Christmas is an occasion where we take time out to be with loved ones, relax and give gifts that are meaningful and thoughtful. At times, we get so wrapped up in the material aspect of gift giving that we forget what giving is all about.

Here are some ideas for homemade gifts that will let your friends and family know you love them, without breaking the bank.

– Photo bookmarks are fun and easy to make. Use old pictures, magazine cutouts and lots of creativity.

– If you really want to get artistic, look around your house for packets of different flavors of Kool-Aid. Pour the different colors into little glass bottles and make pretty sand art-type gifts.

– For people with high-stress lifestyles, homemade stressballs are the perfect gift to calm their nerves. All you need is a heavy balloon and about a cup of flour to pour into it. Tie it tightly, decorate the balloon with markers, and let them squeeze the stress away.

– If you have a computer and a printer, personalized stationary and envelopes are ideal gifts that allow you to get creative. You can also print calendars with a different photograph for each month. Don’t forget to add important dates like birthdays, anniversaries and vacation dates.

– Make a booklet of personal coupons to redeem at any time during the year. Include things like a 30-minute massage, running errands, homemade dinner, or any favor that would make their lives a little less stressful.

Whatever gifts you decide to give, whether it is homemade or store bought, it is the thought that counts. If you give a gift from the heart, you’ll never go wrong.