by Caroline Atkins

Created on: December 19, 2007

You can easily find a gift for your mother under $10. Your options are only limited by your own creativity. Although you won't be able to give her something extravagant, you can give her something useful, practical, or even a bit indulgent. After all, the goal is to give mom a gift that says you care. If your budget is around the $10 range, here are a few ideas:

1. A PACKAGE OF COFFEE: For $10, you can buy her a package of Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee. If she doesn't have a grinder at home, don't buy whole bean. Have the barista grind the coffee up for you and she can make it Christmas morning.

2.A MOVIE NIGHT KIT: You can easily make a movie night kit with a $5 Blockbuster Gift card and a box of popcorn. Mom can go to Blockbuster and pick out any movie she wants. You can offer to watch the movie with her, or watch the children if she has young kids.

3. A JOURNAL: Journals are great for moms, whether they want to write down grocery lists, or thoughts about the day. You can pick up an inexpensive journal at Barnes and Noble or Borders books for under $10. Write an inscription inside wishing your mom a lovely new year.

4. A SCARF: Keep mom warm this winter season with a warm scarf. You can pick up a brand new scarf at a local discount store. Or, if you are crafty, buy some yarn, knitting needles, and look up a free scarf pattern on the internet.

5. A FRAMED PHOTO: Pick out one of your old photos and put it in an inexpensive frame. Your mom can put it on her desk or wherever she prefers. At your local craft store, you can pick up a photo keychain, photo ornament, or even a mousepad that you can slip a picture in.

6.A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION. A magazine subscription is a gift that lasts all year long. The gift doesn't need to be wrapped, or you can buy a copy of the magazine and wrap it up and give it to your mom. If you won't be seeing your mom on Christmas, you can send her a magazine online at www.magazines.com. They have subscriptions for sale starting at $10.

7. COOKIES: Cookies are inexpensive and very tasty. You can buy the cookie mix and a nice box to wrap them up in for under $10. You probably will even have enough money left over to buy your mom a card.

You want your Christmas gift to show mom that you care about her. Mom will appreciate a small gift, provided you give it sincerely. There is no need to apologize for the cost of your gift, or even say that you wish you could give mom more. . If you are not able to spend $3 on a card, give your mom a handwritten note expressing your gratitude for what she has done for you over the course of your life.

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