Arg! Does someone on your gift list have a love for pirates? This Santa Claus Pirate and his parrot pal are 3 inches x 2 inches, hand sculpted from resin with amazing detail.

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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.

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.

Genuine Major League Baseball Christmas Ornament depicts a New York Yankees Jersey hanging on a hanger with a baseball and glove hanging from the bottom of the jersey. Measures approx. 4″H x 3.25″W Material: Resin Comes ready-to-hang on a red ribbon. Full round, double-sided ornament.

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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!

This globe Christmas ornament with picture of Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” is one of our best cheap ideas for Christmas gifts.

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cheap ideas for christmas gifts

Brighten your Christmas season by coloring over 100 Christmas ornaments on translucent paper. These hand-colored ornaments produce a striking stained glass effect when hung in a window, on a Christmas tree, from lights, etc.

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