With the Christmas holidays two months away, you have probably made your list of gifts for family and friends. Perhaps you have also decided to reduce the amount spent per gift this year, and that’s ok. Frugal gift giving doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, but rather thoughtful and creative gifts that your recipients will appreciate and treasure.

Here are some ideas and suggestions on how you can present wonderful gifts this Christmas without breaking the bank.

If you love to bake, why not put together a gift basket filled with homemade cookies and muffins as well as a variety of teas. You can purchase baskets at any dollar store, as well as the wrapping to go along with it.

Another gift idea that has always been popular is a basket filled with bath and body lotions, body wash, and scrubs. These items are very affordable and you can create a unique basket filled with scents that are sure to please any recipient.

Do you have a friend or family member who loves coffee? If so, you can purchase a box of sample coffees. Add some homemade muffins and present it in a gift basket as well.

Aromatherapy candles are also a big hit. Add CDs that can calm and soothe such as sounds of nature or the ocean. You can find these affordable items at dollar stores and online for half the price.

If you make your own homemade jams and jellies, why not put together a gift basket filled with these items along with homemade muffins and some green tea. This is a healthy and inexpensive way to say you truly care about the recipient’s wellbeing.

Perhaps you have a friend who loves books. There are plenty of books on a variety of topics you can buy at half the price at bookstores or online.

How about a large soup cup filled with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows for those cold winter nights? You can use your creative ideas to make this a most unique “basket” of treats.

Gifts do not have to be expensive. It could be a picture of you and your friend placed in a lovely frame, a homemade hat and scarf for the winter or even a CD of favorite Christmas music that you put together for that special friend.

Frugal gift giving not only saves money, but allows you to really think about a gift that is unique to the person. It shows you have taken the time to select or create those items you know will be appreciated by a friend or family member.