Holiday Gift Ideas on a Budget

The holiday season can very expensive very quickly, especially when trying to buy the perfect gift for everyone on your list. But you don't have to spend a fortune with these inexpensive Christmas gift ideas. Save money on Christmas gifts by creating a holiday gifts budget and sticking to it with these easy ideas below.

Framed Wall Art
From photographs to paintings, having framed art on your walls can really brighten up a space. Many people like this type of personal gift, especially parents, grandparents, and other family members and close friends. It's a personal way to show how much you love and care for someone, and they'll be reminded of you every time they look at it.

Photographs
Having framed photographs around of those you love can really lift your spirits. And with digital photography, getting a print to be framed can cost less than a dollar. While posed portraits have their place, consider capturing the personalities of your kids and family with candid shots, print them out at a photo kiosk, from a website, or even on your own photo printer, and frame them in inexpensive frames. Any photo can also be converted to black and white, making it look more expensive and artistic. Using a simple white mat and black frame sets it apart and will blend into almost anyone's personal décor.

Art Work
I have my children's artwork framed all over our house, and every time people come to visit, I get so many positive comments and reactions. It's fun to showcase their talents, and my kids are so proud that they've had a hand in decorating our home. Any child's artwork looks great in a frame, and if you're an artist, friends and family will love having something you took the time to make as well.

Collage of Favorite Things
If someone on your list is a collector, or if you want to commemorate a special relationship, consider making a framed collage of someone's favorite things. For a significant other, consider ticket stubs from concerts and movies you've been to, love letters you've written, or even a menu from the restaurant you had your first date or proposal. Another unique idea would be framing pieces of clothing or a favorite blanket for a baby's room, or the room of a grandchild, filling the collage with your child's baby things to pass them down in a unique way. This is an inexpensive way to show someone how much you truly care about them.

Wallpaper
For someone who loves the offbeat, consider several frames filled with various wallpaper samples. Wallpaper has gained significant popularity in recent years, and there's no limit to the styles and colors you'll find. Samples can be purchased for as little as one dollar, and they're the perfect size for framing. Consider a grouping of similar colors or patterns to dress up someone's bare wall.

Homemade Baked Goods
Teachers, coworkers, service people, and others in your life are tough to buy for. You want to show your appreciation for what they do, but you may not know too much about their personal preferences, which makes it hard to shop for gifts. With the busy lives that everyone leads today, consider homemade baked goods as a thoughtful gift. From cookies to breads to candies, everyone loves a holiday treat, and making it yourself is a special touch. I make my family's special holiday pumpkin bread every year, and I always get rave reviews and requests for more. People love it, and it's inexpensive for me to make.

Wine
If you're going to a lot of dinner parties or have a large office staff to buy for, consider purchasing a few cases of moderately-priced wine. Many reasonably priced wines make great gifts, especially if you have a local winery. And most places will give a bulk discount when you buy a case or more. For a more personal touch, you can purchase custom-made labels with a chosen holiday graphic and message, or even print out custom wine bottle gift tags from your computer. This adds an extra touch that makes it personal, and many people enjoy this addition to their holiday celebration.

Part of a Larger Set or Collection
All sorts of special gift sets containing everything from books to toys to collectibles are issued during the holiday season. Consider buying a few sets and then splitting them up, giving each individual piece as a separate gift. This works especially well for children; many times you can buy a large set of toddler board books, action figures, or other popular toys that's much less expensive than buying the pieces individually. Take the set apart and give a piece to each person, saving you time and money.

Your Services
As cliché as it may sound, sometimes the best gift you can give is yourself. Consider donating your time and talents to someone who would really appreciate your services. Offer free babysitting to parents of young children, organization or cleaning to those who have a hard time getting around, or even something novel like helping a friend or family member paint a room or teach them a cooking class. The possibilities are endless; think of all that you're good at and who would benefit the most from what you have to offer. Giving of your time may prove to be the most valuable gift the recipient gets this holiday season.

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