One of the best gifts I received last Christmas was a pair of scissors! Now some may say if you’re spending so little on a gift, don’t bother but, the truth is I loved that gift. I’m always searching for scissors and just before holiday wrapping, mine went MIA. My son and his girlfriend, college students strapped for cash, took notice and voila. I laughed when I opened them knowing they had been watching my crazed searching for scissors. At the same time, I realized how grateful I was for the thoughtful gift.

The point is a gift needn’t be expensive to make someone happy. If it’s useful, fun, or just makes everyday life easier, it can make a great gift. Finding inexpensive gifts can be tough in a world where everything seems to be going up in price. Though some stores arrange price point displays for harried shoppers – “Gifts for $20 or Less!”, with time and thought, you can discover Christmas finds sure to please your giftee and your budget.

During the holidays, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Walmart, and K-Mart can almost offer one stop shopping with something for everyone from tools to toys. For the best buys under $20, shop the sales, and check out clearance racks. Many stores have specialty isle and rounder displays with simple gift ideas. Bath, Bed, and Beyond always has fun, funky, useful gifts often found at the front near the registers.

Last year, my daughter wanted to buy gifts for all her junior high friends on a $30 budget. We went to a store and quickly discovered box filled with a “hodge- podge” of items. The sign indicated each item in the box was $5.00 or less. We took the time to search through the items, all in good condition and worthy of giving. She found something for every friend plus gifts for a couple of her favorite BFMs (best friend moms).

Stores like TJ Maxx in Auburn and Marshalls in Windham are the places to look for different and brand names. I found the greatest little stackable, ceramic Christmas-themed measuring spoons for less than $10.00 for my baker friends. A red, silk tank top for $14.99 and a silver cuff bracelet for less than $20 made a great gift for my son’s girlfriend.

Sometimes you need to shop off the beaten path and further afield to find things you feel good giving. Outlet stores always offer clothing and assorted items you might not find in department stores at a discount. I shopped antique stores for collectible colored glassware, antique pins and hair clips for special people on my list. Most of my finds were less than thirty dollars apiece and just needed a little polish.

Craft fairs are great places for budget holiday shoppers. Way beyond plastic canvas, you can find mittens, hats, blankets, jewelry, home decorations, books, and stationery. I’ve found the “real deal” Raggedy Ann dolls for a steal and quality knit items I couldn’t find elsewhere else. Items are unique and the prices can really help stretch the budget. The” foodies” on your list will delight in the jams, jellies, salsa, and hot sauces you can find at fairs. For the best selections, get there early.

With a little time and thought, gifts on the cheap can be gifts long remembered and appreciated. It may take more planning and it definitely requires enjoyment in the search. Try it and maybe this year you’ll find that something perfect and still have a little left over to treat yourself!