Gifts for Under $20.00 That Make a Big Impact

Short on money, short on time, or are you just not feeling very creative? Here is a list of fun and creative ideas that will show your loved one you care, but not break your wallet in the process.

Send a Dessert or Glass of Wine to the Party!

If you can't make the celebration event or are not attending, you can still send a message. Find out where the celebration is taking place. If it is at a restaurant, arrange to have a desert sent to the table from you. I have done this several times for my family in Northern California, and they were always quite surprised. All you need to do is ask where and when the dinner is happening, look up the information, then give the restaurant a call. Be sure to give the host or manager specific info. Include a tip when you charge the items.

Make a Scrapbook

If you have pictures spanning over a lifetime or just a single event, make a scrapbook for your loved one that will show you care. Scrapbooking is a beautiful way to tell the story of a person's life or capture the heart of an event. Do you need some tips on scrapbooking? This will get you going in the right direction.

A Simple Scrapbook

http://www.associatedcontent.com/subject/article/scrapbooking

Make your Own Gift Certificates

If you have a few minutes to play on the computer, make a fun little gift certificate that will be redeemable for a service, performed by YOU. For example, I gave my husband an envelope of "coupons" for favors I would do for him: wash the car, mow the lawn, bake a chocolate cake, 15 minute massage, and clean and organize his office. He loved this gift and had fun redeeming the certificates. You can present one certificate or several in a nice card or envelope. This is a fun gift that provides something tangible until you fulfill the request. For couples, this can get quite fun!

Gift Certificate Templates from Microsoft

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/results.aspx?qu=gift+certificate&av=TPL000

Wine and Cheese or Movie Themed gift Bag

You can get a decent bottle of wine for about $10.00. Add some small wrapped cheese cubes or a package of nice cheddar, crackers and you are set. Trader Joe's offers loads of options here, as does Cost Plus World Market or any warehouse type store. Pack your goodies in a gift bag you have saved and you are set. The same concept can be used for a Movie Night: DVD ($10.00 at CVS, Wall Mart or the grocery store) microwave popcorn and a Hershey bar!

Trader Joe's

http://www.traderjoes.com

Cost Plus World Market

http://www.worldmarket.com

Travel Bag

If you know your loved one is going on a trip, you can pack a bag of personal items that will go through the security check point. The drugstore always has an aisle for trial size goods. Pick out a nice selection and pop them in a cute bag (add a zip top bag in for practical reasons) and you have a fun and thoughtful gift. Do you have samples from the cosmetic counter? You can add these in as well.