Holiday Gifts That Cost Next to Nothing

Offer your professional skills: Whether you're an accountant, a plumber, a writer or a business person, chances are you've got a skill or two that could be turned into a gift. Make a coupon good for a few hours of your services. Hand-write your offer on fancy paper or print up something official-looking on your computer.

Compile a recipe book: Gather your favorite recipes and present them in an attractive format. If you're computer savvy, you might use publishing software such as Adobe's (ADBE Quote) InDesign. Microsoft (MSFT Quote) offers a tutorial on using its programs to make a cookbook. Once you've designed it, get copies made at your local copy shop, or upload your files to a print-on-demand service such as Lulu.com. Or go old-school and put copies of your recipes into a scrapbook or three-ring binder.

Pass along a family heirloom: If you've been planning to give a beloved possession to a loved one, consider doing so now. And if you don't think you have any heirlooms, take another look around your home. You might be surprised by the number of objects you own that hold deep sentimental value to family members or friends. You could give away a painting, jewelry or an old picture. Look for items that might hold practical value, such as a piece of antique furniture or an article of vintage clothing.

Create art: Gift-giving provides an opportunity to share your artistic skills. Write a poem, paint a picture or perform a song -- or just copy a favorite poem onto nice paper in your best handwriting. Loved ones may remember your gift far more dearly than any gift certificate or expensive electronic gadget.