FACE it, no one's spending budget is as flexible as it used to be, but you still want to maintain the Christmas cheer where your friends and loved ones are concerned. Bear in mind that that the earlier you start making plans, the fewer headaches you will have to deal with by the time the big day comes around. With meagre finances there is room for a lot of creativity when thinking about presents for your loved ones and friends. Below are 10 simple ways you can take the headache out of getting Christmas presents.

Gift of love
If you are thinking of giving your mom something nice, then put a little labour of love in it. Don't wait until the last week of Christmas to start dashing about trying to fit in everyone you have on your list. Buy some simple things you know she will appreciate and start putting them together, later on you can make her a special basket and present it to her. She will love it especially knowing that you took time out to do it for her.

Personalised gifts
If you can only afford a T-shirt for your friend, don't feel bad about it, just add a personal touch to it and see how much a difference it makes. Just print a funny phrase or a loving message on it - you know, a 'from me to you' kind of thing. Make sure you get the correct size, you wouldn't want the gift to be in vain would you?

Bible on CD
Now here is a fun, inexpensive way to get your grandmother something that she will really enjoy. The best thing about it is that it will only cost you the price of a pack of CD blanks! Yes, grandma enjoys reading her Bible, but the eyesight is not as good as it used to be. There are websites where you can get the entire Bible on CD such as www.audiotreasure.com, all you have to do is download and burn. Grandma can kick back, enjoy her listening and having her favourite Bible verses read to her and wow, won't she be grateful to you for that!

Mass production gifts
If you are one of those creative persons who are really good when it comes to computer graphics and stuff, then put it to good use. You can choose from your family collection of photos and make a really special calendar with your loved ones. You could print a few copies and share it with them.

Bake a cake
With all the recipe books around, there are still a lot of folks who still haven't mastered the art of baking! Just think how nice it will be present them with a delicious baked cake for the season.

Gadgets
With still a few weeks to go, you still have time to scout around to find the best deals getting your niece or nephew something for Christmas. Unfortunately with them, you will definitely have to think about something in the gadget line. With creative manoeuvring - think migration sales in the Sunday papers, you will manage to get some great deals.

Book
There are some great books out there and there are still people who are passionate about reading. You could consider making them a present of one of those classic bestsellers, or maybe you could get something on the inspirational side.

Make something nice
If you have some time on your hands and are very good at say crocheting, then all it will cost you is a few balls of thread and you could create some wonderful patterns to make gifts of them. Again, labour of love always says it best.

Gift of time
All the expensive gifts in the world cannot replace your presence. If you never give a present, clear your calendar so that you can spend some valuable time with your loved ones, having dinner and just liming for the day. That is priceless.

From me to you
Buying your significant other a gift can be challenging especially if you have been doing it a long time and have started running out of ideas. But don't stress it, who says you always have to buy something? You could take one of your favourite photos, get a love note printed on it, frame it and make it a gift. Makes a nice change from those impersonal gifts.

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