Special Christmas Gifts for Single Moms

This holiday season everyone will be feeling the effects of a stumbling economy. Consumers are spending less, merchants are reporting sharp decreases in profit, and everybody is looking for new ways to save money. However, some folks - like single mothers - will be feeling those effects more so than other this Christmas. If you have a single mother on your gift giving list this year, here are some practical and useful gift ideas to help make her Christmas a little more special.

Prepaid Credit Cards - These cards can be purchased at any major retailer such as WalMart or Walgreens in denominations of your choosing. They can be used just like cash at any merchant that accepts credit cards and will come in very handy to the single mom's budget.

Cash - Cash is always a great gift idea. She can use it to buy something she wouldn't have purchased otherwise, maybe to pay a bill, or perhaps just save it for a rainy day.

Gift Certificates to Restaurants - Sometimes, eating out just isn't in any of our budgets. Single moms especially don't make a habit of it. Gift certificates to local restaurants would be a special treat she could use any time of the year. They can be purchased in denominations of your choosing at most sit down and fast food restaurants.

Gas Cards - Everybody needs gas for their vehicle. Even with gas prices steadily falling, fueling up can still take a good chunk out of our pockets. These cards can be purchased at any local fuel outlet in denominations of your choosing. Most of these cards can also be used to make purchases at the particular store, even if it's not for gas.

Gift Certificates for Auto Services - Just like gas, every car needs a tune up. Most auto care places offer gift certificates for a wide range of services like oil changes and tire rotation.

Calling Cards - Pre-paid long distance calling cards can be quite useful. By utilizing them when making long distance calls, there will be no surprising charges on the monthly bill. These cards can be purchased at most major retailers in denominations of your choosing.

Gift Certificates for Cleaning Services - These certificates are a super way to relieve some stress and give that single mom a much needed break from the monotony of household duties.

Gift cards to places you know she shops - If the single mom on your list frequents a certain store often, a gift card to that store is a great idea. Whether she shops Target for household items or Old Navy for clothes, there's sure to be a gift card out there to suit her shopping needs. Most brick and mortar or online merchants both offer gift cards in denominations of your choosing.

Single moms have to be particular about where their money is spent and they put a lot of thought into purchases they make to be sure they are getting the best deal. She will appreciate your thoughtfulness in giving her something she can actually use and, more often than not, something that's actually needed.