December 18, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Great holiday gifts that won’t break the bank Giving is synonymous with the holi- day season. For many holiday shoppers, thoughtful giving in a way that won’t break the bank is imperative. Many families set limits on how much family members can spend on holiday gifts. Such budgets are a great idea and can even make holiday shopping more fun as shoppers hunt down the perfect gift without having to worry about how they’re going to pay for it. Affordable holiday gifts come in many shapes and sizes, and the following are a few ideas to help you get started. Those searching for a gift for the family foodie are in luck. Plenty of culinary gifts can be had for less than $25. Early risers might appreciate some gourmet coffee beans accompanied by a new coffee mug, while those who prefer tea would no doubt appreciate a variety pack of herbal teas and a new teacup or teapot. Men and women who embrace meal- time as an opportunity to experience vari- ous styles of cuisine would likely love a cookbook filled with recipes from all over the world or a particular country whose cuisine inspires them. Another great gift for foodies is a mem- bership to a club such as “Pastry of the Month” or “Coffee of the Month.” There are often some deals to be had on such memberships come the holiday season. The dawn of the digital age has made photography more popular than ever before. Amateur photographers can now take photos with a digital camera or even their cell phones and post their pictures to the Internet in a matter of seconds. Though online photo albums are popular, a tradi- tional photo album is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for a loved one who can’t take enough pictures. New parents might also consider giving their youngster’s grandparents a photo album filled with photos of the family’s newest addition. Movie buffs are passionate about their favorite films, and feeding that passion can be easy and inexpensive. Many film fans have a favorite director or actor, so consider giving a collection of that direc- tor or actor’s work. Many film fanatics are also interested in the history of the film industry, so a book detailing that history might appeal to your loved ones. Of course, all film fans generally appreciate a gift certificate to their local movie theater. Pet parents are enamored with their furry friends, so a pet-oriented gift is sure to make their holiday season even more special. A new bowl, a flashy new collar or some additional attire aimed at help- ing their beloved pooch or cat stay warm through the winter months won’t cost much, but it’s certainly something most pet owners and their pets need. For the pet parent who seemingly has everything, remember that pets can never have enough toys. Pets tend to play rough, so their toys aren’t known for longev- ity. Some new pet toys can be had on the cheap, and pet parents will appreciate the gesture. One of the best holiday gifts is rest and relaxation. Offer to babysit a loved one’s kids so the adults can enjoy a worry-free night on the town or simply relax at home without the kids. Another R&R gift is a spa trip for you and a loved one. While this won’t neces- sarily qualify as an inexpensive holiday gift, you can often get great deals on spa treatments and other luxurious services when you book for two. Booking such a trip is also a way to reward yourself for surviving another holiday season.