by Eliza Melzer

Created on: December 05, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2008

It's that time of year again - gift giving season. While many of us may appreciate the chance to show others how much we care, the fact is that the holidays are always tough on the wallet, and this year's hurting economy doesn't help. Here are ten gift ideas that won't break the bank and are a lot more personal than that gift card you've been eyeing.

1. A Personalized Journal - Buy a blank book and decorate the cover with photographs or pictures cut from magazines. Write inspirational quotes or shared memories randomly throughout the pages for your loved one to discover.

2. Shopping Bags - One of the best ways to cut back on unnecessary waste is to take cloth bags when you go shopping. Make your loved ones their own canvas shopping bags. Buy plain canvas bags and decorate them with fabric paint, sequins and scraps of fabric.

3. Home-made Calendars - Have your kids draw pictures for every month and draw out calendar grids that include not only national holidays but dates that hold special meaning for your own family. Make color copies and share them with your whole family!

4. Cookie Jars - These are jars for baking cookies, not storing them! Artistically layer the dry ingredients from a favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar, top the jar with a colorful fabric cover and attach recipe instructions with a holiday ribbon.

5. Quality Time Coupons - Corny but a favorite! Make a book of coupons for someone to redeem at later dates. These might include an afternoon at the zoo, a picnic in the park, or baby-sitting services so that mom and dad can have some quality time of their own!

6. Windowsill Garden - Potted plants can be expensive, but you can supply your loved ones with all the materials necessary to make their own windowsill garden for a reasonable price. Just put a few small pots, a small bag of potting soil and some packets of seeds in a wooden box along with planting instructions.

7. Craft Bucket - This one's for the kids. Buy a galvanized bucket at a hardware store and fill it with inexpensive items that can be used for arts and crafts, like construction paper, glitter, pipe cleaners, pompoms and popsicle sticks.

8. Bath Oils - Essential oils can seem pricey, but if you buy just a few scents and a some carrier oils, like almond oil, you can make dozens of small jars of bath oils for a luxurious treat. Just add a few drops of essential oil to the carrier oil and pour it into a colorful glass jar. Handmade labels make this gift even more special!

9. Personalized Story - Write a story for a friend or relative. You can either tell about a shared memory or express hopes and dreams for the future. Make a colorful cover and include photos to make it even more personal.

10. Volunteer - This gift may capture the spirit of the season best. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or other charitable organization in the name of a loved one.

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