I'd like to stress that it is a very frugal thing to look out for gifts all year long, as I am sure many of you do, when able. I have found new or like-new items at yard sales and thrift stores, and sometimes I come across something I think will be perfect for a certain person, so I snatch it up for nearly nothing. I'd like to gently remind gift-givers that the thing to remember is to make it a *thoughtful* gift, something that really shows the receiver you were thinking of him or her, not just picking up something quick or cheap. It is a subject I feel strongly about, especially since people who know how thrifty I am expect me to be cheap with my gift-giving, even though they know I am generally a generous person. So I really go out of my way to get something that is just right. :) Here are some ideas I have come across in recent years, in case anyone is interested: Gift baskets--I came across a bin of fancy coffee packets that were being discontinued at a grocery store, so I bought enough to make gift baskets for 2 relatives. Then throughout the year, I watched for very interesting or exceptionally pretty mugs or coffee cups to add to the packets. I added other appropriate items and ended up with a fancy-looking gift for a few dollars. Even the baskets were from a thrift store, but were new-looking. I added ribbons or hung something related to the basket on the handle. Thrift stores often have decorative candles or new and interesting knickknacks, still in the original boxes, or wooden shelves/coat racks finished or not. My sil just bought a house and mentioned needing a coat rack with a shelf on top and I found one at a thrift store. I painted it to match her décor and she loved it! I make all kinds of greeting cards, so I mass produce some kinds and give sets of them to friends or relatives. I add envelopes, of course, but I add a little picture on each envelope that matches the card. I give stamps with this, too, and a new, unusual pen of some sort, and when put into a basket, it is a gift people seem to appreciate. I have found that Thank You cards are the most desired. I found 3 golf-related items--a funny mug, a frame, and a trinket box, and all 3 together in a basket with a set of balls (my bil does not care what kind) made a great gift for him. He stinks at golf, but loves it just the same, so this stuff made him feel like a real golfer. LOL Thrift stores often have great older-looking or antique jewelry for good prices. Those are great for someone who prefers the classic look in jewelry. My husband bought me a new teapot with creamer and sugar bowl at a thrift store. I hope these things give you some gift ideas. :) I'd love to hear about some good, inexpensive ideas from you all! Thanks! Mary in Fort Wayne ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is what I do. And this way is so easy, I NEVER have to save up for Christmas OR back to school supplies. Usually there are 4-5 "5 week" months a year. I have my budget set up by 4 week months, if you look on a calander, most months have 4 Fridays, therefor 4 paychecks. To me, the months w/ 5 Fridays, we have "extra" money. Usually August and November have 5 Fridays, I used the August "extra" money for back to school things and the extra week in November (though this year it falls in October) for Christmas gifts. This way it never hurts my budget, I don't have to save for it, and I don't charge it. Also, I try to be on the lookout over the year for things that I think will make good gifts and pick them up w/ extra money I may have. HTH some! Carla in MD