The Christmas season is a hugely fun but often very expensive time of the year. Given the fact that the UK is just trying to come out of a recession, lots of people will be trying to save money this Christmas.

 

So to help you save money, check out these unusual Christmas gifts that you can make yourself, giving that special someone a present that means just that little bit more. People are often very touched by a present that shows how much effort you’ve put into it (particularly true of older generations). So if you’re worried about money this Christmas, try these DIY ideas that show you you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely nice gift:

 

Memory jars are a fantastic personalised present and particularly good for an older friend or relative. Talk to other family members and ask for picture or memories of the person you’re making the gift for. Then you need to find a few bits of card (around the size of a business card) and write each memory you’ve been given on a bit of card, adding a photograph if you’ve got one. You’ll then need to find and decorate a box, jar or suitable container, fold up the bits of card and place them inside. Giving this to someone you love is a great gift, as it allows them to see a memory of them from someone who loves them whenever they like. It’s a great gift that costs nothing but time and effort and should be extremely well received.

 

A really good gift for a younger person is a secret hollow book, especially good for teenagers and the like. Buy or find an old, dusty book, glue together the inner pages and then hollow them out with a knife. This will mean they’ll have secret hiding place for their money, diary or anything else they’re looking to keep secret. Simple, easy and a great way to save money on Christmas presents.

 

Personalised and tailored recipe booklets would also make great Christmas stocking fillers. Put together a booklet containing all your favourite recipes and then personalise it as much as possible. Hand-write the recipes, or include little notes to the recipient or even small samples of chosen recipes. This is a great little gift that any mother or grandmother would especially love.

We all know that finding gifts for Christmas might appear hard when you should stick to a budget. In reality, you need not spend a lot to make a gift memorable. The majority of people would prefer receive an affordable gift that proves you thought about their tastes than a more expensive one that does not suit them. If you truly think about those on your gift list, what they are interested in, and their likes or dislikes, you can choose a cost-effective present they will love.

Review past conversations with those for whom you plan to purchase. For instance, perhaps you have been told that an elderly aunt always yearned to see France. You may not be in a position to afford to send her there physically, but you could give her a virtual vacation. A atlas or guidebook of Paris, an ad, jigsaw puzzles featuring famous French landmarks, or even an evening of French cuisine are cost-effective options.

Creative people more often than not need supplies. Consider blank canvases, frames, and brushes for a budding painter. Writers normally appreciate paper, printer cartridges, and postage for manuscripts that can’t be submitted electronically. Younger children can be supplied with crayons, paper, pencils, notebooks and more for not much money at your local dollar shop.

There is likely to be at least one person on your list who collects something. There are people who collect dolls, stamps, train related items, postcards, old currency and coins, for example. Anything that is suitable for their collection is usually appreciated. Even so, before visiting an antique shop, check what thrift shops in your town may have available. You will frequently find desired items at significantly lower prices. Online dealers may be in a position to furnish items at a reduced price as well.

Christmas gift ideas that you make in your kitchen can also be inexpensive and different. Cakes, breads, and cookies are always favorites, but there are numerous other things you can make easily and inexpensively. For example, you could make chocolate coated coffee spoons by dipping plastic spoons into candy you have melted. Once set, just encase them in cellophane or plastic wrap. You can also turn pecans, cashews, or peanuts into a new treat by sprinkling them with sugar and cinnamon.

Your time itself can be a valuable gift. Prepare a coupon book that allows the recipient to redeem each coupon for something specific. For example, an elderly neighbor might like an occasional visit to your local ice cream shop or an night-time spent playing cards. You may also provide mums of young children your services as an errand runner or babysitter.

There is an old saying that with gifts, the thought is what counts. The majority of people know whether a gift giver actually gave much thought to the present selected. Even when the budget is bound, it is still possible to give gifts that show recipients they were selected specifically for them.