It isn’t too late to shop! Yes, all the most noted shopping days are past, but it is never too late to find a bargain.

The clearance aisles and racks in all the stores still have a lot to offer. All of this merchandise offers a possibility for giving. Cute little cosmetic bags are great presents for the young teen. Fill the “bargain” bag with lip balms, lip glosses, eye shadow, and blush. What a gift! Pens and gift note items can fill a holiday tin and serve as a stationery box! Dog collars, past holiday paper products, discontinued gift sets of lotion and cologne can serve as unexpected, dollar-stretching gifts.

More and more sophisticated shoppers are opening their minds to the “bargain” items. In today’s economy it helps to remember why we are celebrating. Money is tighter this year for all of us “regular” people. Gift funds may have been used up during the gas crunch. Unexpected doctor bills had to be paid. Whatever the reason, the fact is our country is in a recession year.

Anyone who is offended by receiving a “bargain” gift must be unaware of an old adage: “…it’s the thought that counts…”.

The holiday gifts may be found at the dollar stores. Browse…get a theme in mind! Fill a shopping bag with tissue-wrapped surprises that don’t drain your budget.

Shop E-bay…there is still time to find some really great buys and some offer free shipping.

Hand-made gifts are impressive! Get the children involved, and teach them that making gifts for family and friends is a wonderful holiday practice. Some ideas include making earrings (Wal*Mart has all the necessary tools and supplies in the hobby aisles), book marks with a cute poem or school picture becomes Grandma’s treasure, soaps (Hobby Lobby carries everything including melt and pour formulas which even children can use snap), tins of homemade cookies (Nestle makes it easy with break-apart cookies in the refrigerated case).

Do you have a favorite book on your shelf? Making it a gift to a best friend is the most precious gift of all. If you can’t bear to part with it, search half.com for bargain copies of your title.

Give journals. Dollar General has gobs of them. Tuesday Morning stores carry them, too. Write the recipient’s name on the inside cover. Add a meaningful quote or special greeting…and the date. All that makes the journal so personal and your gift will be treasured.

School or family pictures in a frame (check the frames at the discount stores) are terrific family gifts. A picture of neighbor’s house on a snowy day is a memorable gift. The gift note might say that “snow or not” it is wonderful to be neighbors.

It is Season’s Greetings to all! It is a season of love and peace. We reflect upon the blessings of life. Keep the spirit of love in the holidays! That is priceless!