Homemade gifts are always a winner! Give the gift of service, a coupon redeemable for a free carwash, or lawn mow. People really appreciate smaller thoughtful gifts, especially if it means they get out of a chore they don’t like to do themselves!

You can gift a Cookie Jar, buy the dry ingredients , layer them nicely in the jar and tie the recipe on with a festive ribbon, not only does it look good, it lasts and it’s easy to make, besides, who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie?

Gift baskets are a great way to give without breaking the bank. Pick a theme and get a few small things to go with it. Last year, I got my brother in Law and his kids a ‘Movie’ Basket. It had a large popcorn bowl, some candy, a few bags of microwave popcorn and a DVD I got on sale for $4. Total cost was under $20 and covered three people, not bad if you ask me?

Personalized reusable grocery bags or an apron, either one can be purchased at your local craft store for under $3. Buy some fabric paint and paint a funny saying, or pretty design, or better yet, let the kids make handprints or draw pictures with a fabric marker. The possibilities are endless, people love them and can use them all year round.