| Being thrifty doesn't mean becoming cheap. It's | | | | something use it to your advantage to give |
| simply a way to express your thoughtfulness and | | | | something very special this Christmas. If you're a |
| care to your loved ones this Christmas season | | | | photographer, take one-of-a-kind pictures of your |
| without having to spend all of your savings. As | | | | family and have it framed. If you love to write, |
| the saying goes, "It's the thought that counts." Of | | | | you can write poems or short stories. If you're |
| course giving away something as tacky as a | | | | into music, you can compose a special song just |
| piece of candy is not being thrifty, it's just plain | | | | for them. If you're good at crafts, make jewelry |
| cheap. To avoid being tagged as "Mr. or Ms. | | | | or pretty boxes. |
| Scrooge without taste" this season, here are a | | | | Fourth, equality. One similar gift to each person |
| few tips on how to give the perfect Christmas | | | | can also be a thrifty way to give Christmas gifts. |
| gift without breaking your piggy bank. | | | | Cookies or cakes are good choices as everyone |
| First, make a Christmas list. Write down the | | | | can appreciate this and gain (a few calories) from |
| names of those who you want to give presents | | | | it too. |
| to and how much you'll be willing to spend for a | | | | Fifth, recycle. When wrapping up your Christmas |
| particular person. It would also help to write down | | | | presents you can use old newspapers. If you're |
| some ideas so you'd have an easier time once | | | | using newspapers, make sure that it doesn't have |
| you're shopping. Bear in mind that you don't have | | | | any stains and that it hasn't turned into a |
| to give all of your acquaintances presents. | | | | disgusting shade of yellow. You must also make |
| Neighbors and officemates that you are not close | | | | sure that the content written on the newspaper |
| with don't necessarily have to be given gifts | | | | is suitable for giving; you wouldn't want any bad |
| unless you have the extra budget to give them | | | | comments regarding your gifts. |
| simple tokens. Make sure you remember to write | | | | Sixth, buy presents before the Christmas season. |
| down all the important people in your list. | | | | You can save up if you buy presents during sale |
| Second, make homemade gifts. Most people love | | | | season. It will save you from the hassle of |
| receiving homemade gifts, especially those that | | | | standing for hours at a long line, arguing with |
| they can really use. Try to find out what they like | | | | someone over the last piece of an item that you |
| so you can give them something they would like. | | | | both want and you won't have to squeeze your |
| For example, if your mom loves to cook, you can | | | | way through hoards of people rushing to buy late |
| give her a self-compiled cookbook with all her | | | | Christmas gifts. |
| favorite recipes and you can even include yours | | | | There are a lot of ways to be thrifty this |
| too. Their likes may vary so be aware of what | | | | Christmas season; you just have to be creative |
| you'll be making for them. | | | | and patient. And don't stress yourself too much |
| Third, use your talents. If you're good at | | | | about the presents; after all it's Christmas. |