How to Give Christmas Gifts During a Recession

1. Request charity donations in your name or give them as gifts to others. The next time someone in your life insists that there's nothing they want for Christmas, ask them how they'd feel about you giving the money you would have spent on a gift to a local charity. Try standard offerings such as Toys for Tots and local food shelves, but also search out overlooked charities that help people pay rent, prevent foreclosure, and pay their utility bills. Organizations like this are common but oftentimes, only the people who use them know of their existence.

2. Organize white elephant gift-giving. A white elephant sale is a great way to clear out stuff you don't need and give it to someone you know who can use it. It's economical and prevents waste at the same time! Get friends together and make up wish lists so that people can give accordingly. Getting a gift of a used item can be just as good as a new one, and you can all save your money for more important things.

3. Give cash and gift certificates. Loved ones and friends who may be struggling to cover their expenses might need groceries, practical items or rent money more than they need standard gift fare, but they may be too embarrassed to say so. Giving cash, or gift certificates for places like Target or Amazon.com will give them the option of restocking their pantries or buying that new CD, depending on what they really need. Giving gift certificates in the weeks prior to Christmas may also help someone complete their Christmas shopping for others!

4. Buy from locally-based business and private artisans. Buying locally keeps more money in your local town's economy and buying from an artisan means that more of your money goes to the person who really deserves it. Check out www.etsy.com for some amazing, unique gifts that will directly support an artist.

5. When asked to provide a list of your gift "wants," include some small, inexpensive items. Don't just put one or two little things on your list, include lots of options that cost less than 20 or even 10 dollars and be sure to stress how much you want them. Similarly, you can specifically request that certain items on your list be purchased secondhand, such as books, DVDs or video games (all of which are quite easy to buy used).