While the holidays are a time of merriment and good cheer, they can also produce a bit of hand wringing. While you're by no means an Uncle Scrooge, just thinking about the strain on your pocket book with all that gift-giving may make you feel like one.
Rest assured - there are plenty of thoughtful gifts out there to let friends and family know how much they mean to you. And you don't have to take out a second mortgage on your house to do it. (Ok, while we admit that's a bit extreme, would you believe us if we told you all the gift ideas on this list are $10 or less?)
So feast your eyes on these great gift ideas, and get ready to "gift" away ...
Board Games
There are still some board games out there that are $10 or less. If your recipient is a kid, or just a kid at heart, this is sure to provide hours of enjoyment. Try a puzzle, for another option. If you're a chess fan, and want to instill your love of the game on an impressionable mind, give the gift of quality time with a glass chess set. It comes complete in a tin (perfect for gifting), and if you can't find it at your local Toys R Us, it ships for free!
Pavilion Glass Chess Board Game Set: $7.99
Mini Poker Set
If chess just won't do, jazz things up a bit with a Texas Hold "Em Travel Set.
This set comes complete with cards and chips in a leather-esque case, complete with a fun badge emblem on the front. Perfect for long plane rides, car trips and vacation draws. If your kids want to join in on the fun, use the deck for a rousing game of Go Fish, or War.
Texas Hold "Em Travel Set: $7.50
Men's Soap
For the perfect stocking stuffer, give the gift of cleanliness. This gift works for that special someone, son, or dad. Check out any local beauty retailer for men's soap products, or a specialty soap shop such as the Blue Ridge Soap Shed. Their "Stud Bubbles" line offers soaps with a masculine theme, with clever names sure to generate a chuckle. With lots of great scents priced at $5 or less, you can snag 2. Plus, the scents are so manly, the guy on your list may even use them.
Gentlemen Caller Goat Milk Soap: $4.85
Grease Monkey Hand Soap for Mechanics: $5
The Gift of Home-Baked Goodness
You know that zucchini bread you're famous for, that everyone at the office dives for when you bring in? Well, now would be a good time to whip out a few loaves, cover in plastic wrap and top off with the recipe on a note-card. You can tie this with curly ribbon for a special touch. This idea could work for anyone on your list, whether it's a co-worker, neighbor or even an entire family.
Cost: varied
Picture Frames
If you're buying for the couple you have dinners with, your mom, or even a co-worker, a photo frame can always be personalized. For your friends, slide in a pic from a recent outing. Or take a trip down memory lane and surprise your mom with that photo of you from your 5th grade talent show. For a co-worker gift exchange, sneak in a candid shot, and then surprise them later with the personalized frame, sure to result in a good laugh. Makes for a perfect desk accessory and conversation piece.
Barnes & Noble Accent Black Mini Picture Frame: $5.95
Hot Cocoa & Mug
Since everyone can use a mid-winter pick-me-up, consider the gift of sugar, in liquid form. For a personal touch, whip up a homemade batch of powder cocoa mix, bag it, and put in the mug for them to heat up at their leisure. Or if cocoa concoctions are not your forte, buy some store-bought mix and drop in a few marshmallows. Pair with a Starbucks Garnet Logo Mug, and you've got yourself a winning cocoa combination.
16 oz. Starbucks Garnet Logo Mug: $6.95
Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix: $1.49
Magazines
A magazine subscription is a great idea for the readers on your list. There are plenty of magazines out there that are $10 or less for a year's subscription. So if the person on your list enjoys reading about travel, why not grace their coffee table with a new issue of Smart Luxury Travel every other month? Who knows where it will take them! If a subscription to their favorite mag is too much, buy 2 or 3 copies and tie together with ribbon. This gift will provide hours of enjoyment throughout the year.
Smart Luxury Travel, year subscription: $9.95
Children's Books
If you're looking to buy a gift for a niece or nephew, or even one of your own kids, a kid's book is always a good way to go. Encourage them to read at any age - there are hundreds of titles available, in most any topic. Consider pairing a hardcover book on sale with a small plush animal for a special touch.
ZooBorns! Zoo Babies From Around the World: $9.35
Sweetness for the Sophisticated Palette
If the person on your list has a bit of a sweet tooth, and may also coincidentally be a wine sophisticate, get them a gift that combines both their passions, straight from California wine country. A chocolate merlot fudge sauce can compliment any ice cream sundae or fruity dessert. No need for wrapping - simply tie with a ribbon. (They'll open it up soon enough, anyway).
Napa Valley Products Chocolate Merlot Fudge: $10
Green Thumb
If the person you're buying for is a gardening enthusiast, why not get them a pair of gardening gloves paired with their favorite plant seeds? For guys out there who love yard work, there are plenty of manly gloves, as well. For those girly gardeners, floral print gloves are always a sure bet. Add in the seeds, and it's the gift that keeps on growing!
Burpee Snapdragon Fordhook Tall Mix Seed: $1/Pack
(and)
Womanswork Nitrile Weeding Glove (Buttery Yellow and Lavender): $8
Men's Caterpillar Brown Leather Gloves: $8.49