Best Frugal Christmas Gifts

The best frugal Christmas gifts let you show you care without going into debt.

1.

 A gift basket can be an expensive gift idea if you buy a pre-wrapped package of fruit from your local grocery store or order a basket of exotic chocolates from a gourmet retailer. However, a gift basket can easily turn into one of the best frugal Christmas gifts with a bit of pre-planning. For instance, consider a movie-themed basket. Take advantage of thrift shops, sales, or clearance racks to find a large popcorn bowl at a fraction of the original cost. Use a coupon to buy microwave popcorn. Buy a popular new DVD during its first week of release when it's most likely to be on sale, or buy quality used DVDs from secondhand stores, yard sales, and online sellers. Combine theses pieces for a fun and functional present. You can use these same bargain-hunting tactics to create any gift basket and give a home-done gift that only looks expensive.

2.

 Give the gift of your time and talents with personalized coupons. Children can offer parents extra help with chores. Spouses can create coupons for breakfast in bed, a back rub, or other loving treat. Friends and family can provide anything from lawn work to baby-sitting services to a special day together. The gesture will mean so much more than another tie or bottle of perfume.

3.

 A gift in a jar is a decorative jar containing all of the dry ingredients needed to make a dessert, soup, or pasta dish. Using the included recipe, the recipient just has to add water, oil, milk, or an egg to create home-cooked goodness. They make simple, attractive, and thrifty gifts. You can find dozens of Gift in a jar recipes online.

4.

 For a meaningful but budget-conscious gift, assemble a photo album or scrapbook for the recipient. You can focus on the times you've spent together, or a recent event in his or her life, like a wedding or vacation. If you prefer working with digital pictures, you can burn a CD with your selected pictures, or create a website or slide show.

5.

 Take advantage of rebate and reward programs for free or cheap gifts. Check cereal and snack boxes for potential gifts for kids. You can often find toys and accessories featuring popular cartoon characters. Beverage companies often create reward programs and contests, and even adults can enjoy a t-shirt or cooler printed with the name of their favorite drink. However, these gifts are only frugal if you already buy the products and can collect UPCs and game codes without adding to the grocery budget. If your credit card has a rewards program with gift cards, you can also redeem them for gifts.

6.

 Any gift can become a frugal Christmas gift if you're dedicated to the hunt and start your Christmas shopping early. Buy Christmas ornaments when they're 75 percent off in January. Find a great sweater on sale in March. Order a book with an online coupon code in June. There's no limit to the gifts you can find at bargain prices.

7.

 Whether you plan a Secret Santa exchange with a group of friends or your entire family, it quickly reduces your Christmas budget by cutting down on individual gift buying. Exchanging names can also make shopping more fun because you're concentrating on finding the perfect gift for just one person, and you don't have to worry about a long list of gift ideas.

8.

 Baked goods are a classic choice among the best frugal Christmas gifts. Anyone can enjoy a plate of treats delivered right to his or her home or office. You can also avoid the hassles of shopping by baking your own gifts.

9.

 Regifting means to use a gift you received as a gift for someone else. Some people view regifting as being in poor taste, but it can be a great way to save money while putting unwanted gifts to good use. Make sure you remove all wrapping, cards, and tags from the gift before passing it on, though.

10.

 If you think it's time to pass on your grandmother's wedding ring or the family china, you can turn these family heirlooms into meaningful and memorable Christmas gifts.

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