Popular Christmas Gifts
From LoveToKnow Christmas
Even when the economy is in a recession, you can still find popular Christmas gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Use a little creativity, a smidge of shopping savvy and a bit of handiwork to create gifts that will be treasured for your thoughtfulness.
Cut Christmas Gift Costs
When the budget is tight, it can be hard to figure out what are good Christmas gift ideas without breaking the bank. Luckily, you can find ways to scale back on your holiday gift costs with a few creative gift ideas.
Shop Year Round
One of the easiest ways to cut the cost of Christmas gifts is to shop all year long. In fact, many frugal shoppers begin their holiday shopping as early as possible, hitting the best after Christmas sales for heavily-discounted items for the next year. Holiday-themed items will be slashed the most, so pick up some generic Christmas ornaments, candles, snowglobes or figurines for next year's gift exchanges, teacher presents or gifts for neighbors.
Cut Number of People
Another easy way to cut Christmas gift costs is to reduce the number of people on your list. If you purchase for all your siblings and their spouses, consider giving "couple" gifts for them to share. Games, electronics and household items are all good gifts for couples.
Try asking other family members if they would be interested in drawing names for the gift exchange. Mix everyone up together, or separate out into groups if your family is large. Kids ages 0-10, ages 11-18, women and men would all be appropriate categories to use for a drawing.
Purchase Group Gifts
Cut back on your immediate family Christmas costs by scaling down the number of items under the tree. Let each child write a list, but tell them they will only be getting three or four things on their list. Alternatively, consider purchasing one large item, like a video gaming system, for the entire family and just picking up stocking stuffers to round out the presents.
Inexpensive Popular Christmas Gifts
Cheap Christmas presents often end up being some of the most popular gifts under the tree. Just because something is a luxury present does not mean it will be used or appreciated. Instead, look for fun, store-bought gifts and meaningful homemade presents.
Cheap Store Bought Gifts
Cheap store-bought gifts for kids are often ones that inspire creativity. Look for board games (non-electronic), books, art supplies and do-it-yourself hobby kits. Combine these gift ideas with coupons and sales to get the best price.
Inexpensive Christmas gifts that are popular among adults are ones that are practical. While many of the items on the list can be purchased at high-end stores, they can be picked up at cheap big box retailers, too. Consider giving an adult one of the following:
- Ear muffs and scarf
- Non-stick pan
- Clock
- Computer memory card
- Ear buds for cell phone or mp3 player
- Blank CDs/DVDs for burning
- Small hand tools
- Kitchen or bath towels
Frugal Homemade Presents
Homemade Christmas gifts are a favorite of many recipients because of the thought and time you put into making the gift yourself. Food gifts are easy to make in bulk. Cookies, breads and mixes in a jar are always good choices. You could also create a basket full of homemade jellies, salsa and sauces.
Consider turning your hobby into a crafty Christmas present for someone. If you scrapbook, make a few blank pages for a friend who also scraps. Woodworkers can make picture frames, while knitters can make blankets for friends and family.
You can also make your Christmas craft project ideas into a frugal homemade present, too. Use leftover wreath-making supplies to create a miniature version for a neighbor. If you are making your own centerpieces or candles, simply make a few extra for presents. With supplies all ready purchased, it makes gift giving cheap and easy.
Popular Christmas gifts do not have to break the bank. Celebrate Christmas on a tight budget by cutting down on your shopping list, buying cheap gifts and making some presents yourself.
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This page has been accessed 216 times. This page was last modified 23:09, 22 September 2009.
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