Inexpensive and Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Every Loved One

The most thoughtful gifts are hand-made...don't worry-you need not be an artist to be thoughtful this Christmas. Money is also unneeded. Your active observation is the only requirement for the making of a thoughtful gift. Take special notice of your loved-ones' favorite TV shows, songs, attributes; dig out some old pics; recollect old-times together and "inside jokes"...anything that personalizes the connection had by you and this other. Here are some suggestions as to how you can capture these thoughtful observations in a handmade Christmas gift.

Toiling over a gift for your girlfriend? A handmade bracelet means more to most girls than does one that is store-bought. Woven bracelets are as simple as braiding hair. If this isn't an option: simply find some nice beads (preferably her favorite color) and string them on the hemp (there is also elastic string for a stretchy bracelet). This is guaranteed to make her feel special and appreciated. Girlfriends can show their appreciation by making a mixed cd of their mates' favorite songs. Lyrics, pictures, and songlists can be slipped into an old cd case.

A gift for a younger sibling can be as easy as a valuable hand-me-down (book, cd or dvd, for example). Younger sisters and brothers look up to their older sibling and prize his or her possessions with an endearing attitude. Younger siblings can give their older brother or sister a memorable pic of the both and write a nice note on the back.

For the husband? Most wives have gotten a flower or two from their husbands: keep those flowers and press them by placing them between paper towels and shutting them in a heavy book (with more stacked on top). Laminating the dried and pressed flowers makes for a loving bookmark. Husbands can make a meal for their wife-one that reflects a significant meal from the past (however simple or complex that meal may be).

Dad is always a challenge. Any scholastic achievement is valuable to Dad; pieces from art class, a meaningful essay written for school, a framed certificate or school pic for his office-they all reflect his child's achievement. You can also give Dad your playing cards. He will appreciate the invitation to spend time with you. Wrap the cards with the comics section of the newspaper to make Dad smile.

...and for Mom? A handmade card is perhaps the most meaningful of all gifts. This is because a card can sometimes be the hardest type of gift to make (thought is very much required). A card can include baby pictures, pet pictures, newspaper or magazine cutouts, quotes from her favorite book, movie, or song. The content of the card matters tons more than the materials used to make it.

Why spend tons of money on empty christmas gifts when a little thought and loving observation can produce a meaningful, priceless gift? Eventually, this process will become natural--perhaps adding significance to everyday encounters with your loved ones. Imagine the holidays as a calm time of showing thanks for anothers' presence in your life.