63 Gifts for Under $10

I spoke with my friend Denise the other day (Oct 1) and she was listening to her Christmas music in her van and I bet she was singing too.

Denise is one of "those" people, you know the ones who love Christmas so much they listen to music in summer, decorate before thanksgiving and are so happy about the entire thing. Mostly I joke however I always feel a little overwhelmed with Christmas.

When my daughter was younger I used to bake up a storm, decorate the yard and the house with brightly lit Christmas decorations. But I will share a secret with you, I have depression. The last few years I really have struggled with it and the holidays really take a lot out of me.

My daughter has moved back home for awhile and she is already decorating for Halloween, and has big plans for Christmas. So this year I am making some small attempts to put Christmas back into my life.

One of the ways is to try and get thoughtful gifts that aren't going to break the bank. On my side bar you will see a Christmas section where I talk about Christmas ideas.

Here is a great list brought to us by better budgeting. Number 30 is going to make a great gift for a family member of mine along with the movie basket that I can get at our local movie house.

1. Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
2. Pound of pistachios
3. Child's artwork, framed
4. Journal with special inscription inside
5. Teacup with box of herbal tea
6. Deck of cards and book of card game rules
7. Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
8. Collage of special photos
9. Gel pens and pretty stationary
10. Bottle of sparkling cider
11. Home baked bread, include recipe
12. Disposable camera or rolls of film
13. Basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
14. Craft supplies
15. Holiday serving bowl or platter
16. Pretty basket filled with special jams or mustard's
17. Decorative napkins and napkin rings
18. Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
19. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
20. Photo album, hand decorated is even better
21. Makeup tote
22. Prepaid photo developing envelopes
23. Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
24. Variety of bread mixes
25. Special coffee cup filled with candy
26. Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
27. Gourmet popcorn and flavored oil
28. Locally made barbecue or steak sauce with basting brush
29. Pancake or waffle mix and a bottle of real maple syrup
30. Movie theater gift certificates
31. Board games
32. Jar of sour wood or pure honey with biscuit mix
33. Note cards and book of stamps
34. Picture frames, buy them on sale!
35. Specialty cookbook
36. Pretty glass jar filled with candy
37. Collectible sports cards
38. Muffin mixes with muffin pan
39. Books, there are still a few for under $10
40. Set of dish towels and dish cloths
41. Nail polish kit
42. Pretty night shirt
43. Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
44. Video rental gift certificates
45. Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
46. Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
47. For the pets, gourmet dog biscuits or cat treats
48. Baking pans and supplies
49. Prepaid long distance phone cards
50. Small clock or radio
51. Pretty box for keepsakes
52. Colorful Post-It notepads
53. Address book
54. Christmas ornaments
55. Puzzles
56. Blank video or cassette tapes
57. Sewing supplies
58. Flashlight with batteries
59. Favorite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief
60. Makeup brush set
61. Expensive socks, still under $10
62. Special soaps and bath puff
63. and don't forget my absolute favorite... home baked cookies!