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Most of us can't afford to buy expensive presents. Don't assume you have a talent, just because you are broke. If you can't sew, knit, or otherwise craft, what else is there? When it comes to homemade gifts, it is the thought that counts. This doesn't mean that a token of your appreciation won't be enjoyed. The following gift ideas are easy to make, appropriate for any occasion, and will save you money.

BREAD DIPPING OILS

One of my favorite easy gift ideas is bread dipping oil. If you purchase olive oil in bulk you can make a thoughtful gift for very little expense. Decorative oil bottles can be found at your local dollar store. No one needs to know how little they cost and almost any bottle will look nice when it's filled with rich oil. Here is a tasty recipe. (You likely already have these spices in your cupboard, too!)

For each half cup of extra virgin olive oil mix a teaspoon each of crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic, and salt. Once you know how much oil your bottle will hold, add the correct proportion of spices. Then fill the bottle with oil. You can dress up the bottle neck with a ribbon. Hang a little tag from the ribbon with the name of your oil and a short note to the recipient. Make sure your recipient knows to shake well before serving. This gift can accompany a loaf of fresh baked bread, but it also stands on its own.

CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE

Who wouldn't love a serving of chocolate cake that is ready in just five minutes? Pick up a decorative coffee mug from your local dollar store. Fill it with four tablespoons each of flour and sugar. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder and three tablespoons of chocolate chips. Use ribbon to tie on a pretty note that lists the rest of the instructions. The recipient should add one beaten egg and a dash of vanilla. They also mix in three tablespoons each of milk and oil. All ingredients should be mixed well. Microwave the batter in the coffee mug for about three minutes. The cake will rise over the top of the mug. You are sure to be thanked for this sweet gift!

BATH SALTS

With a basic bath salt recipe you can make a wide variety of gifts. Start with two cups each of Epsom salts, baking soda, and sea salt. You can mix bath salts in large batches and fill several gift jars at one time. It's a great gift to have on hand for an unexpected occasion. Fill mason jars, baby food jars, decorative jars, or whatever you have in the house. Try using food coloring to dye the salts and even layer the different colors. To make "Sugar and Spice" bath salts mix together a few ground spices. One teaspoon cinnamon, half a teaspoon ginger, and a quarter teaspoon of cloves will give the salts a wonderful aroma. Add the spices and a tablespoon of brown sugar to a cup of the basic bath salt recipe.

Don't scrimp on gifts just because money is tight. Those of us that are thoughtful, but have little time and money can still enjoy the happiness that comes from giving. With just a few minutes you can put together several presents for any occasion. Bring along a bottle of oil and a loaf of bread when someone invites you over for dinner or to a housewarming. Take "Chocolate Cake for One" as a thank you gift for that coworker who covered for you. Bath salts are a great gift for any woman that deserves a few minutes to relax.

Learn more about this author, Terra L. Fletcher.
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