10 Cheap Christmas Gifts Ideas 2010

Fear not the financial strain of the holiday season, for there are 10 cheap Christmas gift ideas for 2010.  It's tough being jolly when Christmas shopping drains wallets and builds credit card debt.  However, with a little bit of thought and creativity, gift-giving can be done efficiently and on a budget.

1. Baked goods. Who doesn't enjoy a little "nummy in the tummy?"  Anything that is homemade is appreciated by recipients because, not only is it delicious (hopefully), but it shows effort on the giver's part.  Or, for anyone less than savvy in the kitchen, hit up your local deli and grab a cake, or even a nice bottle of wine.  Not only is this gift enjoyable, but it can be accomplished for under $15. 
2. Picture frame. Here's a gift with a lot of heart for not a lot of cash.  Provide a loved one with a printed photo of a shared memory and pop it in a lovely picture frame.  Photo development typically costs under four dollars, and frames can be acquired for less than ten dollars.   
3. Gift cards. There are some money-saving tricks in these handy little cards.  For example, a $15 gift card to a local coffee shop can score multiple tall lattes.  Or, there are some web sites that provide exposure to new restaurants by selling gift cards half off.  So you can give a loved one a $50 card and only pay $25.  Stealthy...very stealthy.
4. Secondhand Treasures. Thrift stores are filled with a plethora of items - some is trash and some is treasure. But hey, it's worth a gander for those valuable items marked down to a few dollars.  Here's a few helpful hints - always check out the jewelry and the artwork.  These are items that tend to still look great, even if they are used. 
5. Gift Basket. The fun part about a homemade gift basket is that it can be customized to the recipient at very little cost.  Baskets can be purchased at local craft stores for around five dollars each.  Then, fill it with things that person will like: favorite candies, spa goods such as face creams, stuffed animals, and more. 
6. Handmade goods. Granted, there is a bit of handy work involved in this gift idea.  But the concept is to wow recipients with the time spent, not the dollars spent.  Show off any craft skills - woodworking, sewing, knitting, painting, and more by making a loved one a handmade item.
7. DVDs. There are lots of ways to score affordable movies - new and used.  Hit up your local retail shop and dig through the five dollar movie bins.  And, not to be macabre, but many video rental stores are going out of business.  That is sad for them, but great for you because you can buy recent DVDs at a fraction of the cost. 
8. Greenery. Whether it is a potted plant or a bouquet of flowers, greenery is a wonderful gift idea that typically costs between ten and fifteen dollars.  The highlight of this gift is that it can be enjoyed by the recipient long after you give it to them, especially if they have a green thumb!
9. Candles. Candles and accessories can be purchased just about anywhere.  But for extreme savings, check out your local outlet stores for name brands that are marked down.  Will this be for someone's home or office?  Try to think about their style and color schemes when you're shopping. 
10. Books. In a world of computers and technology, books are all but forgotten.  However, the beauty of this gift idea is that there is a book out there for everybody...and chances are it can be acquired on the cheap.  Between online bookstores and local libraries, books can cost as little as a few cents.  That's right - a few cents.  This idea sounds a little less boring now, doesn't it?