Check out our list of inexpensive gift ideas that are stronger on thought than expense, and are therefore more likely to bring out that special smile in that special someone.

1. Candles are the coolest gifts (excuse the pun). They range from the aromatic to simple flavoured, scented, wax, gel, floating, tall, long, short, cylindrical, and conical. The special thing is that you can engrave these with any message you like. Just scrape off the words with a blunt knife and you have a personalized gift for that special someone.

2. Religious books, gardening gloves, flower seeds and packets of nuts, make a good package for any grandmother or father.

3. A digital photo album presentation costs absolutely nothing. It might take some time to select the perfect shots but the end result will be cherished for long years to come. And there are no excuses for IT klutzes...with free online applications like Picasa anyone can do this.

4. Wrap homemade cookies and goodies in a basket hamper and deliver personally to relatives and friends. The thought that you took the time to bake them and deliver them will whisk them off their feet.

5. Bulk up your gifts by giving family rather than individual gifts. For example something to go on the mantel piece or a decorative item for the living room or a crate of wine to share

Some other ideas:

• Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
• Frame your child's artwork and hang it up in the living room
• Deck of cards with card game rules that you can download for free
• Home baked bread, including the recipe
• Fancy chocolate bars tied with a ribbon
• Special coffee cup filled with sweets
• Fancy magazines tied together with a pretty ribbon
• A bottle of homemade pancake mix with a bottle of maple syrup
• Note cards and book of stamps
• Set of dish towels and dish cloths
• Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
• Pretty box for keepsakes
• Flashlight with batteries
• Favourite quote embroidered on a nice handkerchief