A delicious and fun holiday gift, sure to please your budget--and ease theirs.