cheap and cheerful ideas for xmas

[mully]

I know its not quite here yet but christmas is getting closer and i am starting to worry a bit as i haven`t got a job at present due to personal reasons, i hate christmas as it is but having no job doesent help things and i need some suggestions for original and inexpensive presents for family and friends without getting into any debt.xx

[Oneeyedvic]

Are you handy at anything. Why not make something? ALternatively whilst between jobs, me and my wife agreed to spend no more than �20 on presents for each other which did not break the bank and was good fun trying to get so much value for money. Also look on the positive side - there is still 3 months to Christmas and you may get a job before then. Also, if you can spend a lot of time in town and do some real bargain shopping - its amazing what presents you can find for under a fiver.

[secretspirit]

I need to find cheap presents at the moment as well due to lack of cash and probably having to change job soon which is likely to mean a pay cut. I know it sounds naff but woolworths actually have some nice things like vases or cushions for about a fiver. I always think it's nice to get something unusual like a cocktail glass (which are only a couple of pounds from somewhere like Ikea) filled with a few chocolates and cellophane wrapped. Otherwise a half bottle of champagne always looks flash but costs about �7-10 which isn't a lot compared to what a lot of presents cost. Another thing you could try is making vouchers on a PC for an hour helping out around the house for you Mum or granparents or gardening, something where you're giving up some time but it won't cost you. Doing this has given me a few thoughts actually!

[buchanan]

One for female rellies - pot up some bulbs - snowdrops or daffs or amarllyis(sp). Got 10 snowdrop bulbs for a quid this weekend. Good design is everywhere nowadays - like secretspirit says, woolies do some really nice stuff at very reasonable prices plus Matalan and Asda are worth a look. How about finding nice family photographs and framing them? Always guarenteed to bring a tear to Mums' and Nans' eyes.

[zgma]

Try making personalized mix CDs for them.

[londondave]

After last years tacky useless presents, this year the whole family are instead booking a resturant and just going out for food and wine. You could always just stick a scratch card in everyones xmas card and leave it at that.

[ICEMANSAV]

Could you invite them all to a christmas dinner? having family and friends round is a perfect gift at christmas and they will appreciate the effort you have gone to despite your financial restraints.