How2Day: Cheap Practical Gifts

Gift giving does not have to be expensive. Kathryn Bell/Photodisc/Getty Images
It used to be that Christmas and birthdays were the only big gift-giving holidays. Nowadays it seems as though gifts are expected for almost every occasion, including housewarmings or even a Valentine's Day party. Then there are the times you just want to show your friend how much you appreciate her. Gift giving does not have to be expensive. Put a little thought behind it and you may just end up with a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Get her something you both can use together. meat thermometer image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com
This is a practical idea for that friend who likes to cook or maybe for your sister, whose husband is tired of hot dogs and beans every night for dinner. Make it fun. Give your friend a cookbook and make plans to come over once a week to try out a new recipe. To give it a more personal touch, create your own cookbook with recipes your friend will love. If she is a choc-o-holic, find decadent dessert recipes online and print them out. Combine all her favorites into one cookbook. If you found a bunch of Mom's old recipes, gather them together to make one big cookbook for your sister. Use them as an excuse to get your families together and have special dinners.

Give a one-year subscription to her favorite magazine. different magazines studio isolated on white image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
If you have a friend who likes wine, gift her with a wine of the month club certificate, where she will receive a different type of wine each month. If she is into novels but you are not quite sure which authors she enjoys, offer a year's subscription to a book club so she can make her own choices. If fashion is her style, give her a subscription to "Cosmopolitan" or "Vogue" magazines instead. If he is a bike fanatic, give him a subscription to "Motorcycle Magazine." Gifts like these are simple and inexpensive, yet something the recipient can use.

If not sure of his style, go generic. stack of bath towels image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
If she likes glass vases, there are several styles to choose from such as a vase with water lilies printed on it. If you are unsure of his style, go more generic. For instance, your bachelor buddy who likes the color blue is having a housewarming, so bring him a bath towel set. Another generic option is a stainless steel utensil set that includes items such as a salt and pepper shaker and salad tongs. It is practical, simple and best of all, inexpensive.

How2Day