Keeping holiday shopping costs down

The Christmas shopping season will be somewhat different this year for many people given the sluggish state of the nation's economy.

Area shoppers who will be working with tight budgets this year shouldn't have to worry about spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on expensive gifts or toys for their loved ones. People can often get bogged down with stress that comes from trying to plan a holiday shopping list on a limited budget, and from trying to meet the unique tastes of many different people, including parents, grandparents, spouses, kids, and other extended family members and friends.

But shoppers should remember that the gift doesn't have to cost a fortune to be well-liked and appreciated; it only needs to fit the recipient's lifestyle and be something he or she wants or can use.

Personalized gifts, homemade keepsakes and gifts associated with a person's hobbies or other interests are some of the most appreciated gifts that can be given to loved ones.

Keepsake items that are relatively inexpensive include personalized crystal or marble plaques, single or family-style coaster sets, glass ornaments, jewelry and jewelry boxes or valet trays, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, pajamas, terry robes or slippers, a Swiss Army knife, tote bags and gift baskets. All of these items can be personalized with names and dates, initials, a poem, a company's logo, or even a famous quote.

Other keepsake items that are memorable and will last for years include coffee mugs or thermoses, Koozies for keeping beverages hot or cold, crystal barware, glasses or decanter sets, vintage or modern pub signs for the home bar, sterling silver or leather business cardholders, leather passport covers and picture frames or photo albums.

For children, personalized gifts such as a letter from Santa, a book about the child, a baseball and glove, a wooden or aluminum bat, piggy banks, blankets or throw rugs, room signs, and various toys such as yo-yos or harmonicas, can be popular, inexpensive gifts. A sketch of the child can also be created from a photograph or a funny caricature and presented as a memorable gift.

Uniquely crafted gifts such as scented candles, blankets or Afghans, potpourri, photo albums and gift baskets, can all be made at home or purchased. These gifts can also be tailored specifically to what a person likes and his or her style. Other fun and unique gifts, some of which may be a little more pricey, include gift certificates, tickets to a concert or other event, etched glass plates, serving trays, bowls and candy dishes.

Hobby gifts such as golfing accessories, hiking accessories, camping accessories, special classes the recipient may be interested in, or trips, are gifts that will obviously be more expensive but could be the ideal gift, depending on the individual.

Planning ahead can save a shopper a lot of stress, time and money during the holiday season. Shoppers who want to find the holidays more enjoyable, less stressful and more memorable should take advantage of sales offered by various local businesses throughout the year, plan ahead, and remember to take some time to relax and unwind during a stressful time of year.