Are you looking to stay on budget, or to give a gift from your heart (and hands), this year?

Or maybe you waited too long to get a gift, and now your list is being affected by supply chain issues. 

The inexpensive gift ideas below can lower your holiday spending, as well as spread some homemade cheer! 

When smells of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and hot chocolate start wafting through your home, you know it’s finally the holiday season! Get into the spirit by whipping up some delicious gifts for your loved ones, which tends to be a less expensive gift option. You can bake some cookies, or make your own mug cake and hot chocolate mixes. For an extra special touch, tie on some seasonal ribbons and add in a recipe card so they can recreate your delectable gift again for themselves. 

Consider what the person likes - salty or sweet snacks? Wine or soda? Put together a basket of their favorite foods.

Sometimes, the best gifts can’t be wrapped! This season, give the gift of togetherness to a loved one by coming up with a way for the two of you to spend some quality time together. Go for a hike or stroll, go get coffee, or plan an outing.

MORE: Ready to host a holiday dinner, but worried about the increasing prices? Here are some affordable tips

Look back at the memories you’ve made with your loved ones, and print a favorite photo and frame it! 

Do you have a hobby or skill that can help make your holiday gift unique? Maybe you know how to knit winter hats and scarves, or you can make wooden coasters! However, DIY-ed gifts can be expensive if the tools and materials can add up, so if budget is your main priority, keep an eye on your rising DIY total to be sure the cost doesn’t exceed that of a similar store-bought gift. 

MORE: Follow these tips for making AND keeping a holiday budget

Handmade holiday décor is another excellent DIY gift idea. Consider the style and preferences of the recipient, search Pinterest for inspiration, and get crafting!

Secret Santa is a great way to save money for a large gathering of friends and family. You may not want to buy gifts for everyone who shows up, but certainly don't want revelers to feel snubbed. Instead of buying gifts for all (or just the adults), each participant is expected to buy a single gift for a single person under a predetermined budget.