Times are hard at the minute and you have to watch what you're spending. When Mother's and Father's Day, Birthdays or Christmas comes along it puts a strain on your finances. So here are some inexpensive gift ideas to help save you some money:

Calendar

A lovely gift to give a friend of relative is a calendar. They come in many designs from Friendship Hearts, to Cats, Dogs , cars and have can little quotes on them giving them a personal touch. Or buy a wooden calendar, with those little wooden blocks have the months of the year on and dates to change each morning. They make a nice inexpensive gift.

Photo Frames and Albums

With hundreds of designs available, you can always pick a photo frame or album at a reasonable price. Insert a photograph you have of their new baby, their dog, themselves, or maybe one of you both together to turn it from a plain photo frame to a touching, personal gift. If you are creative why not make one of your own. Or an alternative could be making a scrapbook with memorabilia and photographs of the recipient. All of these would make beautiful and inexpensive gifts.

Candles

Everyone loves a nice scent for their house and candles are inexpensive gifts suitable for any occasion. After Christmas, Easter, Halloween etc you may find many gift shops reduce the prices of their stock and this is a good time to stock up on candles for presents to give throughout the year.

Home made fudge or chocolates

Usually home made sweets are expensive to make but this is only true when you are making a small quantity. So for Christmas or another event where you are giving multiple gifts make your own fudge or chocolates. Make a big batch of them and freeze ready to give to people as a gift. Wrap them in cellophane and pretty ribbon and you've made an inexpensive gift that is personal, creative and delicious.

Gift Cards

I don't know anyone who doesn't like treating themselves to a coffee and a cake. When money is tight it is an indulgence that lots of people forgo so why not give your friend a coffee gift card from their favourite coffee shop and they can treat themselves without feeling guilty. Another great idea along similar lines is a cinema voucher, with a few well chosen snacks to take along and enjoy!

Family Heirloom

An inexpensive gift to give someone special is a family heirloom. If there is a necklace, ring, watch or maybe a brooch passed down from great grandparents then this would be a special and inexpensive gift to give someone for a celebratory Birthday.

Plant Pot

Visit your local garden centre for a decorative plant pot and houseplant. You can find pots with funny quotes on or ones with abstract designs that will amuse and delight any plant lover or new homeowner.

For those of you who like to bargain hunt, how about visiting a local car boot sale or charity or thrift shop? Many people sell items that are newly new if not brand new. Also look on local websites for newly new items people are selling and you might bag a bargain.

Check out the sales when they are on and you might find some excellent gifts at knock down prices, turning an expensive gift into a bargain.

When you are watching every penny you spend it doesn't mean you can't give a present that is meaningful and pretty, just because it didn't cost a fortune, doesn't make it any less appreciated.