If you're having trouble thinking what to do for gifts, and how to do it without breaking the bank, here are a few ideas.  These can be tailored to your loved ones, and adjusted to fit most budgets, and say you care more than a prefabricated gift.  The examples below are mostly from national retailers, as they have the most comprehensive online stores, and most local shops only have a static site, if they have one at all. 

Confections in a Container.  Whether the candy or cookies, or the container is a fancy glass jar, or a dressed up chinese takeout box, the contents will be appreciated.  If you buy store bought candy, don't go for the cheapest stuff unless you know it's a favorite of the recipient.  This is also a great way to share Christmas treats with coworkers, or others on your list of "must do something for" if you don't go the card route.

You can usually find inexpensive glass jars in most department and discount stores, and places like Pier1 (their offerings pictured) or The Container Store.  Dressing up an inexpensive gift in a nice container makes it look as good as it is. 


Emergency Kits.  A variation on the above, this can be a small amount of candy that doesn't spoil, placed in a sealable container, with a personalized note, with instructions to place in a desk or such, and only use in emergencies.  You can also create other emergency kits.  I did one for a friend about to get married, with aspirin smelling salts, sewing kit, tape, safety pins, hair pins, breath mints, feminine supplies, and a few other items. It only cost about $10 to put together, but each of those items helped alleviate stress on the big day.  

Another option is to create a spa-kit with some sample size personal care products of the high end variety, get a small amount of bulk bath salts.  You can do the same thing for someone about to take a big trip, start a new job, one for office emergencies, etc. The most expensive item will likely be the bag or box you put it in, if you decide to go fancy; most discount and drug stores have a trail size section, and you can probably score a few free samples at the other stores.


Jar Mixes. These have become popular in stores, but you can save a small bundle by making them yourself.  The layers are decorative, and all you need is a nice mason type jar, and a ribbon to dress it up.  Just print the recipe, attach, and voila, a gift that even those with limited baking skills can appreciate.

Jar mix recipes can be found online for many types of cookies.  Ones with M&Ms are particularly colorful, so can those with nuts or different colored chocolate chips. The one pictured is from Nestle's Meal.com. 

Kitchen Kits.  These are particularly good for your favorite cook, or someone who's just moved into a new place.  There are lots of handy kitchen utensils and gadgets that new homes need.  You can also wrap them up in a kitchen towel or apron, and make it as festive as it is green.  Variations include spice kits, condiment kits, other ingredient kits as well.  They work best with a theme.

Glass or Mugs with Accessories.  Get a martini glass, a mini cocktail shaker, and the appropriate mini-bar bottles for their favorite drink.  This can be one of those "emergency kits" mentioned earlier.  A variation on this is a coffee mug and good coffee, and perhaps a french press. Cocoa or tea selections are other options. These are good because they can be doubled for couples. 

Crate and Barrel has a good basics selection as well as a wide variety of glassware. Don't forget to check out your local shops for unique glassware and mugs.  You can go bargain on the glassware, but don't go cheap on the beverages.  You don't have to buy a lot; many stores have coffees and teas of high quality in the bulk section, or sampler sizes.  

Personal Gift Cards or IOUs.  I did these as a kid, but they're just as good from adults to adults.  What it will cost is your time, and it's about as priceless a gift as there is.  Ideas can be cleaning, yard work, car washing, babysitting, cooking, running errands, and other practical things. They can be romantic, such as a massage, or an unbreakable date night.  Or you can get really creative, and give an "I'll Admit You're Right and I'm Wrong" or "I'll Go to a Chick (or Action) Flick with You and Not Complain" or "I promise to leave the seat down for a week" card.  

For all practical purposes, these are Gift of the Magi cards, only without sacrificing that which your loved ones love about you. Just make sure you'll honor them.  These can easily be printed on your inkjet on paper or card stock; if you want to get fancy, print them business card size.

This also works for coworkers.  You can give a card or IOU to pick up (if not pay for) lunch, or an "I promise to ask at least a day before I really need it" card.  There are things you can do for those who work with that they'll really appreciate, and all it will cost you is time.   It's a good family centered gifts, with "get out of jail free" or "promise to stop fighting" whether your the parent, child, or sibling. 

Tree Ornaments.  Boutiques and shops like Pier1 have really nice and eclectic tree ornaments. This can turn into a tradition. Alternates include other holiday ornaments, or candlesticks, candles, or anything else you can think of.  If you celebrate Christmas, this is an inexpensive tradition that will really pay off. The best Christmas trees I've ever seen are the ones that have the most diverse ornaments.  

I also have family and friends who really go all out each holiday, and finding them seasonal items to add to their decor is really appreciated. Just be sure they're one of those people.

These are just a few ideas. You know your loved ones best.