With these hard economic times that we are living in, many of us are searching for ways to save this holiday season.  For some of us it isn’t anything new, we’ve always liked to try to spend as little as possible on our gifts, knowing that it is the thought that counts right?

So, why not put a little more “thought” into your gift giving this year and get creative.  Think about the things or activities that the people on your list enjoy and then create a gift to suit their likes and personality.  For the cook in your life, create a handmade book of recipes.  There are dozens of websites online now where you can easily find new recipes they might have never tried before.

For the book worm, why not make them a bookmark or a basket or some type box to hold their books by their nightstand or in their bathroom where they might spend time reading.

For the couch potato you could make them some coasters for their favorite beverage to rest on as they peruse the channels.

There are many, many gift ideas that you can create yourself if you just spend some time thinking, and getting creative.  It is sure to result in some great gifts as well as happy recipients and less stress on you when the holidays are over and you know you haven’t broke the bank.