When it comes to gift-giving, it really is the thought that counts. A homemade gift can be far more meaningful, not to mention cheaper, than yet another Starbucks gift card. Many homemade gifts can be constructed from objects and materials you already have in your possession, while others may need to be purchased, usually for a small amount. The key to making the perfect homemade gift really is equal parts creativity and thriftiness, with a little bit of thoughtfulness and time thrown in for extra measure.

Making your own gifts may require extra effort in the creativity department, but that's why people love them. Even if you do not consider yourself a creative person, that does not mean you cannot be creative in the gift making and gift giving department. A big part of the creativity comes from the brainstorming effort, and many of the opportunities available today arise from computer programs and the internet, both of which can help you in the creativity department. The key is to tap into your own abilities as an artisan, abilities you may not realize you have until you start making a list.

If you would like to learn more about making your own gifts, this how-to guide offers tips, tricks and advice on how to make your own gifts for any occasion.

• Do-it-yourself gifts may be easier on your pocketbook than their store-bought brethren, but they do require more time to make. You'll need to set aside time to brainstorm an idea, assemble your supplies and actually make the gift.

• How much time you set aside depends on the type of gift you're making. A batch of cookies might mean one long, weekend afternoon, but knitting a scarf could take weeks or months depending on how fast your fingers fly with those needles. Whatever you decide to make, be sure to give yourself enough time to make the gift at a leisurely pace. Making something for someone should be a pleasurable, not stress-inducing, experience.

• As you brainstorm homemade gift ideas for your friends and family, keep your time and supply budget in mind. Otherwise, let your imagination run wild.

1. Consider Your Talents: Are you an artist, writer or musician? Your talents are gold. Write a poem, sing a song or paint a picture.
2. Do Cool Things with Photos: Raid your own or your friend's Flickr page. Print and frame the best shots. Make a cross stitch pattern from them. Create an online scrapbook or comic book.
3. Give the Gift of Experience: Your gift doesn't have to be a material object. Consider taking someone on a picnic or a hike. Teach your friends a new dance or some martial arts moves.
4. Get Geeky: If you're technically-inclined, check out MAKE Blog's Open Source Gift Guide and retrofit an old gadget for new gimmickry.
5. Bake or Knit: You can't go wrong with a lovingly-decorated batch of chocolate chip cookies or crafty classics like knitted scarves and silk-screened t-shirts.

• Still having trouble settling on a gift? Here are some DIY gift ideas to get you started:

• Comic Book

• Download a program like Comic Book Creator or Comic Life, and turn your personal photos into a homemade comic book.

• Radio Show CD

• Download a program which records streaming audio from your computer like Total Recorder Standard Edition or MP3 My MP3, and put radio shows like This American Life, the SModcast or NPR's live concert recordings on CDs for friends.

• Recipe Book

• Collect your family recipes or your friends' favorite foods into a homemade recipe book. If you're feeling especially industrious, you can bind the book yourself.

• Embroidery or Cross Stitch

• Get crafty with hip embroidery designs, or turn your own photos into a cross stitch pattern.

• Snow Globes

• Transform your family photos by inserting them into a handmade snow globe.

• Mix CD

• Share your love and your music with the classic mix tape. Choose songs they'll love, and spend some time crafting a memorable cover.