Inexpensive Gifts for a Holiday Gift Exchange

Don't let being on a budget stop you from participating in the holiday festivities this year. Using a little bit of creativity and the ideas below, you can give thoughtful, inexpensive gifts to your friends and coworkers at gift exchanges this Christmas.

If you are buying for someone who truly loves the holiday season, a personalized Christmas ornament or other decoration would be well received. Another option is a Christmas mug filled with hot cocoa mix and candy canes. A CD of holiday music or even a classic Christmas movie on DVD are fun additions to either of these gifts.

Gift the foodie in your circle of friends a copy of your favorite cookbook and a unique kitchen utensil or dish. Homemade vanilla extract or spice rubs are also useful homemade gifts for someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen. For wine lovers, a set of four wineglasses and a $20 bottle of wine make a thoughtful gift. A variation of this is to gift a set of cocktail glasses and an instructional guidebook for mixing different types of drinks.

Dedicated crafters may appreciate a gift related to their favorite hobby. Card stock and Christmas embellishments are great gifts for scrap bookers who will be preserving their holiday memories soon after the season ends. Knitting and crocheting are also very popular hobbies. You can pick up a variety of yarns and even pattern books at your local craft store for these gift recipients.

For the soon-to-be or new mom in your gift exchange, indulge her with pampering goodies such as candles scented with lavender or other relaxing aromas, a luxurious foot scrub, or fizzing bath bombs for a sudsy treat. Another thoughtful gift for the mom to be in your gift exchange is a collection of thank you cards with a book of stamps and a nice pen.

Accessories that make inexpensive gifts include gloves, a scarf and hat set, a cozy pair of slippers or socks, or even an umbrella in a fun print.

If a participant in your gift exchange is a busy mom looking for ways to squeeze in family time with her kids, present her with a popcorn bowl stuffed with a few bags of microwave popcorn, soda, boxes of movie theater candy, and a $5 or $10 gift card to your local movie rental store. Another option for this mom is a family board game, or a book of card games and a deck of cards.

Giving is one of the greatest pleasures of the Christmas season, and you don't have to miss out just because you are on a budget this year. Happy holidays!