There is never a lack of occasions. Nearly every month, someone has a birthday, an anniversary, a new baby, an engagement, a bar mitzvah, a new home, or a raise. There are plenty of reasons to give gifts, but the funds with which to do so aren’t always as plentiful. For young people, still starting their careers, and just those of us struggling to meet life’s usual demands, being generous at gift time isn’t as easy as we’d like. Sometimes having anything at all to give can be a struggle. Sharing your support for a friend or family member doesn’t have to drain your account, however; there are limitless ways to recognize a special day and an even more special person while spending almost nothing. Gifts that show creativity and that come from the heart are always the most memorable anyway. Below are ten gifts that anyone can afford.

1. Thanks for the Memories

One of the best ways to show you care at a minimal cost is to build a memory book. This can be as simple as a photo album or it can be something you pour hours of cutting and pasting scraps into from your years of friendship with the person. Use ticket stubs, birthday cards, fortune cookie fortunes, theater programs, and anything else you have collected. Add captions to the photographs that describe the event or the significance of the day.

Another version of the memory book can be a collection of the person’s sayings or stories. This is a great gift for a father or mother who has been giving you useful or funny advice throughout the years. The saying book can also be a collection of inside jokes between you and a best friend. These are catch phases that only the two of you understand. The best part of this gift is reading the book together or sharing it with the guests at a birthday party.

2. This Song’s for You

It has become much more common these days to have a cd burner as part of a home computer. If your personal computer does not have one of these devices, chances are that one of your friends will have one you can borrow. A handmade cd mix can make an incredibly personal gift. The cd can have a theme based on the occasion or relationship you have with the person, or it can just be a mix of songs you think they will love. People are always impressed by the amount of time and effort that goes into a gift like this.

3. The World's a Stage

Few people make time to go to the theater anymore, so a trip to a play becomes an unusual and exciting event. There are several websites that offer discount ticket prices to plays, and the membership to these websites and newsletters is usually free. Two tickets to a great play can be purchased for less than movie tickets, and they will be perceived as a more creative gift. Just be aware that people often expect dinner with a trip to the theater, so if you don’t want to get stuck with the tab, you may want to cook something or pick a show time late in the evening.

4. Laughter is The Best Medicine for Empty Pockets

One gift option that is perfect for a miniscule budget is a gag gift. This is an item that you don’t expect the person to really use but that will trigger a funny memory or an inside joke. Get creative. Is there something you have been teasing the person about? Is there something your friend absolutely hates that you could get him just to pull his leg? Gag gifts always go over well no matter how little is spent on them.

5. It’s Just a Walk in the Park

Find the most beautiful park in your neighborhood, and plan a picnic. Put effort into packing a pretty lunch with homemade goodies. Use nice dishes, real silverware, cloth napkins, and a woven basket. A formal presentation will show that you didn’t just pull this together last minute.

6. There’s No Place Like Home Cooking

Cook an elegant dinner at home. If it is a romantic situation light candles and use sensual ingredients. For a friend or parent, make sure the person feels like the guest of honor. Be very gracious, and make sure to wait on them attentively. Don’t go overboard buying ingredients you can’t afford. Choose recipes that use spices you already have and that can be purchased at a minimal expense.

7. I Feel Pretty

This gift is ideal for a best friend or for mom. Create a spa experience at home. Give your friend a manicure and pedicure including a foot and hand massage. Exfoliating scrubs and lotions can be purchase very inexpensively. You can even apply a facial mask and then do her make-up for her. Play relaxing music and give her tea or lemonade to sip while she is pampered. Get creative. Just paying this kind of special attention to someone can be far more memorable than most gifts you could purchase.

8. The Gift of Giving

Make a small donation in the person’s name. This gift is not ideal for everyone, but many friends and family will find it touching. Plant a tree in Israel in their honor, or donate a book to the library in their name. There are many donations that can be made at very low costs, and the person will like the idea that you thought of them as someone who would prefer to do something good for other people rather than getting something for his or herself. Even if the person would prefer a more material kind of gift, they will never admit it.

9. Lean on Me

Do you have a skill that you know could be useful to your friend or loved one? Teach your friend how to use the computer, swing dance, crochet, cook, or garden. It’s hard to get people to give up their time, and your offer will not go unappreciated. Present the gift as a certificate that explains the skill you will teach. Perhaps your friend is in need of a major favor. You could offer to help a friend remodel, move to a new home, clean out and reorganize the closets in the house, or you could even drive your friend around while his or her car is in the shop. You probably have more to offer than you think.

10. Do the Legwork

This is the perfect gift when you really want to give something special and you simply lack the funds. Find out the person’s hobbies and interests such as vegetarian cuisine, antiques, black and white movies, or rock climbing. Use the Internet and the library to research recourses for them. Create a collection of the best vegetarian restaurants in the state or the best places to rock climb. Hand the list to them presented neatly with a cover. They will be thrilled that you put in so much time, and they will probably be anxious to try out new locations you have scouted out.