Smart Money Holiday Gift Guide

Does gift-giving make you crazy? It doesn't have to. Flip through BV's Smart Money Holiday Gift Guide for thoughtful, beautiful and economically sound ideas and resources for the perfect presents they'll love. And the best part is... not one of these is over $5!

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'Certificate For Services'
While cheap in material, this could actually be the most expensive gift you might ever give due to the high value placed on one's time and energy. We suggest creating a handmade or computer printout/coupon. A much needed massage, timely car wash or pre/post-party house cleaning are just a few ideas off the top of our list.

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Lottery Tickets
If you manage a significant number of employees, $1 cards may be just the "ticket!" A Pittsburgh pharmacist learned the $20 Pennsylvania lottery ticket he gave to relatives for Christmas has paid off big -- $1 million. Try and top that next year!

Mary Ann Chastain, AP

A Scented Candle
Discounted pillar, jar, tapered and floating scented candles can be procured from your local 99 Cents or Dollar stores. Other hot items are flameless candle warmers, ceramic oil burners and incense.

Cassandra Shie, AOL

A Funky, Fun Key Chain
For both business and personal gifts, affordable key chains are a great idea. Customizing for under $5 is a snap if you purchase kits or individual decorative items from stores like Michael's, A.C.Moore, Kmart and other craft stores.

Create a Scrapbook
This is probably the most thoughtful yet time-consuming present. However, the smiles and tears you can expect are well worth it. Use an inexpensive photo album, make copies of family photos and let stories unfold as your special recipient turns each page.

Bake a Cake
We're not talking your neighbor's annual fruitcake. This gift can serve two purposes. Not only can you enjoy it as dessert; it can also serve as a beautiful centerpiece for the holiday dinner table. Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury and/or Jiffy can get you started. But if time is not on your side, you can always opt to purchase a cake from the grocery store.

Christmas Tree Ornament
These can be found almost anywhere from your local corner stores, to department stores, to expensive designer stores. Why not take ordinary objects such as one lone earring, pieces of costume jewelry, etc., and turn them into customized decorations? A few ideas from the Web can be found here.

$5 Dunkin Donuts Card
Still a winner when it comes to taste. What we love about this gift is that your recipient can easily buy three cups of coffee or something from their meal menu such as a muffin, croissant, danish and a coffee from a $5 gift card. No DD near you? Try Tim Horton's, which has been operating since 1964.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images