Gifts should come from the heart, not your pocketbook! Coming up with gift ideas on a budget may seem difficult at first. Put some thought into your gifts and you will be rewarded not only with lower costs but more practical, useful, gifts for the recipient.

Giving gifts from the heart, instead of the pocketbook can relieve a lot of stress during holidays and special occasions. Gifts thought out carefully and directed towards an individual's needs and interests are much more appreciated.

Giving the gift that "Keeps on Giving" is easy if you choose a gift that reflects the recipient's interests or needs and is useful to them. Consider gift ideas you can make yourself. Hand made gifts are almost always lower cost than store bought alternatives.

Some Tips to reduce expenses, and relieve stress:

• Avoid compulsive buying.

• Stay organized and calm - If you do your research, you'll know when it's a bargain.

• Shop early - I know you always say you will. This time DO IT! Buy gifts one by one as you come up with good gift ideas and good bargains!

• Make a list and check it twice! It always worked for Santa!

• Plan ahead - Include gifts and holidays in your budget's variable expense account. You'll have the funds when you need them.

• Stay within your budget - it is possible.

Here are just a few great low cost gift ideas....

Give someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen a personalized apron and/or a cookbook! Or create a basket with kitchen tools, recipes, mixes, spices, etc.

Magazine subscriptions can be purchased for as low as $3.99/year. Give a gift that "keeps on giving" all year long! You can find magazines on just about any topic.

New or gently used books.

Family photos or personalized photo albums make great gifts for relatives or friends.

DVDS/Videos - You can never lose with this one. Everyone loves a good movie! Buy when they're on sale throughout the year.

Create a personalized gift basket based on the person's interests or needs.

• Personal Care - fill with hair, nail or skin care products

• Crafter's Supplies - yarn, ribbon, paints, paint brushes, glues, projects, knitting or crochet supplies, drawing pencils, etc. Just take a walk around the craft store for more ideas.

• Food - This one is timeless! Bake a favorite recipe that you know the recipient is crazy about. Add a variety of cookies, fudge and candy. Homemade baking mixes and quick breads. If you bake yourself, it's a nice touch to add the recipe with the goods. Use decorative stickers or tie on with pretty ribbons. Baking mixes can be put in jars with decorative tops. Always include recipes for uses with mixes! Be considerate of those with health concerns or who are dieting. Include healthy varieties of the above or add fruits, nuts, and diet specific goodies.

• Personalized Totebags or T-shirts - Great for kids or adults! This one is a favorite of mine. Create a unique design and/or saying on your computer that suits the person. Print onto transfer paper specifically designed for this purpose (available at most office supply or craft stores. Usually comes with instructions.)

There's nothing more appreciated than a personalized gift. And, everytime it's used, you think of the person who gave it to you. It gives you a feeling of importance somehow. Shows that the giver "really" had you in mind when the gift was made or purchased. And, it's likely to be a gift that doesn't get tossed in the closet, attic, or basement, after you leave!