by Mj Ferruzza

Created on: December 14, 2008   Last Updated: April 05, 2011

You are not cheap! You are, well let's say, thrifty! There will come certain occasions when a Christmas gift does not have to come from the bottom of your wallet or purse. These are 15 easy gifts under $10 for those who need a quick stocking stuffer, a Secret Santa exchange or just a holiday on budget.

1. Picture frames. They can be purchased inexpensively and even personalized or decorated by a creative gift giver.

2. Candles make a great gift because they can inspire or remind the recipient of a holiday past or present.

3. Second Hand Books. These books have character and remind the recipient that words, like knowledge, should be passed along.

4. Scarves. They reflect the season and the warm intentions by the giver.

5. Music. Remember those compilation CDs and cassettes you made on your own back in the day? They still are popular and the selections can be very personal between you and the recipient.

6. A DVD. Just because it came out of a bin at the discount store does not mean that that 'hard to find' movie or TV show will not be appreciated.

7. Calendar. Quirky, funny, even inspiring. There are a plethora for all tastes, in different themes and styles.

8. Collectible. Baseball, football or sports cards! For any Old Pro, these bring back a flood of memories. It doesn't even matter if they are a collector or not.

9. A Summer Rescue Care Package. Have someone who absolutely hates the winter and wishes for a sunnier climate? Give them a small basket assortment called "I Hate the Winter Blues" gels and lotions. Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, lip gloss, zinc, suntan oil; all are sitting in some after season sale bin! Remember the sense of smell is a powerful thing. And a powerful thank you may be on the way!

10. Popcorn. It's cold outside and popcorn warms the house and the senses inside with its aroma and flavor. Find out beforehand what the recipient likes to add to their popcorn as a fixing. M&Ms, skittles, Parmesan, etc... Add a sample to your popping present!

11. Tea! Some flavored teas do many things for many people. There are teas to relax. There are teas to shake off the blues. There are teas to help a diet.

12. Ceramic figure. If your recipient likes looking at anything but Post it Notes as a reminder, a figurine can promote the good kind of daydreaming.

13. McDonald's Coupon! OK! Sounds cheap, but if your recipient is like one of 75% of this country, they will visit a McDonald's at least once over the course of a year!

14. Knick Knack Patty Whacks! Like thrift stores? Your $10 is like $100 there. But don't be upset over re-gifting! It is a holiday ritual for a lot of thrift store tradees.

15. A $10 pre-paid phone card. Sound impersonal? Just add your name on the back with a note that says "If you ever need and SOS call! I am here!"

These may seem small, petty and even impractical, but they do work when accepted with the spirit of good intention on how they were given. No present, big or small, should be ever accepted with a sneer. The season of giving was born out of the joy of giving not just who can outspend whom.

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