by: Donna Hamer

It's Christmas and deciding what to give that special person in your life is often difficult.

Instead of going into debt each time you purchase a present, why not give a gift from the heart?

Simple gift giving ideas are easy to make and with a little bit of know how look like a professionally created gift. By using your imagination and creating a gift tailored specially for each recipient on your list, watch the look of surprise on their face when they receive their present.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Are you a crafty person? Get a plastic storage box and make up a kit with everything needed to make a project. Be sure to include a promise to help and teach the recipient!

If your grandchildren live too far away for you to see them very often why not record some books on tape for them to listen to before naptime. Include some stories about their friends.

For the grandparents, make a video of the grandchildren. Include small snippets of them having fun, reading, school plays, sports day. This is a wonderful gift!

How about a coffee cup filled with goodies. This can be either chocolate or jelly beans. Looks great!

Give a handmade gift certificate. These can easily be made on the computer or surf the net until you find a site that has gift certificates that you can download.

If you are stuck for dad, nephews, sons and male friends, why not get a bucket and fill it with cleaning products for their car. Include car shampoo, car wax, a chamois, ice scraper, along with tire cleaner etc.

For girls – get a plastic box and fill it with different types of beads, fishing line, wire. Your local craft shop will be able to help you out with the best items to include in this simple and easy to make gift basket.

For more ideas and help with gift baskets, take a look 101 Gift Basket Ideas.