A young cancer patient embraces a clown after receiving a gift at the La Mascota children's hospital in Managua December 5, 2013. Over 15,000 toys will be delivered by the Burned Children Care Foundation (APROQUEN) to children in different hospitals of the country in celebration of Christmas. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas

Christmas gifts need not be expensive to be appreciated by its recipients. The old adage, "It's the thought that counts," still holds true after all these years. Generally, handmade gifts are considered special because they are customized, original, artistic and a product of love and imagination. Also, it won't cost an arm and a leg. Here are five affordable Christmas gift ideas for everyone, including your parents, grandparents, family members, friends and coworkers.

Workers gift-wrap orders for delivery at Amazon's distribution center in Phoenix, Arizona November 22, 2013. The web-based retailer is preparing for Cyber Monday, which is traditionally the busiest day of the year for online purchases, and falls on December 2 in 2013. REUTERS/Ralph D. Freso

5 Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas For


1. Parents

A nice Christmas gift for parents will be their children's doodles or a small note from them or even some sweet words lifted from a story, poem or song and handwritten by them. If their kids are into drawings, this could also work. Ask their child or children to pick a favourite phrase, thought or quote and then have them write their chosen quote on a fabric scrap. After they have written it, make sure to frame it. Or ask them to draw a picture, sign it with their names, frame it and then wrap it in pretty paper or put a bow on it to give to their parents on Christmas Day. Click HERE to see a sample. You can also add your own touch to the drawing by tweaking it out a bit using a simple blended-tone marker style on it. Click HERE for steps on how to employ this blending technique on a drawing.

2. Grandparents

A perfect Christmas gift for the grandparents is an inexpensive and handmade time capsule. It must have some souvenirs from memorable trips like tickets, photos, seashells and a map. Or you can also add a flashdrive in it filled with photos, videos and songs for your grandparents. Not only that this gift easy and affordable, it is also very thoughtful. Grandparents will surely love this gift that allows them to remember and relive fleeting moments with loved-ones.

3. Family

A great Christmas gift for the entire family would be a monogram artwork which can be done by embellishing a flat frame with wrapped twine and then wrapping a letter (purchased in a store) that represents the family's last name such as "S" in fabric or twine. Attach the letter to the back of the frame with a matching ribbon.

4. Bestfriend

For your best friend, a unique Christmas gift would be some cute tea towels stitched with simple designs or words. All you have to do is buy inexpensive and plain white cotton tea towels. Then, draw your chosen design using a pencil. After drawing your pattern, create a simple running or back stitch following the pattern and using a dark thread.

5. Coworker

For your favorite coworker, a useful Christmas gift would be a handmade pencil holder. It can be constructed using a block of 4x4-inch wood that is sanded out and painted with a cheery design. Throw in a blank journal and make it a functional gift set for your coworker.

These five affordable Christmas gift ideas for everyone, including parents, grandparents, entire family, best friend and coworker are extra special ways to let your loved ones know that you love them and you appreciate them. The time and effort it takes and a whole lot of creativity can spell the difference between an expensive but generic gift to a memorable and beautiful yet affordable Christmas present.

READ MORE:

Holiday 2013 Gift Guide: Top 5 Gifts for Men [PHOTOS] (Click HERE)

Holiday 2013 Gift Guide: Top 5 Gifts for Women [PHOTOS] (Click HERE)

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: 5 Books for Young Kids (Click HERE)