Great Christmas Gifts Under $15

Your list is long, and your money is short.  So how do you manage to give a great gift that will be well received and valued?  It's easier than you think. Remember the saying, "It's the thought that counts?"  Well, that is very true on a variety of levels.  First of all, you are giving a gift to someone because you are thinking of them.  Second of all, you need to give thought to what the recipient likes, needs, or would enjoy to ensure that your gift hits the mark.  There is nothing worse than giving or receiving a gift that screams, "I just grabbed the first thing I saw because I am expected to be giving you a gift!" 

STEPS TO THE PERFECT GIFT:  Begin your gift giving by making of a list of the folks for whom you'll be buying.  Next, go down through the list and think about each person as an individual.  What do they enjoy?  Do they have any specific needs?  Now, make a few quick notes answering those kinds of questions beside each person's name.  Your gift does not need to be expensive.  It does, however, need to be carefully considered.  Your goal is for the recipient to open their gift and think, "Wow! How did they know? This is so perfect!"  Taking the time to complete these few, quick steps will ensure you give great gifts that are spot on with your recipients.

SOME IDEAS.  Here is a list of inexpensive gifts that will help you get started.  Hopefully, these ideas act as a springboard to get your creative juices flowing. 

• Basket with kitchen gadgets.
• Hat, scarf, and gloves.
• Box of all occasion cards and a nice pen.
• Photo album with pictures of a special time or event.
• Deck of cards with a book of several card games.
• DVD rental certificates or coupons.
• Lottery tickets.
• Customized family photos in a collage frame.
• Candle set.
• Specialty coffee or tea and a mug.
• Fancy bath soaps and lotions.
• Small radio.
• A houseplant.
• Slippers.
• Book by a favorite author.
• Pizza pan and boxed pizza mix.
• Bath towels.
• Small tool kit.
• Wallet or change purse.
• Tarts and a burner.
• Emergency flashlight for the car.
• Small lamp.
• Brush and comb set.
• A clock.
• Cookbook.
• Seeds and a garden trough.
• An ornament.
• Box of favorite candies.
• A bottle of wine.
• Car wash accessories.
• Book of stamps and stationery.
• A manicure or pedicure set.
• Fuel coupon.
• A belt or scarf.
• Board game.
• Hobby supplies.
• Laundry basket and detergent.
• An audio recording of special memories, a poem, a story, or bible scriptures.

Blessings and may your gift giving be joyous and merry!