by TDK

Created on: December 07, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2008

Christmas is normally a fiscal challenge for the average family. This year is especially hard considering the state of the economy and the adverse effect it has had on everybody. Most people have less cash to work with, making gift giving even more difficult. But you don't necessarily need a lot of money to make this Christmas bright. All you really need is a bit ingenuity, love and elbow grease. Here are ten great ideas that will light up the lives of all the people you hold dear without breaking the bank.

1. Homemade Cookies or Treats:

The quickest way to a persons heart is through their stomach. This is a great way to show off your skill in the kitchen and share a"secret" family recipe. Treats such as cookies, fudge, fruit bars, and chocolate pretzels are popular home made items that almost everyone enjoys. Make a batch for the neighbor, a batch for the office and of course a batch for Santa! Most staple ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour and salt are in every kitchen.

2. A Scrapbook:

Scrap-booking is a craft that has grown in popularity within the last couple of years. A scrapbook is a great way to capture the memories of the seasons gone by, or to witness of the growth of a child. You can put in special messages and personalise it. Your son will love this gift when he is grown up and you pull it out to show his fiancee!

3. Offer your Services:

If you are skilled in a trade than you can offer your services free of charge. For example, if you are a mechanic you can change a friends oil for free. Not only will the recipient be grateful, but you will have spent nothing as well as got your business exposure through word of mouth.

4. A Home Made CD:

Burn a mix CD with some timeless music that you and your friends can enjoy any time of the year. Think of songs that you have enjoyed when you went out, or that are just fun. Make a CD that will make memories on the way to the beach, the fireworks or any other time you and your friends will be gathered together. Think of songs you would drink to..

5. Freeware:

Almost everybody has a computer these days, but nobody can afford the software needed to make it work to it's fullest potential. Freeware is free software available on-line, most sites offer software compatible to both Macs and PC's. Send your friend an e-card with instructions on how to install the freeware as well as the link to where it can be found. Your friend will be eternally grateful, and I'm sure you will be grateful too because they will finally be

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