2. "Stick to your budget." Don't spend more than you intended just because the clock is ticking.

3. "Give the gift of time." If you really want to show people you care, the time you share with them is truly more valuable. Or perhaps you can find ways to enrich or ease their life by offering babysitting, computer assistance, lessons or more.

4. "Consider a creative gift." The weekend is a perfect time to try making some of the cheap, last-minute, easy homemade gifts we've suggested, particularly for food. If you're infusing alcohol or vinegar or something that needs a little time to let the flavors blend, just add a gift tag with sample recipes and a suggested date of decanting.

5. "Don't pile up debt." Seriously --- it's not worth it.

6. "Know when to stop." If you've got gifts for everyone on your list, then don't obsess and continue to shop in the hopes of getting something "perfect."

7. "Give an e-gift card." Many retailers like iTunes and Amazon allow you to send gift cards via e-mail, usually just for online purchases. This is a fantastic option for procrastinators such as myself, although you have to keep in mind all the gift card caveats. Also consider Restaurant.com's Feed it Forward campaign, which allows you to send up to 3 FREE gift Restaurant.com certificates worth $10 every day.

Another great option for friends who are farther away from home? Magazine subscriptions. Hope I haven't spoiled any surprises ...

8. "Send it overnight." Yes, you're paying a lot for that extra time, but Tod says that even the U.S. Postal Service, the lowest priced next-day shipping service, performed well in Consumer Reports tests. And it does buy you some extra time!

9. "Consider regifting." As we've told you before, shopping in your own closet is always going to be cheaper than buying something brand new. However, weigh the gift and recipient carefully. 

(photo: stock.xchng)