Gifts

Looking to cut back spending on holiday gifts? Celebrate like Santa (but spend like Scrooge) with this fabulous line-up of 34 great gifts you can make yourself.

Compiled from reader suggestions at finance blog Get Rich Slowly, the list focuses on easy-to-make gifts for all ages. Even if you're all thumbs at crafting, you'll find inspiration with this roundup of handmade holiday ideas.

And we loved, loved, LOVED the nice link to our site! Thanks, J.D.!

Do It Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Gifts You Can Make Yourself

Internet celebrity monkey ("i'm small, i'm terry cloth, and i think i have a nice personality!") strikes again with his sweet, kid-friendly guide to writing thank-you notes.

monkey's illustrated tips on how to write a fun and friendly thank-you note are enough to make you forget his aversion for upper-case letters:

monkey - how to write a thank you note

For thank-you notes or as a last-minute Christmas gift, you can't beat these personalized custom note cards from Epson.com.

Download the .pdf file containing templates and instructions here:

Printable Note Cards

Chocolate-dipped coffee spoons are an easy homemade holiday gift. Make them simple and sweet or dazzle the tastebuds with custom flavors and colored chocolate melts!

Our basic recipe for chocolate coffee spoons outlines the method, but check out specialty recipes, too. Whether they're white chocolate drizzled with holiday colors, or dressed up with crushed candy canes, chocolate coffee spoons are sure to please the coffee lover on your holiday gift list.

Bundle chocolate coffee spoons and a packet of Snowman Soup into a pretty mug for a frugal holiday gift:

Chocolate Coffee Spoons Recipe

Candy Cane Chocolate Coffee Spoons

White Chocolate Christmas Chocolate Coffee Spoons

Double-Chocolate Coffee Spoons

Mint Chocolate Coffee Spoons

Planning a gift list and tracking the holiday budget just got simpler with this online holiday gift planner from Zion's Bank.

Customer or not, if you're willing to register an e-mail address, you can use this free online gift list and budgeting tool:

Free Holiday Gift Planner

Everyone has a special mother in their life, so why not offer more than the traditional floral tribute this Mother's Day? Here are 25 frugal ideas for Mother's Day gifts, and they all bring the personal touch she'll love:

25 Frugal Mother's Day Gift Ideas