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Every year, shoppers with deep pockets await glossy Christmas catalogues from Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Holt Renfrew and other luxury retailers.

The items showcased are drop-dead gorgeous and expensive. But when that final, dreamy catalogue page closes most people wake up to a cold, hard reality.

As much as we may want to, most shoppers will never be able to give a loved one a one-of-a-kind trip to that 2012 Monaco Grand Prix with Hugo Boss (C$45,000) or that 14-day getaway for two to Bali (C$53,000) featured in this year's Holt's catalogue.

Cash-strapped shoppers may covet those Verdura strawberry-shaped cuff links (US11,500) and countless other dizzying gift picks in Bergdorf's catalogue.

Shoppers may even need some oxygen after they peruse the limited edition Ferrari FF car (US$395,000) or the gorgeously decorated Mongol nomad tent (US$75,000) included in the Neiman Marcus catalogue.

Still, the Average Joe shouldn't let such out-of-reach gift ideas get them down.

Even in today's tough economic times, ideas are still free. These catalogues are full of inspiration to play with and adapt to your own budget, no matter how small that may be.

"Forget about the money. Thought is the key," said Tarra Stubbins, Mattel's Holiday Helper for 2011 and the president of Take it Easy Personal Concierge services in Toronto.

For example, if you can't afford a Ferrari for the car lover in your family find a toy car version or a great book or calendar about the company. You may even find a suitable pick in the Dollar Store, so don't limit yourself. Your final pick, plus a wonderful card that reflects the recipient's passion for sports cars, will be just as meaningful and a much better fit for tight budgets.

Apply such creative thinking to save on department store beauty products that are rolled out for the holiday season.

For example, if you can't afford that pricey designer bath package for mom, make your own bath salts.

"Go online," said Stubbins. "There are websites out there that will show you how to make the bath salts. That's what I did one Christmas for my mom and she loved it."

Whatever alternative you come up with, the key is to put some real thought into these adaptations and connect with your loved ones with the heart, not the mighty dollar.

GIFT PICKS WITH MEANING

1. Jewelry that gives back

There isn't a woman in the world who wouldn't love a Cartier bracelet, especially one like the simple, black Trinity One bracelet with its black strap and intertwined circles of pink, yellow and white gold. But for those who can't afford the C$525 price tag, Kwiat offers an affordable alternative full of caring social consciousness. For US$100, holiday shoppers can pick up Kwiat's Diamond Waterdrop Bracelet, which bears a small silver waterdrop set with a .02 diamond on a leather bracelet. All profits from Kwiat bracelet will go to fund charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. For more information visit the. 

2. Beat the-can't-afford-to-travel blahs

The holiday season is always a popular time for travel getaways. But many people today can't afford a first-class ticket to some sunny beach. Don't be discouraged. You can still capture that feeling of a holiday getaway close to home. If you life in one of Canada's big metropolitan centres, plan DIY day trips to parts of town you've never before explored. For example, Torontonians can capture that feeling of Old World Europe by touring the 19th century buildings and laneways of the city's Distillery District. If you're in Montreal and can't afford a European ski trip, look for local parks or rural establishments that will allow cross-country treks for next to nothing. Make one day a trip to a local market with the kids.

Head on a skating excursion to a snowy park with the family or take in the colour and bustle of a holiday bazaar. Call your local city hall, choose your destinations and turn this holiday staycation into the gift of time with those you love.

3. Gingerbread house full of family spirit

What would the holidays be with a gingerbread house sitting on the table? Some gingerbread options will send your kids' jaws dropping to the floor. Last year, Neiman Marcus included a spectacular, 6.6 foot-high gingerbread house in its catalogue from Dylan's Candy Bar, which featured 381 lbs of dough, 517 lbs of icings and a price tag of $US15,000. Real families on a budget can't afford such sweet treats. But they can take this idea and work with it. Try sourcing out a gingerbread making class in your area and sign up the whole family to take part. This year, for example, Toronto's Casa Loma is offering such a class as part of its holiday Elves in the Workshop program. Running through the month of December, classes will include a gingerbread house that's 3.5 inches tall, all the candy to decorate it and a box to take your creation home. Tickets are $18.50 for kids, $22.99 for adults, plus HST. For more information visit  .

4. High tea without the high price tag

Every year, loyal gal pals sit down to a scrumptious holiday tea at some of the world's best hotels. For a fraction of the cost, however, they can organize an at-home version of this annual event and do some good for the world's less fortunate. High tea basics are simple. Appoint a host, set a date and lay out platters of scones, cookies and sandwiches for guests to enjoy. Then add this socially-responsible twist: Serve guests pots of Ineeka Pure Organic Teas (US$9.99 a carton). Ineeka runs 12 self-sustaining farms in the Himalayas that are home to 25,000 people. The company also encourages environmental responsibility and fair and equitable social and economic conditions for employees, including access to schools and medical facilities. It's a small thing to incorporate into a holiday high tea. But the effects are far reaching. For more information visit .

5. A fragrance that rebuilds community

Perfume always lands onto shoppers' gift lists at this time of year. If your pockets are deep, US$1,040 will seem a pittance to pay for a men's/women's gift set duo from British designer Clive Christian, maker of the most expensive perfume in the world. But the Halifax-based company, The 7 Virtues, offers a more affordable alternative packed with social consciousness. The company, founded in 2010 by CEO Barb Stegemann, makes three perfumes: Afghanistan Orange Blossom, Noble Rose of Afghanistan, and Vetiver of Haiti. Each pick features organic oils sourced from suppliers in Afghanistan and Haiti. That commitment provides employment for communities trying to rebuild in these impoverished nations. It also harnesses women's buying power to make change for good in today's world. Priced at $70, The 7 Virtues is available at The Bay, The Shopping Channel and .

6. A dream cream that's good for the environment

Every year, holiday shoppers line up at beauty counters and ogle to season's priciest body creams and lotions. From Creme de la Mer to Dr. Perricone, consumers can fork out hundred of dollars for these luxury gift picks. For a fraction of that cost, Fruits & Passion offers a more meaningful alternative. The company's Nourishing Collection in Blueberry is priced between $10.50 and $22.50. It's made with blueberries that are picked and processed in compliance with the highest sustainable development standards. Fruits & Passion works with Canadian blueberry producers and a local extraction plant that operates on biogas to create this line. Your holiday giftees will smell luscious and feel good about using a cream that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes the local economy. For more information visit .