Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas
By Shannon Jarvies, Fri Dec 9th

Now that the biggest shopping season of the year is in fullswing it might be a good time to create a holiday budget. I'msure there are lots of names on your list, but hopefully you canfind gifts that won't put a big dent in your pocketbook. I'vecome up with a few good ideas that might help.

Make your Own. Everybody loves a homemade gift. It means thatyou really put some time and thought into it. You can make yourown bath salts, bubble bath, brownie mixes and more! Choose aninexpensive jar, add a ribbon and you've got a really cool giftthat didn't cost a fortune. You can find the recipes to thesehomemade gifts here: Pioneerthinking.comAnd I've got some homemade stocking stuffer ideas here: money-saving-tips.blogspot.com

It's probably too late to start this idea for this holidayseason but you can plan ahead for the next. After Christmas isone of the best times to buy gifts. Almost everything is markeddown-sometimes as much as 50%. So create a list for next yearand hit the shops after Christmas!

If you have a talent share it with others. You

could give "giftcertificates to those on your list. Do you play the piano? Offerfree piano lessons. Are you good with kids? Offer freebabysitting for a day. Are you well organized? Offer to cleansomeones house. Do you work on cars? Offer a free oil change.These gifts cost no money to give but could be some of the mostwell received gifts!

You could take the above option a step further buy using yourservices to barter for a gift. If your neighbor sells candlesand you would love to get two or three for your sister-in-lawmaybe you could barter your services. Offer her a free night ofbabysitting. Or maybe there's a gift in your closet that yourecieved last year that you got one too many of. Offer that toher in exchange for a candle.

Remember the holidays aren't about buying the most expensivegifts. They are about sharing traditions and making memorieswith those you love.

About the author:Shannon Jarvies is a WAHM with five beatiful children and awonderful husband. Visit her Debt ManagementWebsite for debt consolidation, budgeting and money savingtips and ideas. You can also join her MoneyManagement Discussion Group