Cheap Ideas For Christmas Gifts

If you’re anything like me then you love when the Christmas season is upon us. The cold weather, egg nog, a fireplace and being prepared for the big day. Shopping for Christmas gifts can be very stressful if you don’t prepare for it.

In the last week before Christmas, ask anyone if they’re ready for Christmas and most likely you will hear them moan and groan about the woes and stress of getting the shopping done. From having trouble dealing with the traffic and the crowds, to trying to figure out what to buy a particular loved one. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Planning your Christmas shopping well in advance will save you so many headaches that by the time the day comes, you’ll be cool, calm, and collected to actually enjoy the time with your family and/or friends. I don’t like that fact that department stores start pushing Christmas products before Halloween is even over, but if you think about it, it’s around the time you need to do the ground work of preparing for Christmas. With so much to do for the holiday season, waiting too long to start will cause you to cram it all in just a few short weeks. Let me tell you that you will be spent (no pun intended) by the time Christmas rolls around.
My mother used to shop for presents for my brother and I all year long. We were predictable as to what our interests were and that made it easier for my mother to find things throughout the year and store them until December. My mother told me years later about how in doing it that way she would save so much money. I’m not saying you need to start your shopping in January, but October to me seems like a fair assumption as to when to look for bargains. You may also need the time to get some Christmas gift ideas.

Let’s face it, when we feel that we are under pressure with only having such much time before an important event, we stress out and become very edgy. Why put yourself through that if there is a way around it so you and your family can enjoy the time you have together.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

As with everything else in life, people want to know what are the top ten items in a particular category. Need it be cars, toys, clothing or what-have-you, people want to know. I guess it’s sort of like the old saying of “keeping up with the Jones’s”.  Whatever the reason, the top ten Christmas gift ideas list is one that many look for each and every year before shopping.

We’ve put together the top 10 Christmas gifts list with a few factors involved. One, the list is for gifts for children eighteen and younger, no item on this list is over $100 in price, and they seem to be the popular gift for this year.

1. LEGO Board Game
2. Sing-A-Ma-Jig
3. Dance Star Mickey
4. My Pillow Pet
5. Halo Reach X-Box 360
6. Angry Birds Knock On Wood Game
7. The Loopz Game
8. NerfNStrike Stampede
9. Stick Garbage Truck
10. Qwirkle

Have a safe and stress-free shopping season.

The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and there are less shopping days for us to get everything we need to get for our family members as well as friends and other loved ones. This year more than ever, it’s important to get a gift without spending a fortune. The economy is a little thin these days and as educated consumers, we want to get a gift without going over a budget.

As the kids get older, it seems that the gifts are a little more elaborate and costly, but if you do your shopping correctly, you can find the same product at a lower price. With some effort, you can save yourself a good amount of money. Here’s some tips to help you finish your Holiday shopping done without breaking the bank or going insane getting it all done.

First you shouldn’t wait until the last two weeks before Christmas to start looking at what to get someone. It’s hard enough as it is to find time in our busy schedules to take a run to some mall to check out prices and availability of a gift. Do you really want to do all of your holiday shopping done in two weeks? It sounds good to do, but the idea I’m making is…Are you getting the best price for the item? Ideally you should start doing so around the first week of November. This will give you seven weeks to stop at different stores or get online to research possible Christmas gift ideas.

Shopping Online has become more the way to go these days when buying Christmas gifts. With the price of gas and the inconvenience of traffic along with the cost of parking, online shopping is bigger than ever. Look around, get a good idea of what different products cost. You will find that it’s not often you find two merchants selling the same item for the same price.

Negotiate. You’d be amazed how many smaller businesses will work hard to get your business. WalMart, Target and the other “big Box” stores tell you want you will pay for a particular item. That’s it period, but a small business owner know that he competes against those larger ones. They know that you are looking to save money, so they are willing to give you a better price. Since they own the company, you can talk to the “Big Man” to see if a deal can be reached. Try doing that in one of those big box stores.

If done correctly, you won’t be stressed out from all the preparing you did to get ready for the holiday and you will still have money left over for maybe a gift for you.

I have a few favorite cheap ideas for Christmas gifts that I always use for inexpensive, but nice gifts for co-workers and acquaintances.

The first place I look for small token gifts is at the local holiday bazaar. There are a few bazaars every year which I attend and inexpensive ornaments.

This year I found a vendor that made “angel feather” ornaments for $.25 each. I bought 20, and I am giving one to every person on my “acquaintance” list. I only spent $5.00, and I have a gift for everyone. My secret to finding the best prices at holiday bazaars: attend the small, local church bazaars. They are more likely to have cheaper prices, because they are raising money for the church and just want to sell the items. Big bazaars tend to have professional vendors who charge more for their products.

Another idea I sometimes use is baking. You can make all of the gifts at once for as cheap as you choose. People also usually like home-baked goodies. If you have diabetics on your list, there are diabetic-friendly mixes available. My grandfather is diabetic, so instead of a bunch of holiday cookies, I buy him fresh fruit and some sugar-free candies. One year I made him a sugar-free pudding pie.

One way I have specifically celebrated with co-workers is by bringing in goodies for everyone to share at work. I make a sign explaining that I wish them a Merry Christmas, and the goodies are from me, and I set out the sign and the treats in a common area. People like this because they can have a treat to snack on at work. It cheers up the office a bit, too. You can get away with bringing less treats this way, if you are on a tighter budget.

As a rule, we don’t typically spend more than a couple of hundred dollars on presents for Christmas, but we always have fond memories because of the little extras they find under the tree.

Some of the greatest cheap ideas for Christmas gifts we have given our children include books, because they love to be read to. Some of the books are even used. Find a used bookstore in your area and you will undoubtedly find books that will peak their interest.

Being one who enjoys woodworking, I have made several little hand-made wood toys (like a Tower of Hanoi, model airplanes and trucks). These will keep them busy for hours and are always fun to leave on the coffee table for others to enjoy. What’s great about this is that you can find all the free wooden toy plans on the internet to keep you busy for the next 100 Christmases.

You can also find used video games and other electronics from people who list them on your local craigslist site. We have never found the game disks to be too scratchy to play. Board games are also a favorite because they allow the family to spend time together. What is a better way to spend the holidays than to be with the ones you love? Now for the stockings we like to put little trinkets that will rouse their curiosity.

Children don’t require much to give them great memories. This year we are putting tiny pen light flashlights and body spray. All children like to shine lights on the ceiling in the bedrooms. For the little girls (we have two), we have put a little doll int heir stocking as well. We also buy an ornament every year for our children for them to put on the tree next year.

The little money that we spend on Christmas gifts have a lot of love put into the small presents that they receive. Make sure your children know you love them no matter what they receive.

With an ever tightening economy we are all looking for ways to still accomplish what we want without breaking the bank. Christmas gifts are no exception. While it would be easy to just drop co-workers and neighbors from your gift list, it is also taking away from the spirit of the holiday. Instead opt for some of these cost effective options that still lets the people in your life know you’re thinking about them during Christmas. If you’re looking for cheap ideas for Christmas gifts, we may have some ideas for you.

The first option is an oldie but always a good one. Homemade treats are a way to not only show you care, but also to show off your cooking skills. A ½ dozen cookies wrapped in cellophane and a bow is great for a co-worker. For your boss, consider going for a full dozen if not two. For neighbors, figure on at least three cookies for each person in the household.

Another great option is to bundle a package or two of microwave popcorn with a movie rental certificate for co-workers giving them a snack and entertainment themed gift. Similarly for neighbors go with a box of popcorn or even get an inexpensive basket and put the popcorn packs in it with a movie certificate.

A third option is to go to your local craft or hobby store and pick out Christmas ornaments that are either unfinished or that can be personalized with the receiver’s name. If you go this route try to pick ornaments that mean something special to the person receiving it like a reminder of a hobby they have or a favorite place. There are lots of other options, just look around and think of some of the little things you have received that meant something to you. Another great resource is to look online for gift ideas that you can make or buy inexpensively.

You’ll feel better for sharing the spirit of the season with friends and co-workers so go for it!

In these tough economic times, there may be cut backs in one’s budget meaning you may have to get creative in your gift giving ideas. Don’t fret though, there are many cheap ideas for Christmas gifts out there that one could use to make your child or children happy on Christmas morning.

One great idea that can cost relatively inexpensive is a gift basket. This basket can be filled with different candies, movies, or other trinkets. The basket’s total cost likely would be under fifty dollars, yet can pack a punch.

A gift that can be a family gift, is a Christmas day trip to the zoo. Most zoos are open on Christmas and offer cheap rates on that day. Kids always love animals and it would be a great trip for the whole family!

Gift certificates can also be inexpensive and a popular location would be a movie theater. Most theaters have arcades as well so it’s a day of fun for the kids.

Board games are also great gifts. Popular games out there such as monopoly, trivial pursuit, life, and a whole bevy of other games are inexpensive yet are great gifts. These gifts can be used for years and are always great when there is nothing to do at night.

Baked goods are also inexpensive. Anything that you can create are usually cheaper than the newest video game system or hottest music player.

The best cheap ideas for Christmas gifts are the ones you never expect—quirky, personalized, and inexpensive. A perfect gift can spark a romance, show a coworker your appreciation, or light up a child’s face. In all of these situations, an expensive gift is the very last thing on the recipient’s mind.

For a boyfriend or girlfriend, try starting with their favorite hobby. If your flame loves bird watching, start from this point, and head to your nearest thrift or secondhand shop. Scan the walls for framed robin photos or prints, and browse the kitchen section for a lovely little oriole dish. The personalized nature of the gift will mean more than the cost, and the present will remind your partner of your great listening skills.

For office gift giving, think small and utilitarian. A $5 Starbucks gift card is inexpensive, and since any drink can be covered by the card, it comes across as very thoughtful and generous. Think of other inexpensive replacements for costly gifts this year. Instead of truffles, try sweet popcorn. Rather than a bottle of wine, try a bottle of bitters or other bar accessory. By selecting something that is a small part of a larger set, like a crystal swizzle stick, your gift will fit into the recipient’s life, and your gift will find a prominent place on the recipient’s kitchen counter. Your small thought is now a daily part of someone’s household.

For children, remember that bigger can often times be better. Young children will adore a large inflatable toy, even if your gift only cost pennies. Large plush toys are also great of course, but can be more costly unless won at a carnival or fair. Your kids will also love a used game or toy. Check out your local video rental shop for used video games, and create a neat box for presentation. They will love the gift!