Top 5 Cheap Christmas Gifts for 2008

It's always fun to find unique ways to show your loved ones you appreciate them during the holidays on an inexpensive budget. These following ideas show how cheap gifts do not have to be cheap in quality, only on the wallet. They're fun and will do the trick in showing you care.

Name a Star, for Free!

Yup, on http://www.freenameastar.com/ you can name a star absolutely free. You then print up the gift certificate and give as a gift to a loved one. For an added extra touch, purchase a frame from the Dollartree and frame your one of a kind star! Name it after a family member, a pet, or a funny joke between the two of you. It's a really fun gift your family will love.

Restaurant.com gift certificate

It is free to create an account through them. Do this first and sign up for their newsletter. Every other month they offer their gift certificates at 80% off. I LOVE when they are so cheap, I ending up buying a ton of Christmas and birthday presents this way. $25 gift certificates will cost you only $2 and $10 ones will only cost you $0.60. Who could beat this deal? At the end of each month they almost always discount their certificates to 60% off as well. http://www.restaurant.com

Books for Kids

It's really ridiculous how much store like Barnes and Noble charge for children books! If there is a child on your Christmas list, all you have to do is head up the garage sales and thrift stores. You can often find books for only a quarter and it is your discretion to find those that are only gently used. Recycling perfectly good books is also eco-friendly, not to mention wallet-friendly! Every child should be reading.

Car Wash

It's such a simple idea and pretty cheap but people often blow off something like a car wash because some see it as a waste of money or a waste of time. However, most people actually WANT a car wash, just aren't willing to pay for one! A good suggestion is buying a $5 Chevron gas card for a friend and include a card saying its good for one car wash (with enough money left over for a Slurpee!) This helps make your friend's life more convenient and leaves their car sparkling.

A beautiful letter

Sometimes the greatest gift one can give is the gift of appreciation. Many of us work so hard and are not given the gratitude we truly deserve. Do you have a friend that means a lot to you and you think they're so incredible but unfortunately they don't see that themselves? Sit down with a nice pen, attractive stationary and write away. Write how this person inspires you, what they mean to you and positive assets they possess. I wouldn't be surprised if this letter makes your friend or family member cry as you have shared your soul with them... in their honor.