It’s our favorite time of the year: the semester has ended, you’ve just attacked those finals and can finally breathe a little easier now that you can go home for that well deserved break. It is likely that one of the few things on our minds is……HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

You may also notice that your wallet is a bit thinner than expected. So if you’re searching for some inexpensive but thoughtful gift ideas this holiday season, I invite you to take a look at a few selections to help with your last minute shopping:

Flannel Pajamas: No one can resist the alluring warmth and comfort that’s guaranteed with a pair of flannel pajamas. Flannel pajamas can make a perfect gift for anyone, whether it is for your relatives or best girlfriends. The best part about them is that you can generally find them for $25 or less. For that inexpensive price, check out stores like Target, which feature flannel pajama sets ranging from $14.99 to $19.99.

Gift Cards: No one will turn down “free money,” so you can never go wrong with the right gift card! All it takes is pairing the right gift card with the right person. Do you have a girlfriend who loves to stock up on shoes? Then a gift card to her favorite shoe store is the perfect selection. I say gift cards are also a great selection for the guys in your life, particularly if they are video game or movie lovers. Just pass along that Best Buy gift card and watch them roam wild! Specifically, Best Buy gift card values are available at prices like $5, $10, $15, $20, $25 and up to $500.

Jewelry: If you are willing to stretch your budget just a little bit higher, I suggest jewelry. Try a nice pair of earrings or necklace for a girlfriend or relative. For the guys, I say they can always use a handsome watch, or maybe a money clip. Wallet friendly department stores are usually a good place to look for great jewelry at a decent retail price. Zales (the Diamond Store) has a wide selection of jewelry for $100 or less for both men and women, such as these Stackable Birthstone Eternity Bands for $30.

Spa Baskets: For any relatives or friends that love to pamper themselves within the walls of their home, then you can’t go wrong with a spa gift. In addition to the typical essentials that come along in a gift basket (i.e. the lotions, showers gel, bath beads, body cream, etc.) don’t forget to add the incense and candles. Not only do these make a great gift but they are versatile and inexpensive –a good price range, depending on where you go, should be from $20 to $40. Check out Bath and Body Works for a variety of spa and skin care baskets, like their Signature Collection Luxury Bath basket that is offered at $35.

Be Creative!: If your cash flow just isn’t looking up for the holiday season, have no fear—no one said the best holiday gift had to come from a store! Why not put together a scrapbook of pictures of your family during past holidays and give it to your grandmother? How about painting a picture and getting it framed to give to your mother? Or writing a poem? If someone you know is a pet lover and would love a new companion, why not adopt a pet?

If you’re looking for a place to get you started on your holiday craft, check out Michaels: The Arts and Crafts Store. The best gifts are always the ones that are personally tailored, and these are priceless!