Gift cards all the way - let them spend the money on what they want/need. I also do lots of baking - cookies and bread - for extended family. This way I can give them something but its WAY cheaper then a "regular" gift.

I am always the one with a camera taking pictures at all the family and friend parties/gatherings, so I always end up with some great pics. I will often take these pictures and frame them or turn them into "faux" magazine covers, turn them B&W or a Sepia tone with a quote or something meaningful printed on them. I'm always buying frames and photo paper when they go on sale, so I always have a stash at home to throw together a quick but meaningful gift for someone close. Everyone has always loved these, the kids especially when they see themselves on the cover of "Dance Mania" magazine, or something with a picture of them from their recent recital. I've even been able to make a little extra $$ by making these for friends or family members as their gifts to in-laws or other relatives. It's a great way to save, give a meaningful gift and maybe even make some extra $$ on the side!

With 17...yes 17 nieces and nephews my husband and I long ago decided that once you turned 18 you stopped getting birthday and Christmas gifts.  I do bake at the holidays and send a goody box to each family but no individual gifts.  Neither my sister or sisters-in-law bake so the cookies and candies are always a hit.

Our daughter wanted a digital camera a few years back and I consulted a friend who's a professional photographer.  He recommend www.refurbdepot.com.  We got her a great camera, much nicer than we would have been able to afford at full price, that she has been using without any trouble for years.  We have also purchased a flat screen tv, GPS and video IP for a fraction of the price at that site.

I do not understand why people say it is wrong or not thoughtful to give gift cards.  My kids would much rather have a gift card so they can buy what they want or need.( I have one in college; one in high school.)  With the economy the way it is, I myself would rather have a gift card or money so I can pay my bills or put food on the table or buy some much needed work clothes.  Trust me, the gift cards are very appreciated.  I also would rather give them, especially to students, because you don't know what they need. I would rather the recipent be able to use the gift I give them,whether it be a gift card or homemade cookies, than to have that cute little knick knack sitting around collecting dust that they don't like and only have out because they feel obligated.  

From the time the first grandchild was born almost 15 years ago, my parents have always given the kids (10 of them now) savings bonds for their birthday and other special occasions (baptism, first communion, etc).  By the time they graduate high school, they will have a nice bit of savings for college expenses, car, money towards a first apartment, whatever they will need at that point.  Plus one less toy/gadget that gets played with for a while and then forgotten in the toybox.

I agree.  I've read repeatedly that "gift cards are non gifts or not thoughtful"....BULLHOCKEY!  We love to get them, and give them to all of those we can.  My Mother is 86, a widow, and lives alone.  She can always use gift cards for groceries, toiletries or gas.  Another thing the elderly appreciate are an assortment of greeting cards with a book of stamps.  I've given that as a "gift" several times, and am always told how thoughtful and useful it is.   We have 9 grandkids all in different states, ages 7 to 21.......gift cards are life savers!!!!!  I used to buy them gifts, but have seen too many in their closets unused - so gift cards allow them to choose what they want - not what I think they might want.

Not to be un appreciative, snobby or greedy, but if someone donate to a charity in my name...I would not find that nice. I mean, you the gift giver is doing this to save money by deducting it, plus maybe I already gave to that charity at the time. Maybe I would prefer a gift card to pay a bill or buy something I wanted because I donated to a charity! I love to have something to open. I love to have a gift card too because I can then go get what I wanted or needed, and not something that will sit and collect dust, or be given to someone else as a gift. I also love to give to charity or non-profit groups, but I would never do it in someone elses name.

I have a new nephew this year and I know everyone will want to buy him a toy and he will end up with more then he can play with. So I am offering to pay for him to go to a Mommy and Me class of his (and Moms) choice. Such as a music or gym class.

This year my plan is to buy items from a website that donates to a cause important to my loved ones.  CharityUSA.com has several causes they support.  I have 2 cousins and an aunt who are teachers so I'm buying from The Literacy Site so not only do I have something for them to open over the holidays, the site will also purchase books to help support literacy.  It's a win-win all over.

I have to disagree with the gift cards and donating in someone's name ideas. The entire point of a gift is to make someone happy and feel special. Gift cards prove how little you know someone (even if they get a store you like...my dad may be able to narrow it down that I like Ann Taylor, but would never be able to pick out something I would actually buy). My favorite gifts are the ones that you give for no reason at random times because you saw something that made you think of someone. The amount of money really doesn't matter and you can spend less money and have a bigger impact by not giving a gift card. For example, I could have bought my younger cousin a $50 gift card to a bookstore since she loves to read, but since she told me the other day how she has really strange dreams and loves to think about their meaning and try to remember them all, the $20 dream decoder book with matching journal will be a far more personal gift.