The Xmas period is certainly enjoyable, but it can also be stressful and expensive for some families. Due in no small part that the whole country has been through an economic recession, a huge number of people will be doing their best to cut the costs of the Christmas period.

So to that end, here’s a few Christmas gift ideas that you can make yourself without spending a fortune, but still be sure of giving your loved one a gift that means something. Often people are extremely touched by a gift that you’ve put the time and effort into, particularly older generations. So if you’re finding it difficult financially this Xmas, try a couple of these homemade ideas:

Memory jars are a fantastic personalised present and particularly good for an older friend or relative. Talk to other family members and ask for picture or memories of the person you’re making the gift for. Then take several business card sized bits of card and write one memory, or stick one picture (or both) to the card. Fold the cards in half and place them inside a suitable container, such as a box or jar (old sweet jars work well, particularly if you take the time to decorate them). Whoever you give this to will be able to take out a bit of card whenever they like and read a treasured memory of them from someone they love. It’s a highly personalised gift that costs nothing, but will mean the world to someone.

A gift that’s more suitable for a younger person would be a safe-style, hollow book. Easy to make and particucularly good for students, teenagers and slightly older children. Buy or find an old, dusty book, glue together the inner pages and then hollow them out with a knife. Having this book mean the recipient will be able to use it to hide anything they want to keep secret or personal, such as a diary, money, etc. Very simple, extremely easy to do and a fantastic way of saving on Christmas gifts.

Personalised and tailored recipe booklets would also make great Christmas stocking fillers. Collect all your favourite recipes, whether they’re Christmas orientated or not, and make it personal with notes or samples of certain recipes. This is a great way of giving a highly personalised gift that will show the recipient how much they mean to you.