Nowadays, the real essence of Christmas is being overshadowed by materialism. It seems that many people are all too willing to be in knee-deep debt just so they can give expensive gifts and celebrate the season with a bang. Since the world is experiencing economic challenges right now, it is a good idea to make your holiday celebration more austere but more meaningful. Instead of giving luxurious presents, why not look for cheap Christmas gift ideas that are relevant and practical?

Do-it-yourself cards, crafts, frames and other stuff are cheap Christmas gift ideas that will surely touch anyone's heart. As mentioned earlier, you really do not have to spend a fortune just to tell someone that you care and remember them for the Holidays. Some set of homemade placemats and boxes of goodies are things that you can give your boss, officemates, friends and neighbors. If you are good with woodcraft, then probably a carved jewelry box or a well-decorated picture frame would be nice gifts too. Paper craft, homemade potpourri, scented oils, sparkling candles, and spice racks are also some of the inexpensive gifts you may want to make for your friends and colleagues.

Providing services are also cheap Christmas gift ideas that your parents, kids, and special someone would really appreciate. If you are still living with your mom or dad, you can probably clean the car for a month or make the Christmas dinner as a way of showing your appreciation for them.

Making Christmas cards or giving your grandparents a tour of the city can be cheap but meaningful gifts for the season. If you think your husband is working too hard in the office, you can probably offer him a massage or back rub every Friday for the entire month. You can also surprise your wife or girlfriend by preparing the whole meal during Christmas all by yourself. These may be just little things, but they can surely touch their hearts.

If you are the kind of person who does not know how to cook or does not like making crafts and arts, then the best you can do is to scour the department store or online shops for cheap Christmas gift ideas. One way you can show your appreciation for the people you love is by giving them presents that would pamper them and help banish their stress. Scented candles, sleep mists, bubble baths, and spa kits are just some of the things that both men and women would love.