• 3D dollar sign with multiple smaller dollar signs. image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
  
  Buying presents for everyone on your Christmas gift list is no easy task. It seems that the longer your list is, the shorter your funds get. There are ways to ease the financial burden of gift giving. You do not have to be an expert crafter to come up with some inexpensive ways to exchange gifts with those you care about; gifts that they will treasure no matter what the cost.
  
  

Get Creative

• There is no hard and fast rule that states you must buy the gift you give. Consider fashioning a gift with your own two hands. It does not have to be fancy. Simple gifts will do. For instance, a centerpiece can be crafted from a fish bowl that contains a single, narrow glass inside. It cannot be taller than the bowl itself, though. Center it in the bottom of the bowl and fill the area between the glass and the bowl with scented soap shavings or colored sand. Pour water into the glass and fill with tulips or Gerber daisies. You can also use a pillar candle in place of the glass.
  
  

Baked Goodies

• Food is not just a way to a man's heart. Baked goods are also a much appreciated gift by anyone with a sweet tooth. Whip up a batch of sugar cookies and decorate them with care. Include buckeyes made from your grandma's secret recipe as well. You can also include chocolate-dipped pretzels. To copy those delightful mint chocolate cookies that the Girl Scouts sell every year, dip round dinner crackers into melted chocolate that has been flavored with peppermint oil, place them on wax paper to cool and you have a favorite treat. Wrap these goodies in colored cellophane and tie with a bow. You can stretch these baked treats to make gifts for a handful of friends without incurring too much cost.
  
  

Gift Certificates

• You may be looking for an inexpensive gift to give this year, but are at a complete loss as to what to actually choose for the recipient(s) on your list. Do not count out gift certificates. Gift certificates cover cell phone minutes for the teenager in your life. They can also be used at the movie theater, popular restaurants and stores. These days, you can even choose from a variety of gift certificates at your local grocery stores, which usually have them on display by the checkout line.