12 Holiday Gifts for Under $10

Be it an office party, a neighbor or service person there's many small gift needed that can overwhelm a budget. What to do? Here's 15 holiday gifts for many people for under $10. Often there are office exchanges or other reasons for an under $10 budget. Keep in mind that with many Americans in serious debt 10 gifts at $10 is $100 - so even saving is relative. Prioritize your gift list and charge less. Don't be lured into more debt and yet still give things people can enjoy.

Without delving into personal lives figure personal interests. What is on their desk gives clues as to interests and styles. Do they have pictures of pets or family? What scents do they like or are they allergic to scents? Are they a reader and if so what do they enjoy? It doesn't have to be an interview! Observe, ask a few questions. Do they like a certain music style or group? Are they the medatative/reflective sort? These things can give a better idea as to making the gift fit. Some gift ideas take little time and can be made much cheaper than purchased.

1. Potpourri jar. This is a very easy, very inexpensive project that even most children can do. If it's a bathroom project consider using a wide mouthed plastic jar especially if there's children in the home. A cleaned out plastic clear food jar works great. For the one pictured I used a glass vase. Using dried potpourri (there's many colors and scents available) and a short strand of Christmas lights - 25-50 light strand depending on the size of the jar. Keep the plug end out and start by putting the other end onto a handful of potpourri placed in the jar, looped around on the potpourri and simply layer the dried potpourri and lights until you're left with the last 6-8 inches of cord. Take a contrasting or matching bit of cloth and secure with a rubber band, topped with a piece of ribbon. Typical cost - the one pictured was $1 for the vase, $1 for potpourri, $1.50 for lights. The cloth and ribbon was on hand. Time - 5 minutes. These are easy to put together and when lit gently warm the potpourri just enough to release the scent, and also provide and accent light for the bathroom, desk or bookcase.