With festival around the corner, getting gifts for loved ones could prove to be a challenge but worry not as we are here to save your day!

You would be surprised how others appreciate your gifts more when you put some thought and personalised them! Know that, the best gifts aren't always the most expensive ones. It's not about how much it cost (though generally expensive ones wouldn't hurt!); it's about giving meaningful gifts.

Make it with Your Hand

If you have the patience and the time, go ahead and make something! It could be a craft ... out of clay or wood. It could be a painting or it could e a favourite cake. Instead of buying a shawl, why not knit one (This gift also depends on your skill level with this hobby?) The point is simple - I made this for you. Nothing says 'you're special to me more than taking the time to make something for the person and it's nothing too hard to include their name or a personal interest. However, it's advisable to stay away from the stereotypical reindeer sweater that no one will want to wear in hot season. Following are more ideas on how to personalised your gift and make it all the more unique. The best bit is that you will have as much fun making it as the person who receives it!

Write a Letter

It costs nothing but it means the world especially for those who are far away. Why not do something special for distant friends or relatives and write them a long heartfelt letter? A nice handwritten letter is a wonderful thing to receive in the mail. It's sincere and makes a great gift!

Heirloom Magnets

Dig out family pictures and make them into picture magnets! You probably have tonnes of business magnets that come in all shapes arid sizes that are on your refrigerator or in your junk drawer. If you don't have magnets you can recycle, purchase a sheet of magnetic paper. Take the pictures, cut them to fit and use gel or craft glue and make your own refrigerator magnets! If you have a sheet of clear shelf liner, cover the photos before gluing them to the magnets. Note: Use old pictures such as your baby picture with your mom for loved ones who are near and use recent pictures for those who are far away. Simple explanation; old pictures will bring poignant moments back while recent pictures will make distant loved ones feel you are close!

Make a Movie Greeting

Get a video camera and add a child or your whole family and you have a hit recording that will be played over and over again for years to come! Get cheap tapes or recordable discs. Decide on what you or your child will say or make it a family sing along of favourite Christmas carols! If any of your family members play an instrument, the entire better. Add greetings to the recipient for a special touch, telling them how much you miss and appreciate them. You can also talk about special memories.

Candles

They always make great gifts! Invest in some ribbons, glitter and etc. The best thing is that they look and smell amazing I Choose either coffee scented (yummy!) or fresh flowers (calming and refreshing) fragrant.

Jar of Love

Take a jelly jar or any other jar with a lid. On a nice sheet of paper, write down several things that are special about the person you are giving it to or you can opt for special memories that you have spent with them. Cut each memory into a paper strip. Fold, roll or just place the strips whole into the jar. Make a label out of paper and attach it with double stick tape or use indelible markers. You can label the jar, "Memories made with love", "Thinking of you on Christmas" or simply "The Jar of Love". Everyone would have such a great time reading the notes!

Framed Memoirs

If you can get your hands on a picture that holds a special memory without the person's knowledge, then you got a great gift on hand! Have it enlarged and place it in a nice frame to surprise them with. It might be cliché but it's truly a good gift.

Read Their Mind

This could be easy and difficult at the same time. If you've been paying attention to your loved ones you will probably have an idea what they want exactly. It has to be something they can't get themselves - either too pricey or perhaps a rare item. If it's an expensive gift, you can try pooling resources. When you have a few people sharing the cost, it won't be an impossible feat anymore.

And you'll be doing others a favour by pulling them in to share the gift since they would be relief to know they are getting that person a gift he or she loves. They don't have to stress about the, 'perfect' gift for that someone! However, if it's a rare gift then you'll have to spend time and effort searching for it. Hard work required on this one but it's worth it! A note, do start early on rare items and always have a back up gift.

Be an Angel

Do something really nice for your loved ones as a surprise gift this Christmas! If you are close, then having the person's key is not a problem so get into their house when they are not around and do something nice for them. It can be a simple sweet gesture such as leaving them their favourite flowers, cookies or even wash their dishes and clean their house for them! Imagine coming home to a spotless house and all the nasty chores all done up? That's right; it can make the perfect gift! Note: But please be sensitive, don't go rummaging through drawers and avoid cleaning cupboards and trunks.

Finally, imagine this; you are with loved ones. It is warm and the candles are glowing. Someone reads a poem; an old family photograph has been re-mounted and given with love. There are puzzles to work on and popcorn chains to wrap around the tree. You be the judge. When you have a Christmas created with thoughtfulness and affection, as well as within budgetary constraints, January looks a whole lot brighter!