• Affordable Christmas Giftsgift boxes.christmas gifts. image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Shopping for Christmas can become extremely expensive if you are not careful. Instead of heading to the mall unprepared, plan a budget to keep each present under fifty dollars. Put a little extra thought in to the gifts you buy and easily finish your shopping without breaking the bank while still offering gifts that the recipients will love.
  
  

Custom Gift Baskets

• Create gift full of goodies customized for each recipient. Make a spa basket filled with bubble bath, soaps and lotions for the mom that needs a break. Fill a basket with a movie, popcorn and a few small boxes of candy for a teenager or create a basket filled with miniature toys and coloring books with crayons or paints for a young child.
  
  

Magazine Subscription

• If you know the recipients favorite magazine, purchase a subscription in their name for the following year. You could do this for children and adults alike. Choose magazines with fun activities for children such as Highlights, National Geographic for Kids or Lady Bug. If you are unaware of favorite magazines, consider purchasing those featuring the recipient's favorite hobbies or work trade.
  
  

Personalized Stationery

• Personalize note cards, writing paper and even post-it notes with names, phrases or sayings to give as gifts. Consider purchasing themed designs, bright colors or custom shaped cards and notes instead of plain white.
  
  

Photo Mugs

• Purchase photo mugs customized with any photo you like. Use photos of your kids, yourself and your spouse, the recipients family members and pets or even a group of people. You could also add personalization to the photograph like names, dates or even phrases.
  
  

Handmade Scrapbook

• Custom photo albums make great gifts for family and close friends. Purchase a scrapbook album, patterned paper and a few stickers or embellishments. Create a themed scrapbook filled with photographs of events, special occasions or people that are important to the recipient.
  
  

Wine

• A bottle of wine makes a great gift for a party host, acquaintance or even a friend. There are many flavor options available at your local grocery or liquor store. Consider purchasing sparkling grape juice or apple cider instead of wine for those who do not drink alcoholic beverages.