A woman walks behind a Christmas display that reads "Brilliant Gifts" at a shopping mall in Toronto, December 7, 2012.
A woman walks behind a Christmas display that reads "Brilliant Gifts" at a shopping mall in Toronto, December 7, 2012. Reuters/Mark Blinch

It's almost Christmastime. It can be seen in the Christmas decors, felt in the cooler air and heard in the Christmas songs being played out in most places. But, instead of making the usual Christmas list, maybe it's time to shake things up a bit and do something different this time around. Why not give gifts that don't cost an arm and a leg, but are way meaningful and touching than the standard presents? Read on for the top 5 affordable and meaningful gifts for everyone on your Christmas 2014 list.

While it can be surprising, some people are not really that concerned with giving or receiving material gifts at Christmas. That's why one should assess if the people they are shopping for will prefer actual gifts wrapped up in pretty packaging or something more intangible.

According to Learnvest, marriage counselor Dr. Gary Chapman says that there are five different categories of how people receive messages of love. He calls them the Five Love Languages which are words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, quality time and receiving gifts. Chapman says that while some people appreciate getting material gifts, some people would rather just spend quality time with you, get a hug or a kiss, receive small acts of service or hear words of affirmation from you.

The Five Love Languages:

    1. Words Of Affirmation - For people who love hearing you say that you love them or what they mean to you. They prefer sweet messages, letters, notes and spoken words of appreciation.

      Perfect Gifts For People Who Love Words Of Affirmation:

      a. A well written Christmas card with a thoughtful and personal message telling the receiver how much he or she means to you and how much you value him or her. If you are creative enough, you can also make the card, instead of buying one at the store for a more personal touch.

      b. A poem that you wrote

      c. A recording of your voice saying some words of affirmation for the one you are giving a gift to.

        2. Acts Of Service - For people who value helpful and service-oriented acts such as making a meal, running errands or helping out with a task and associate these with signs of love and care.

          Perfect Gifts For People Who Love Acts Of Service:

          a. Cook his or her favourite dinner

          b. Assist them with a major work project

          c. Help them throw a party

          d. Give them coupon books filled with acts of service that you can offer to do for them whenever they need it like bringing him or her breakfast in bed, taking out the trash or doing laundry.

          e. A gift with a note that offers them an act of service, like gourmet coffee beans with a note that says you will make him or her a freshly brewed cup of coffee regularly.

            3. Physical Touch - For people who love to hug, kiss or hold hands to express their love.

              Perfect Gifts For People Who Love Physical Touch:

              a. A romantic date night with your significant other filled with hugs, kisses, holding hands and much more.

              b. A gift certificate for a relaxing massage, manicure or pedicure

              c. Any gift that you can personally deliver and give to them, along with a hug or a kiss.

              3. Quality Time - For people who just want to spend time with you.

                Perfect Gifts For People Who Love Quality Time:

                a. Devote a day to spend time with them to do things that they like such as having hot chocolate or coffee or shopping together.

                b. A romantic dinner

                c. Tickets to a concert, play, movie or game that they want to watch with you.

                d. A weekend getaway

                e. Lots of attention, which may require you to turn off your phone when you are together. Or at least, ignore some texts and calls while you are with each other.

                  5. Receiving Gifts - For people who love getting material gifts that are wrapped up in pretty packages.

                    Perfect Gifts For People Who Love Receiving Material Gifts:

                    a. Any gift from a brand that he or she likes.

                    b. An object that he or she mentioned before that they need like a new yoga mat, tennis racket, basketball, bag, shoes, wallet or book.

                    c. A sentimental or personalized gift with their name or initials on it

                    d. Flowers

                    In order to figure out what Love Language your loved one responds to, you can observe them during regular interactions and see what they are naturally inclined to. Or, you can also ask them to click HERE and take the Love Languages quiz.

                    These are the top 5 affordable and meaningful gifts for everyone on your Christmas 2014 list. Happy gift giving! For more updates about Christmas 2014 and other news about shopping, luxury, business, retail, entertainment, finance, economics, sports, science, health and technology, keep reading International Business Times.

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