Three Meaningful Gift Ideas That Cost Little or No Money

If you are looking for gifts that have a heartfelt meaning for the recipient, but do not have a lot to spend, these three ideas may be just the perfect idea to give to that special someone.

One: A photo CD. Most people have a lot of pictures sitting around the house that have special meaning for a lot of different people in their lives. If you have a scanner and a blank CD sitting around the house, then this gift is a bit time-consuming to make, but can be one that is treasured for many years to come. Simply scan the pictures you would like to share and burn them to a CD. Most computers are equipped with the software to burn photographs already built in to them, so spending money for this project will amount to a minimum, or if you have the supplies already, nothing at all. Make sure you choose pictures that are appropriate for the person receiving them. This is a really great gift idea for grandparents, in-laws, or anyone else you hold near and dear to your heart.

Two: An audio CD. Again, if you have music in your home that can be uploaded to your computer (compact discs) or have music already on your computer, and you have blank CDs sitting around, why not put those things to practical and thoughtful use by creating a music CD for a person on your gift list. You can choose from any type of genre, including classical, holiday, or popular music. If you have sermons on CD or religious music, you could opt for those for the spiritual person on your list. Or perhaps you have audio in your home of famous speeches or even television commercials. The list of options for the type of audio CD you can make are as endless as your collection, and the tastes of the gift recipient. The great thing about this gift idea is that the time it takes to burn an audio compact disc is minimal. If you computer has a label burning program, you can create a customized label to go along with it. If you are feeling really adventurous, you can even incorporate a CD cover for the disc that has a picture of the gift recipient placed on it. I have one that has my picture repeated in Andy Warhol style that I received as a gift one year, and I really appreciate the time and thought that went into it. Plus it is a good conversation piece when guests come across it while perusing the music collection.

Three: A DVD. If you have a computer with the capacity to burn DVDs and have a web cam or video camera that allows you to upload video to your computer, or have video material already uploaded to your computer, you can create a home movie on a DVD for a gift recipient. You can video tape footage of their favorite place to travel, their home town, or the children in the family. Or you can burn a favorite family or friend DVD that has them or you and your family members included on it. Again, the options are as endless as the material you have or want to make and the end results can be really touching.

These three ideas are great ways to transform the media you have in your home, or that which is easily accessible to create, into a fantastic and unique gift giving experience: one that you can be proud of creating and that the recipient will be proud to own.