Christmas is known as the happiest time of year, full of joy, holiday spirit, candy, hot cocoa and giving. However, it is also been widely known for the stress and crazed frenzy people spiral into with all the expensive gift buying. So, how does one keep intact a lower budget, but still give an exceptional present? Here is a “listicle” of some low budget gift ideas:

1. For the coffee and tea lovers (or for anyone who likes to drink any liquid for that matter):

Buy a plain porcelain mug and decorate it however you like with a porcelain marker. You can also create a personalized collage tumbler, for on-the-go drinkers. It is just a few supplies and a few easy steps. It is an inexpensive and thoughtful gift.

2. For music lovers:

Make them a mix CD or buy them an iTunes gift card. With the CD, personalize the outside of the CD, and with the gift card accompany it with a thoughtful Christmas card.

3. A favorite picture in a nice frame:

Blow up a cherished picture of yourself and your friend, family member or significant other and put in in a nice picture frame. It tugs at the heartstrings and not your wallet.

4. The two C’s:

The wonderful smells of gifts, which include candles and candies. Buy them a sweet-smelling candle or two, as well as bags of the person’s favorite candies.

5. For the of-age:

Buy them a couple scratch-offs and a six-pack of beer. If you want to get a little fancy, maybe a bottle of wine instead of or in addition to.

Do not let being tight on money keep you from participating in the long tradition of giving the important people in your life gifts for Christmas. There are ways to manage your budget and treat friends, family and a significant other. If you cannot come up with any other ideas, Groupon and Living Social always have great deals on products.

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