by Lisa Web

Created on: January 21, 2009

Gift ideas for people with limited budgets.

Invited and need to bring a gift? Is it someone's special day and you need a gift? Yes, it is, but what can you buy with only $20.00 available to you? Gift giving on a limited budget can be frustrating, mind numbing, and even impossible. Here are some ideas of gifts, for under $20.00 that can be modified to fit any occasion, from baby showers, weddings, birthdays, even other religious holidays.

Photo frame. You can buy a selection of photo frames and dress them up for any occasion. I would suggest buying odd numbers, like 3 or 5 frames. Make them all the same color, style, or size. Mix and match the size if you choose of all the same color or style. If you have all the same size, choose colors that compliment each other, or the person's personal decor. To dress up the frame collection, you can simply take out the pictures that came with them and put in a picture that you took, or even a simple scrap of wrapping paper for the occasion. You can buy ribbon and with simple thumb tacks attach a piece ribbon to the frames at the top corners, tie a pretty bow to keep them together and you now have a hanging gallery of frames. You can even repaint the frames, add matting, or use a paint pen to personalize them. Wrap them all together for the "wow" effect. Frames are easy to find at dollar stores, drug stores, major retailers, and craft stores. It never hurts to buy a set if you find a good sale and keep them handy for an upcoming event.

Gift cards. $20.00 may not seem like a wonderful gift card, depending on the event. However put $15.00 on the card, then dress it up! If your giving a movie rental gift card, add microwave popcorn and candy to the gift bag to dress it up. If you are giving a retail store card, use sales fliers from that store as tissue or wrapping paper, include a small gift that you chose from that store. If you choose to give the gift of gas... buy other car related items that may be used, like a small gas can, an air freshner, or even windshield washer fluid.

Food. If you are creative and can cook, the gift of food is wonderful. Make a meal, treat, or pie and give that as a gift. Candies that are home made are wonderful in a tin. If you can't cook but know someone who loves to cook give them "gifts in a jar" which is all the ingredients to make cookies, bread, bars and more, all in a jar. Simply dump the ingredients in, add instructions and a cute topper and give the gift. If you love to cook and know someone who is learning or in a new home, write out your favorite foods and helpful hints, put them in a book and give that as a gift.

Your time. Your time is so important, and for most the gift of your help, your friendship, and your time is a gift well received. If you choose to give a gift card, you may want to offer to baby sit for the kids. If your gift is a cook book, you may want to offer to come help the new home maker make the first meals. If you are giving a gift to an elderly or sick person, offer your time to run errands, shop, or clean for them. These are FREE gifts, but they mean the most.

GIft giving can be hard on a limited budget, but all it takes is some imagination and you will be rolling in ideas. Think of what you have to offer, what you can do to spruce up a gift card, and what talent you have for home made gifts. Most of us understand that people are living on a budget, and anything is appreciated, and well received. Make due with what you have, be thankful for the opportunity to give the gift, and love what you are giving!

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