It’s not corny to make gifts for Christmas. It’s thoughtful, unique and financially, it’s super smart. And, it encourages you to use your creative side. Arts & crafts have come

so far from when we were kids! You can make jewelry, a wreath for someone’s door, a shower curtain, some fabric key chains,

candles, some Instagram cards or some baked goods. You can also make some lip gloss and lotion for your friends;

customize the scents to their personalities. They’ll love that! (Click on all of those links for DIY info!)

You might’ve read this and thought “Duh.” But hear us out. Sales are galore the day after Christmas, so wait until things are 50-75 percent off and just alert everyone ahead

of time that “It’s in the mail”. No one has to know that it’s late because you were financially challenged. Besides, it’ll give them something to look forward to after

all of the Christmas holiday hype.

Get together with your girlfriends to do a gift exchange. Only the hook is this: Do a used gift exchange. Everyone goes in their closets and picks out things they

either don’t want any more or haven’t used in a year. Then they put them in bags and everyone gets together to pick out what they want while watching some Christmas movies

and drinking some hot cocoa. It’s fun, free and you’ll be sure to get at least one thing you envied out of your friends’ clothing and/or jewelry collection.

Another thing you can do with friends, co-workers or family members who are also on a tight budget is the “Cheap Secret Santa”. Agree to spend no more than $20.

Also agree to keep the giver’s name anonymous. No shame on the price or if they end up not liking what you gave ‘em.

If times are tight for you and yours, don’t get out of the spirit of the holiday. Recommend that you both go the sentimental rather than price tag route. Write

him a love letter. Blow up your favorite picture together and frame it. Make him his favorite childhood dessert. Create a gift basket with sensual massage oils. And idea that

we really like is a customized wallet insert. Both Etsy and Amazon have them for under $20. Suddenly, being broke this season doesn’t seem so bad,

does it?