Tips for giving frugal and thoughtful gifts

 It seems like every time we look at the calendar there's another birthday, holiday or anniversary creeping up on us. Another few days spent stressing out about what to get, and often times another few weeks bouncing back from the damage your wallet  took during that holiday.

Selecting a meaningful gift may very well be an art.  Don't give into the notion that the bigger the price tag, the better the gift is. Honestly, how much thought does it take to go to a chain store, and blow sixty bucks on the latest game or toy... that won't be in style a few months from now? How about getting a watch or purse just because it has a  designer logo? The best gifts are those that are remembered for years to come, and not for their price tag. Also, keep in mind that, presentation is key. 

For adults and teenagers:

• Specialty gift baskets- What does the gift recipient enjoy? To ensure the basket is full (without blowing the bank), purchase mainly bargain items from a discount or thrift store along with a few special and more-expensive items. A few examples: Lotions, body sprays, and bubble baths for the girly girl. Pacifiers, bibs, and baby bottles for a baby shower. Fruits from the local farmer's market, trail mix, and nuts for the gourmet foodie. For variation, try assembling them in flower pots, pots and pans, pails and buckets or storage containers. It's not a bad idea to keep a few sets of pretty generic baskets in the closet for last minute gift giving (minus the stress).
• Magazine subscriptions- Theres a magazine out there for everybody, and any type of subscription is well, "the gift that keeps on giving". By ordering subscriptions, you tend to save 45 to 50 percent over the newsstand price. Browse through extensive selections at Magazines.com, Magsdirect, Magazine subscriptions, or directly through the publications website (They tend to send you a few extra issues, or a free bonus gift when ordering this way)
• Disposable camera- Make it special by adding a few prepaid photo-developing envelopes.
• Movie theatre gift certificate- Pack along some king-size candy bars and popcorn. A cute gift wrap idea would be to put 'em in one of those "old time" popcorn boxes, an empty box of microwave popcorn, or DVD case. Just remind them to open up the package, or they may really think you got them a six pack of extra butter flavor.
• Photocube- Ideal for somebody you've known well over the years. They will likely put it proudly on display on their work desk.
• Think practical- Get the recipient something that they could use right now. For instance, somebody that just moved to a new place would appreciate decorative throw pillows, an accent rug, or a candle set for a longer period of time than they would that ridiculous and expensive tie that ends up in back of the closet.
• Wine 'n Chocolate- You just really can't go wrong here.Pick up a decent bottle of wine (Ten dollars or less), and 2-3 gourmet chocolates($1.00- $2.00 each). Perfect for somebody you don't know all too well yet, such as your realtor, or the newest church member.
• Beer sampler- For those with great taste. Individual bottles of domestic, specialty and import beers are sold at most liquor stores. Pick up a few familiar and a few new to assemble a gift basket that is both unique and sure to please.
• G.I.Y. (Grow it yourself)- A few small flower pots and some seeds will last much longer than the outdated and overpriced bouquet of roses.
• Chef starter kit- Know anybody who is an aspiring cook or chef? You can find cheap cookbooks at any thrift store or the clearance section of a bookstore. Add some pizzazz to the presentation by throwing some kitchen utensils or spices into the gift bag
• (unbaked) Cookie jar- In a decorative jar, layer all ingredients needed in the exact amount that the recipe calls for. Wrap the lid with some cute ribbon, and attach the recipe for them to save.
• Discounted restaurant gift cards- Get a $25.00 gift certificate for only $10.00 at Restaurant.com.Great for when you just don't know what to get somebody. Who out there can say they don't enjoy dining out?

For children and families:

• Movie day kit- Dig through the $5.00 DVD bin (I have seen these at Target, Wal-mart and Best Buy), grab some candy bars, and microwave popcorn, put in cute basket and... ta-da! Everything you need for a deluxe in-home movie experience.
• Arts and crafts- Construction paper, glue sticks, children scissors, crayons and coloring books both inexpensive, and a timeless source of entertainment for children.
• Slumber party package- Little girls love sleep over parties!! Get her ready for a fun night with cute pajamas, a few bottles of nail polish (ask parents first on this one), a cozy new stuffed animal, and sleeping mask.
• Picnic in a box- This is great for gifting entire families at once, and costs considerably less than giving each family member an individual gift. Pick up an inexpensive picnic basket(a plain whisker basket will do as well) and disposable tablecloth. Add some lemonade mix, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a gift card to the supermarket or corner deli before sending them to the park.
• Bead kits- These can be found in the $5.00- $10.00 range at hobby and craft stores.
• Pizza chef for a day- Kids love pizza almost as much as they love doing "grown-up" things themselves. Give 'em a simple kit for making pizza. From the grocery store grab pre-made pizza crust, a jar of pizza sauce, a package of shredded cheese and maybe some pepperoni. Just be certain that the child is being supervised
• Play-Doh- Cans of this are $1.00 or less. Real cookie cutters and rolling pins can be gotten on the cheap at thrift stores. Neon orange cookies, anybody?
• Board games- Try a classic like Operation, or one of the newer games featuring a popular movie or T.V. character. $5.00-$10.00 price range.
• Make a birdhouse- They sell these in simple kits, complete with paint. They'll get a kick out of this beyond the assembly. Find one at a craft or hobby store for $8.00-$20.00.
• Add to their collection- Ask yourself or their family: What is their favorite toy, game, or hobby? A little girl that loves playing with her baby dolls would just die for some new baby doll clothes and toy bottles.

Related tips

• Gift wrap and cards- Today most stores have a section for cards that are only $0.50 to $1.00, and the price isn't shown on the back. Plain colored gift bags, wraps, and tissue paper can be found for $1.50 or less at major chain stores.
• Go shopping (way) ahead of time- See something you know Aunt Natalie would love, but her birthdays still another ten months away. Go ahead and pick it up anyway, just be sure to make a discreet note of it on the fridge, calendar, your pocketbook or cellphone. A great time to look around is the days right after Christmas when everything is ridiculously knocked down
• Send an e-card- In addition to your traditional gift. It really shows a person that you thought of them. Get some free at 123 Greetings, Egreetings and Hallmark.