How to give Christmas gifts on a budget

Christmas is one of the most joyful times of year, celebrating the spirit of giving. We all want to hand out gifts to the ones we love, but Christmas can be stressful when wallets grow thin. While we wait for the economy to bounce back, we all have to tighten our belts and work with our limited Christmas budgets. Here's how you can stretch that dollar while still enjoying the season.

Tip 1) Create a Christmas budget and stick to it.
Allocate an amount per person to prevent overspending. Start with gifts for people you're less close with, aiming to stay under budget. Meeting those goals leaves more room for the people you love most.

Tip 2) Be thoughtful.
The value of a gift isn't always measured in dollars. A thoughtful message or meaningful item can be worth more than something that empties your wallet.

Tip 3) Use gift exchanges.
Whenever possible, organize a Secret Santa within groups — great for the office, friends, or large families. Everyone gets a gift, and everyone saves money and time.

Tip 4) Make as many gifts as possible.
A little creativity goes a long way. Baked goods, crafts, and personalized creations are great alternatives for small gifts for large groups.

Tip 5) Shop early and shop around.
If you buy a gift, shop early and compare prices. Take advantage of sales before the rush. The internet is full of discount and comparison sites — a little research stretches the dollar further. Dollar stores can also hide inexpensive treasures.

Check out these sites for deals (they go fast):