HOMEMADE GIFTS
Fill their stomachs. Who can turn down gifts of food? Putting your culinary skills to work can result in yummy gifts for others. Some of the endless examples include baked goods, jams, spices, salsa, granola or fudge. You don't even have to do the baking yourself. Laying all of the dry ingredients in a decorated mason jar is a gift they can use at their leisure. Picking one type of food gift for multiple people on your list means you can buy items in bulk and save even more.
Get creative. People like the meaning behind homemade gifts. Knitted items, homemade soaps and handmade jewelry are always neat gifts guaranteed not to be duplicated. Plus with today's busy schedules you can give a gift that others just don't take the time to make. Creating personalized calendars, photo albums or scrapbooks is a great way to bring a smile to their face. They'll cherish the gift and your thoughtfulness.
Offer assistance. Just as you might like IOUs for gifts of service from others, these are great for you to give as well. You don't have to spend money on someone to show your appreciation during the holiday season. Printing out cute homemade coupons offering to shovel your elderly neighbor's driveway or watching your brother's kids for their date night is a win-win for both of you. They can receive something very useful and you can keep your money in your pocket.