Frugal Festivies: Three thoughtful gift ideas that will not break your bank

Recycled Sweater Mittens

This easy gift requires no knitting or crocheting at all, so anyone can do it. First, find an old sweater or something that is knitted. Next, trace your hand onto a piece of paper with your fingers together and your thumb stuck out. Then, draw a line about an inch around the traced hand in the shape of a mitten to make room for sewing and your hand. Trace this onto a piece of the sweater and cut it out. Make sure to flip the pattern around for the other half of the pattern. Next, with the sweater pieces backward, sew the two sides together. Finally, flip the sewn pieces outside-in.

Three-Ingredient Cookies

Around the holidays, treats make great gifts that require no money to make, especially these three-ingredient peanut butter cookies. First, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together one cup of peanut butter, one cup of sugar and one egg until smooth. Drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for six to eight minutes, but be careful not to over-bake them.

Because they are so simple, these cookies can be made in large batches and delivered to neighbors, friends and family in decorated paper bags or boxes. Other treat ideas include homemade caramels, or fudge.

Memory Jar

This gift is great for friends or significant others. Simply write down memories or quotes from the person you are giving it to on small pieces of paper. Roll each piece of paper up and tie it with red string or ribbon, and put them in a jar. You can paint the jar if you want with a name or fun colors.