| How many times have you spent a fortune on | | | | from. |
| gift, which had little thought put into it, only to | | | | Photos: While you're at the dollar store, pick up a |
| regret it later? There is no reason to break the | | | | nice photo album. Fill it with personal photos that |
| bank when buying gifts for your friends, family | | | | have sentimental meaning to the recipient. Want |
| and co-workers. Look like you've spent a mint | | | | something original? Try creating a themed photo |
| and avoid being called cheap with one of these | | | | album - like through the ages, or high school days |
| affordable, yet thoughtful gift ideas: | | | | - and include copies of brochures, school |
| Dollar Store Items: You'll be surprised at the | | | | announcements, newspaper articles or other |
| treasures awaiting you at your local dollar store. | | | | tidbits that tie in with the theme and can be easily |
| Unlike a few years ago, today's dollar stores have | | | | inserted into the photo pages. |
| quite an impressive selection. You can purchase a | | | | Stationery: Give a letter-writing extremist a nice |
| bunch of items and make a nice gift basket. Or | | | | selection of pretty note cards, pens, decorative |
| buy individual items such as decorative clasp | | | | writing paper, envelopes and a book of stamps. |
| boxes, vases and picture frames. You have a | | | | Yes, you can get these items at the dollar store |
| great choice of stores, too: Both Online and Off. | | | | or visit your local Target, Wal-Mart or K-Mart for |
| Ethnic Cookbook: Ethnic cookbooks are windows | | | | an inexpensive assortment. You can even make it |
| to creating dishes from other cultures. And | | | | into a gift basket by buying a small container that |
| they're a really inexpensive gift idea for people | | | | holds the writing materials nicely. |
| who enjoy cooking. Think Thai, Brazilian, German | | | | These are only a few suggestions for inexpensive |
| or Finnish. Discount cookbooks can often be found | | | | gift giving. Use a little creativity and you're on |
| in the sale section of book stores for less than | | | | your way to coming up with other terrific ideas. |
| $10. | | | | For instance, if you are artistically inclined you |
| Regift: Have you received a gift that you don't | | | | could paint a picture of a place or person that has |
| want, don't need, or just don't like? Re-wrap it | | | | meaning to your recipient. Or if you're a writer, |
| and give it to someone else as a gift! Call it tacky | | | | you could pen a lovely poem - and even frame it. |
| or call it unthinkable, but the real name for this | | | | Use your skills and take advantage of your |
| pastime is called regifting. It's perfectly acceptable | | | | talents. Remember. The earlier you start gift |
| and practiced by millions! Just make sure that you | | | | planning, the more money you can save. |
| don't regift an item to the person you received it | | | | |