Why give cheap gifts during the holidays when, with a little planning, you can give nice gifts for that same cheap price. Here are some tips on how to buy holiday gifts on a budget.

Begin with making a list of who's naughty and who's nice. Think of two or three possible gifts for each person on your list. This will give you a back-up plan if the first choice gift turns out to be too expensive or out of stock.

Decide how much money you can afford to spend on holiday gifts this year. Divide this amount among the people on your gift list to arrive at an average cost per gift. Use this amount as a guideline when shopping.

Check the sales circulars on the websites of the stores where you shop. Also, check other online stores, such as Amazon, for special sales. When you see something that would make a nice holiday gift and it is within the budget, then either print that page or write down the necessary information. If you are certain that this is the perfect gift then, before making the purchase, open another browser window and do a Google search for any available coupon or discount codes as well as any available rebates. Use the discount codes for additional savings. (Note: Immediately print out the rebate form as the offer can be withdrawn at any time.)

If you want to be certain that you will be buying the holiday gifts at the best price, then visit the local stores to see if there are any unadvertised clearance sales. As you buy each item, ask the cashier for a gift box. Also, it is rare today for stores to offer free gift wrapping but it couldn't hurt to ask.

If you are on a very tight budget, then search the thrift stores for new merchandise that has been donated. I have seen some lovely sweater tops and jeans, kitchen appliances, and other household items that are brand new and still have the price tag on them. Yard sales also have new merchandise occasionally.

While you are out shopping look for sales on wrapping paper, boxes, tape, ribbon and bows. You might even get lucky and find them for pennies on the dollar at a moving sale or yard sale.

To keep everything organized, choose either a shelf in a closet or a large box to store all of the holiday gifts and wrapping supplies. As you wrap each gift, make sure that the gift tag is securely fastened to the present since they will be stacked on top of each other.

It takes a little bit of planning and research to buy holiday gifts on a budget but the wonderful feeling of going into the holiday season without any debt is well worth the effort.