There are many strategies to save money on gifts and in a year where the economy and our personal budget is not great it's even more important.

Here are some tips presented by mlive.com:

THINK OUTSIDE THE GIFT BOX -- ``I like giving my kids an experience as a gift,'' Swager said. ``Last year, my mom gave my daughter, Lydia, quilting lessons and her sister, Harriett, crocheting lessons. ... The wonderful part is that they get to spend time with the gift-giver and create memories.''

CONSIDER THE PRACTICALITY OF THE GIFT -- Take the recipient's budget into account when you buy a gift. If your brother is strapped for cash right now, five car washes for $30 might be much more appreciated than that obligatory $40 sweater you might grab at the last minute. You both win.

THINK OUTSIDE THE MALL -- While many shoppers don't usually think of convenience stores or a local pharmacy when it comes to holiday purchases, they can be cost-savers. ``I found out that my pharmacy gives a $25 gift card when you transfer a prescription,'' Swager said. ``So when I used my $25 gift card with the $5-off-a-$20-purchase coupon, I bought a $30 gift for the $5.47 cost of the transferred prescription.''

WATCH FOR ``PIGGYBACK'' OFFERS -- If you plan to give a restaurant gift certificate, watch your mailbox for coupons or call around for ``piggyback'' gift certificates. For instance, Kumo Hibachi & Sushi in Portage is giving away a $10 gift certificate with every $50 certificate that is purchased. TGI Friday's in Kalamazoo offers the same deal.

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY LATER -- For teenagers, especially those of driving age, consider stocking them up with the stuff they need cash for all year long. Gas cards and oil changes are handy, along with gift certificates for fast-food, movies, bowling, arcades and laser tag. Those gifts will keep them happy and socializing -- on their own dime -- long after Christmas.

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