Body fragrances:  You can’t go wrong with lotions and sprays as gifts for friends. Department stores like Macy’s feature some of the higher end, more expensive designer fragrances, but Bath & Body Works is running a "Buy 3, Get 3 Free" sale on all signature fragrances just in time for the holidays.

Digital Picture Frame:  Load the picture frame with pictures that your gift receiver will enjoy. You know you have plenty photos stashed on your phone and others still waiting to escape the memory card on your digital camera.

Beardheads:  What's more creative than a tossle cap with a beard and a mustache? You can get one of these hats at snorgtees.com or beardhead.com. It may arrive after Christmas, but oh what fun it would be to wear one.

iTunes Gift Cards:  People of all ages like to listen to music, and today almost everyone has an iPod, iPhone or tablet to load the music. And best of all, you can purchase a gift card at almost any location, even at Giant Eagle on Christmas Eve when you’re picking up those last-minute cans of Reddi-Wip, jars of Spanish olives and canisters of Planter’s mixed  nuts.

Gas Gift Cards:  You can find gift cards for gas at Walmart, GetGo at Giant Eagle, Sheetz or most likely any place that sells gasoline.

Kindles/Nooks:  If you know somebody who loves to read but you're not sure what book to buy him or her, try a Kindle or Nook. The gift recipient can download any book he or she wants. Kindles can be purchased for a discounted price at Radio Shack, Walmart and several other stores that feature electronics departments, as well as at Amazon.com. Nooks can be found Barnes and Noble stores and online.

Snow Shovel:  They're inexpensive and always come in handy around Christmas time, as well as in January, February, March and even into April! They can be purchased almost anywhere.

Coupon Books: Get some colorful scrapbook paper and make your own coupons for anything you can offer ─ doing laundry for a week, washing the dishes for a month, babysitting, walking the dog or cleaning up outside after the dog, cutting grass (not redeemable for a while, of course) or even offering a hug when needed.

Hot Chocolate Mug:  Buy a festive coffee mug and some hot cocoa. Add a few candy canes, ribbons and even some marshmallows to make your own inexpensive gift. It may not be completely homemade, but who doesn’t love hot cocoa on a cold winter day.

Cookie in a Jar:  Grab a mason jar and toss in all the ingredients to a delicious cookie recipe. Add some festive ribbon and a nametag to give it a holiday feel. If you’re unsure of the recipe amounts, check out allrecipes.com for a definitive guide to “cookies in a jar” recipes and recipes for just about anything else. You can even enter the ingredients you have on hand to find available recipes.

Tie-Fleece Blankets:  Everybody wants to cuddle up with a warm, fuzzy blanket during the Christmas season and well into winter, especially on those cold, snowy nights. All that’s needed for a tie-fleece blanket is scissors and two large pieces of fleece fabric (purchased at JoAnn Fabrics or Walmart). Cut strips around the edge of the fleece and tie the two pieces together. If you need more detailed instruction, Google “tie fleece blanket directions.”

Homemade Snow Globe: Using any kind of jar (with a lid), a little bit of glycerin and some fake snow, you can create your very own snow globe. Add some Christmas figurines (maybe from old Christmas ornaments or decoration) and you’ve created a sweet holiday keepsake. (Again, if you’re uncertain how to assemble the snow globe, Google is your best friend and teacher.)

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