Christmas cookies are always an option, but baking takes time and talent that not everybody has. Mother’s Macaroons (2442 N. Harrison St, Arlington, VA, 703-532-6991) has delicious and attractive alternatives for $4.95 each.

Making ornaments is a unique, easy idea. You can personalize them for a trip you went on or just with things that remind you of your friendship. This was made for a baby shower favor. All the materials cost around $3.00 and are available at Michael’s in Seven Corners.

Pictures are always a treasured, personalized gift that looks like you put a lot of thought into it. Snap a picture of the two of you and slip it in one of these photo key chains or photo magnets (perfect for locker or refrigerator decoration). Each of these is just $0.99 at Michael’s.

Everybody loves clothes, but most times they’re too expensive to get for a lot of people…unless you make them yourself. Then they’re even more personal, too! You can get a t-shirt for around $3.00 at Michael’s and then iron-on letter transfers that you can use more than once for another $3.00.

Personalized stationary can run $20.00 and up, but if you make it yourself, it’s more special and much more inexpensive. Take some computer paper (or buy nicer paper for a few dollars at Staples) and cut it in half. If you’re artistic, draw a little picture of something your friend enjoys; if you’re not, buy a stamp for a dollar. Include a pen for $0.99 from Michael’s and you’re good to go.

An unexpected but surely appreciated gift is flowers. Vases are only $1.99 at Michael’s and you can get three bouquets for $12.00 at Giant. A little over $5.00, but you can split the flowers up and use a single bouquet for more than one vase.

Everybody loves Starbucks. How about a $5.00 card? Five bucks might seem cheap, but if you explain that you thought of how much it would cost them to get a grande drink and a little treat, you’re no longer cheap—you’ve just treated them to a thoughtful breakfast.

Combine an inexpensive gift with a thoughtful promise. Give these chopsticks from The Container Store (http://www.thecontainerstore.com) for locations and set a date to get a video and pig out on Chinese food.

One final idea is to have a joke gift exchange with your friends. Since there’s nothing you really need to get for Christmas, why not make some fun of it? Dollar City in Seven Corners has a ton of "great" gift options for $1.00. Every Christmas, each member of my family brings a gag gift, draws numbers, and picks one out. It’s always fun to see what sort of surprise is underneath the wrapping paper.