The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but with the number of gifts we often have to give, it can be an expensive time of year as well.  

And while the cost of gifts in general can be alarming for anyone, it can be even more so for a frugal shopper who is trying to stick to a budget and save money.  

However, there are still plenty of options out there for anyone who is hoping to still stick to their more budget-conscious guns who want to also make sure that they don't get seen as a Scrooge.  

Here are five super awesome gifts to get that will still allow you to save some of that hard-earned dough: 

Homemade Themed Gift Baskets 


(Photo Credit: Flickr.com)

These work for everyone on your list. Does Mom love coffee, but Dad's more of a tea drinker? Does your sister adore cleaning and organizing on a daily basis? Is your best friend a movie night guru? Stop by your local dollar store and you can likely make baskets for all of them without spending too much money. Not only are the baskets available at the stores, but the stuff for them can be as well. Pick up a couple of mugs and boxes of tea bags and coffee, and maybe a package of cookies for dessert, and you have a great combo basket for your parents. Get the movie fan some popcorn and candy, and maybe even a cheap DVD. It's all there.  

Baked Goods 


(Photo Credit: Flickr/Maryann)

Most people have a sweet tooth and would love nothing more than cookies, brownies and cakes. Sure it's easier to just pick some up at a bakery, but making them yourself is not only more thoughtful, but can be cheaper. The ingredients are at your local grocery store-check the ads and weekly newspapers for coupons and you'll likely have all the ingredients you need for the perfect baked gifts. Plus you can find great recipe inspirations online-for free!  

A Personalized Homemade Calendar 


(Photo Credit: Flickr.com/Tall

Calendars are a great gift in general to help keep someone organized, so why not create one that's personalized for free? Any photo processing kiosks and centers at a local store like Target will allow you to create one for fairly cheap, but you can also create them online as well using services like Shutterfly.  

Pay For A Netflix Subscription 


(Photo Credit: Flickr.com/Sumit Chauhan)

Give a loved one the gift of movies and TV shows they can stream (or order via DVD) if they want for a few months with a Netflix subscription. It's only $7.99 each month-just make sure the know it's only a few months. 

If All Else Fails, There's Always Gift Cards 


(Photo Credit: James Currie)

Give the gift of money to the places your loved ones like the most. And to save yourself some cash, you can get them in varied amounts, and the possibilities are endless. You can spend as little as $5.00 on one or go up to $20 if you need to keep things more budgeted.