Giving Back During the Holidays

They say that the holidays are a time for giving back, but most of us don't remember that. We also forget that the most valuable things in life don't have anything to do with money, as we spend cash that we don't have buying gifts that others don't really appreciate. So in preparation for the holidays, I've come up with some ideas on how you can give back to both your community and your family in ways that won't murder your wallet.

1) Do you own a camcorder? One of the greatest and most priceless gifts I've ever given was one that didn't cost me a penny. What's even better is that I can give the gift to multiple relatives over multiple years. In the mid-1990s, I bought a camcorder and started recording all of the family gatherings. While my relatives were protesting the presence of a camera in their face at every turn, years later, they were asking me if I could get them copies of the old tapes. So I soon found that a videotaped event from two or three years earlier makes an amazing Christmas gift that is both inexpensive and valuable. You can replace a Walmart gift card, but you can't replace time.

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Cheap, Great Gifts for $5

The gifts are inexpensive, festive, fun and cool! Didn't know you could get all that for five bucks? Read on for all the shopping details.

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Cheap, Great Gifts for $5

DVDs

Much like a book exchanges, giving funky movies and TV shows on DVD can be a great, and inexpensive way to share with your inner circle. Check you local Wal-Mart, among other retailers, to pin down great DVD bargains.

Creative Candle Garden

A candle garden is created by artfully arranging various types of candles on a plate (not pictured here), and accenting the design of this gift with colored pebbles or other touches. You can get really inventive with this item, taking findings common to most dollar stores and transforming them into a versatile and romantic offering. Women of all ages will love the look and scent of this votive decoration.

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Day Planner

You can find a day planner to suit the taste of almost every person on your holiday shopping list for as little as one dollar! Your chosen gift recipients will love getting an organizational tool the matches their favorite pastime or profession. Friends will love using your gift to get a jump on planning the new year.

Bath Gel and Lotion Set

Who can have enough bath gel or body lotion? Even men are jumping on the personal grooming bandwagon in recent years, making this gift applicable to both genders – as long as the scent is right! You can find this 12-piece gift set at Wal-Mart in stores for $14 and divide it into three gifts. Shop around online, or in your local outlets, to find more sets for a great price.

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Boxers

Interesting boxers make a versatile gift for men. You can go campy and funny for your dad, or silky for a love partner. These items are often available in sets for a low cost that can be divided to create individual gifts.

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Homemade Soap, Bath Salts & Lip Gloss

Most women love bath and body products, and home made versions of these pampering treats always seem extra special. Much like fresh baked cakes and cookies, the ingredients it takes to make these products are super-cheap, and you can make several gifts with one bulk purchase. You can create dozens of flavored lip glosses from a $3 jar of Vaseline, or two pretty jars of scented bath salts with a carton of Epsom salt. You major investment will be in the containers you choose for your creations,, but these can be had for pennies per gift.

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Puzzle Books

Puzzle Books make great gifts for travelers, children, and people who love to relax at home. There is really no limit to the kinds of puzzle books you can find for five dollars and less. Shop around to find just the right items for your favorite companions.

Soft Slippers

Soft slippers will make a welcome addition to any woman's winter wardrobe. As the economy shrinking is making for many more nights spent cuddling at home for entertainment, soft are a perfect complement to an evening of soothing snuggles.

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Custom-Printed Stainless Steel Water Bottle

What a great way to take care of your whole holiday list at once. If you buy 25 or more pieces from Discountmugs.com, you can give a custom-printed stainless steel water bottle to all your family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends for five dollars or less (the more you buy). The custom saying you print on the bottle will be a positive reminder of your feelings for your loved ones every time they take a sip.

Five Below Sports Items

Get a variety of cheap gifts for all the sports fans on your list at a wonderful site for thrifty shoppers called Five Below. This site features an array of wonderful items from a wide variety of teams, all for five bucks or less!

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2) It takes a village: Have you ever thought about joining Big Brothers, Big Sisters? What about reaching out to that child in your family or community who has no love or guidance in his/her life? Christmas is the perfect time to give gifts from the heart, given that many of our children are lacking the love and attention they need to feel good about the world. Don't forget that you don't need to have children of your own in order to be a parent.

3) Give the gift of sincere love and appreciation: How often do you take the time to tell your relatives how much you love and respect them? Sure, you might show it with your actions, but do you actually say it? Why not create a short letter, poem or video showing your loved one how much you care about them. Sometimes, we all need to hear others tell us how they feel. I assure you they will appreciate the gift.

4) Charity anyone? There is nothing wrong with finding two or three of your favorite charities and giving till it hurts. You can also increase the money you give to your church or even do charity within your own family. Either way, the best way to give back is to simply give back.

5) Yes, it is OK to give something to yourself: Self-love is an important part of real love. Are you the person who works hard, pushes yourself to the limit and gives 100 percent of yourself to everyone you know? Well, it might be time for you to give back to the well - do something nice for yourself. Take the vacation you never thought you'd take or buy yourself something nice while you're out shopping for Christmas gifts. Sometimes, you can't wait around for others to do what needs to be done; you might have to do it yourself.