Nearly-Free Holiday Gifts for the Poor

Earlier this week, we wrote about the 10 gifts that a digital student would want. However, if you looked at the prices of the items there, they range from $40 for the Leatherman Wave to $1200 for the Nikon D80 (a D40 might be a cheaper alternative).

So while you’re still aching for that awesome Wii (the retail price is $250, by the way, and don’t cave for a $4000 item on eBay… it’s totally not worth it), at least you can be productive with your time to make some gifts that are really cheap. DealLocker shows you how:

Buy food: Some food is costly. Other food is cheap. I just got cake in the mail today from a friend. If you can’t afford something expensive, go with candy.

Make your own food: It’s good to buy food. It’s cheaper to make it yourself. Want to practice your brownie baking skills? Your cookie batch recipe? Go on - here’s your opportunity to shine.

Explore your talents: One great idea is to make a collage of photos, perhaps in a calendar form. If you’re digital like me, a screensaver or website dedicated to the person is nice and very personable.

Recipes: The article suggests that you take the family recipes and create a recipe cookbook. Chances are you don’t really know much about that and would rather find them on the Internet. Find more of those coveted recipes (Cinnabon, for example) and create a digital cookbook (or print it out for kitchen use).

Create gift baskets: Don’t tell anyone that you’re just throwing together junk you got from school, but that can really work. Collect new books, buy lotions or soaps, and put it in a basket or bag and give it to someone you love.

Photograph things: Take pictures and frame them! Capture memorable moments and share them during the holidays.

Coupons for special things: Do you know how to play guitar and know a friend who wants to take lessons? Give them a coupon for a 30 minute lesson. Give another friend a coupon for a 15 minute back massage. You really can have fun with this.

What are your cheap gift ideas that still add personality and spark to the holidays?