Picking a meaningful gift for a young lady and staying within a budget is not hard if you take the time to learn her interests, hobbies and style. Listen to her conversation, observe how she dresses, and ask questions.

When I was young my aunt who lived several states from me usually gave me books or magazine subscriptions for Christmas and birthdays. She knew my love for reading since whenever we visited her on vacations I spent a lot of time in her attic where boxes of old books were stored. Magazine subscriptions keep on giving all year. If you know your young lady has a special interest or hobby find a magazine to fit. For the horse lover Young Rider is an excellent choice. Seventeen, Girls Life, American Girl, Teen People, and Guideposts Sweet 16 are just a few titles to choose. A one-year subscription is under $30.

For the aspiring writer or compulsive record keeper a diary or journal and unique pen make a nice gift. You can find pretty journals even in dollar stores. At a stationery store a pretty journal can be bought for under $15. For the teen who likes her privacy buy her a Secret Message Writing Set for $6 or Black Light Gel Pens under $9 for a pack of five pens.

The girl on your list does not have to be driving age to appreciate a key chain. Most teens have their own house key. One really cool idea is digital photo-frame key chain. They hold 100 + photos and are priced around $15.00.

If she has a hobby, collects stuff or is into arts and crafts you are all set for gift ideas. Supplies like really nice paint brushes or a sketch journal for the artist, how-to books, or containers to hold supplies are some ideas that even if duplicated are still useful.

"Love me, love my dog - cat, horse, lizard." If she has a pet then buy a fancy collar or item of pet clothing with her favorite college logo on it. T-shirts featuring her favorite breed, books on care and training, or even stationary in pet motif are inexpensive but show your thoughtfulness.

A photo album or framed collage with photos you've taken at family events makes a personal gift. Have a crazy photo of herself, her pet, or friends made into a poster, mug or tote bag.

Are you all out of ideas, just do not know what that niece who lives in another state really likes?

Then gift cards are the logical answer. You can get generic cards that can be used anywhere that takes major credit cards or be specific. I few ideas include movies, fast food, the coffee shop, local mall stores and online stores.

Food items including homemade goodies packed in a pretty tin or gift bag also make good gifts for young people. Find out their favorite snack foods and put together a gift basket or small duffle bag filled with a variety of goodies such as sunflower seeds, small bags of chips, nuts, dried fruit or fruit rolls, gum, breath mints, and candy. I have a grand daughter who loves black olives and another who snacks on beef jerky.

Have fun with the packaging, too. Create a one-of-a-kind Christmas card. Use the funny pages for wrapping paper, tie it up with a bow and attach a tree ornament or costume jewelry piece to decorate the package. Gift bags are fun, especially when something extra is hidden among the tissue paper inside. Baskets, tote bags, and hatboxes can be part of the gift as well as the packaging. Be sure to include some bubble wrap - I don't think kids ever outgrow the fun of stomping on the bubble wrap to hear it pop!