Several budget-idea Web sites suggest giving “coupons” redeemable for chores or special favors such as back rubs or trips to the beach.

You also may want to ask yourself and other family members if everyone must give presents to everyone else.

“A lot of families are drawing names of people they’ll give to,” Kampf said.

One practice that has gained notoriety has been regifting, or giving something that another person had given you. According to the Web site freemoneyfinance.com, more than half of Americans regift.

The Web site said the regifting debate “boils down to whether or not the gift is a nice present that the recipient will like.”

The site suggested asking such questions as whether the item is in good condition and workable and to look at your intentions of regifting.

However, Kampf winced at the idea.

“I am not a fan of regifting,” she said. “It could end up hurting the person who gets the gift. Or if the person who gave you the gift ever found out, that wouldn’t be good.”

After buying the present comes the cost and labor of wrapping the present.

Blaich said Dillard’s offers gift wrapping for items bought at the store. There are different charges for gift wrapping, except for fragrances and cosmetics, which are wrapped for free, he said. The store also offers free-gift wrapping on special sales events and for police and military, he said.

Dillard’s customer service cashier Cynthia Acuff wraps many of the presents at the store.

“I’ve been doing it for 10 years with the store,” she said.

Acuff said there are several ways to make your gift look good.

“It does good to have a good pair of sharp scissors,” she said. “Also use good, sturdy wrapping paper, so it will crease easily.”

Arrange your present on the wrapping paper so that you can put the paper’s edge along the edge of the gift box.