Cut back on gift-giving expenses with these easy and artistic holiday gift ideas.

photo credit: Kozzi

Celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does giving gifts. This year instead of taking on yet another credit card debt for gift shopping, why not look for other creative and thrifty ways to give gifts? With a little creativity and craftiness, you can turn holiday gift-giving into a fun and rewarding experience.

1.     Holiday Gift Coupons

Gifts don’t have to be limited to expensive stuff. Sometimes, giving someone your time could be the best gift to show you care. Give gift coupons offering services such as baby or pet sitting, car wash, or handy repairs.

Gift coupons are fun, and they could be great alternative gifts and are sure to work for anyone on your holiday gift list.

2.     Handmade gifts

Bring out your crafty side by making handmade gifts that are unique, memorable and easy on the pocket! Some DIY holiday gifts you can make at home are photo collages, knitted gifts such as scarves, hats, mittens and sweaters, holiday wreath, and candles.

3.     Homemade Food Gifts

So little money, so little time. If that is the story of your life, you should consider buying or making homemade tasty treats for everyone on your gift list this year. Some affordable food gifts you can give this holiday season are: holiday-themed cookies , chocolate fudge, homemade caramel popcorn, fruitcake and Personalized Coffee Blend.

4.     Regifts

Before deciding to spend big on gift shopping, shop your closets, attic, garage or storage area first. You probably have something sitting around the house that you’ve been wanting to get rid of that other people could use. Look for unopened and unused items you received as a gift and repackage with a new wrap

However, you may want to be careful when recycling unwanted gifts. Be sure that they are still in good condition; remove old labels, tags or notes, and take them out of the original wrapping paper and rewrap.

Avoid overspending and don’t go into debt buying gifts this holiday season so you can have a stress-free holiday.