Homemade gifts are a thoughtful alternative to maxing out a MasterCard this holiday season.

The American Research Group’s latest statistics indicate that families planned to spend $646 on Christmas gifts in 2011.

Instead of breaking the bank this year, try these ideas that cost less money and time to make than a trip to buy at the overcrowded mall.

Bake something

Find seasonal treat recipes online.  Some Christmas favorites include toffee, peppermint bark, gingerbread, sugar cookies and, for the ambitious, marzipan.

Holiday boxes and tins are perfect for housing edible gifts.  Line a box with tissue paper (or cellophane wrap for greasier goodies, such as the cookies), or just place the treats directly in a tin.

These easy gifts require no wrapping, as the containers are already decorative.  Check Michaels stores for discounted boxes and tins.

Encourage baking

Choose a cookie recipe that requires ingredients with several different textures, such as chocolate chip oatmeal raisin.

Mix first the uniform ingredients, such as baking powder and flour, to create a single layer in an airtight glass jar. Alternate the remaining ingredients to create distinct layers.

Tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the jar, and include a holiday card with baking instructions.

Walk down memory lane

A surefire way to make mom cry is to assemble a collection of family photos.

With sites like Shutterfly and Vista Print, it’s easy to upload a few photos to make a calendar, a coffee mug or a digital scrapbook.

Both websites offer various discounts during the holidays.  Be sure to look for coupon codes to apply before checking out online.

Find a fixer-upper

Surprisingly, a great gift can be a re-gift.  Does a little sister’s teddy bear need a new button eye?  Does dad’s guitar need dusting and
restringing?

Taking the time to rejuvenate something the receiver already cares about is personal and thoughtful gift-giving.

If creative endeavors are more intimidating than going broke, at least save some time by shopping online.

The crowded Bay Area malls leave a lot to be desired during the holiday season.  Amazon can be a great place to shop for gifts, as it requires nothing more than a click of a mouse.

The website’s products are often less expensive than those in stores.  And for far away family members, Amazon’s gift wrapping and shipping service can be faster, cheaper and more convenient than shipping gifts through the post office.

Have a happy holiday season filled with friends, family and financial stability!