With two families to shop for (real life and those on Raymond), Sweeten has become a pro gift-giver with great ideas that will encourage kids of all ages to get into this holiday tradition without having to dip into their piggy banks.

"Each year, I love coming up with new, fun ideas for easy presents that make my friends and family feel special," says Sweeten. "It adds to the excitement of the season, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to make it memorable." Madylin offers the following creative holiday gift-giving tips on a kid's budget:

* MAKE IT HOMEMADE AND FROM THE HEART:
Design a family album of mementos and photos from trips, parties and other special times together. Kids can make it unique to their family by adding fun captions to the photos and using markers and paper in their parent's favorite colors. It's a great opportunity to create something with siblings that can be given to parents as a special reminder of time spent together as a family.

* BUY A GIFT THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE:
Find a fun and healthy gift that can appeal to the whole family like Crest SpinBrush, which makes a great stocking stuffer and costs less than $6. They are available in adult models, like Crest SpinBrush Pro, and cool kid's designs that make brushing fun -- and you can choose models that meet the taste and personality of everyone on your list, like fire truck, princess and astronaut. TOP

* FILL A COOKIE JAR WITH
A YEAR'S FULL OF LOVING MESSAGES:
Create a jar of 365 reasons why you love your special someone, so that each day they can open one up and receive a heart-filled message from you. Write the messages on decorative paper, fold them in half and put them in a big cookie jar. This is a great gift for friends or relatives who live far away and who kids may not see very often.

* GIVE GIFTS WITH A THEME:
Create a themed gift based around the special interests of family and friends. For example, if someone on your list loves cooking, fill a large, pottery mixing bowl full of their favorite spices, pasta, recipe ideas, seasonal cookie cutters and special cooking utensils. This idea doesn't cost a lot, but looks substantial and thoughtful. TOP

* CREATE PERSONALIZED MUSIC:
Burn a CD or make a tape for friends or siblings with all of their favorite songs. Choose tunes that they love by a new singer or from a movie and create a personalized CD on a stereo or computer. Customize the case cover with a photo or decorate it with fun designs. It's a surefire way to give them something that they will enjoy and use.
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