The gift-giving season is upon us! With our budgets strapped due to the economic crisis, I am depending on creativity to stretch my dollar more than ever this holiday season. Today I’ll be sharing 5 of my favorite gift ideas. I hope one or more of them will help you tackle your shopping list while you saving time and money.

1. These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I enjoy giving gifts with a personalized flair. Instead of ordering gift baskets online and paying for shipping, I create “My Favorite Things” baskets.

Do you have a favorite local wine, best-loved barbecue sauce or bubble bath that you can’t live without? Why not share your good taste with your loved ones?

You can purchase inexpensive and reusable baskets along with shredded paper for filling at a craft store. Next, add a few of your own favorite items along with some homemade cookies or a bag of Chex® Muddy Buddies® to sweeten the deal.

Make your basket extra special by adding a homemade card or ornament. Include a family picture or a hand-written copy of your favorite holiday song inside as well. Wrap your basket in cellophane; add a big bow and you’re all set!

2. Get Ready for Your Close Up

Do you own a digital camera? Schedule an appointment with your loved ones for their very own photo shoot. Take pictures outside, with the pets, at their favorite park or maybe even wearing those awful matching Christmas sweaters. Be the artistic photographer and let your imagination go wild!

You can present this gift in a couple of ways. You can print out the best shot, frame it and tape the memory card to the back. Or, if you have a little bit more money in the budget, purchase a digital photo frame and load the memory card inside. Either way, this gift is sure to put a smile on the face of the recipient.

3. You Can't Go Wrong With The White House

Commemorate the 2008 election year with a treasured collectible. White House Ornaments are always a well-received present or classy hostess gift.

4. Give the Gift of Giving Back

Make a donation in the name of a family member or loved one or give a gift card so they can choose the charity.

5. Time is Everything

Give the gift of yourself this year. Create a gift certificate that entitles the recipient to quality time with you. Make Grandma dinner. Give your kids a movie night with Mom. Promise your husband a date.

This is a great gift idea because everyone involved wins and no one has to stand in those long return lines!

You can find Kimberly Petro on the DC Metro Moms blog or in Petroville where she lives and writes daily.