With the winter holidays, Valentine's Day soon after, and multiple weddings, your wallet can be close to empty by the time your best friend's birthday rolls around.

So, do you whip out your credit cards and throw yourself in the red just to give your loved one the perfect something?

Kris Melcher, author of "Chick Living: Frugal and Fabulous," doesn't recommend it. She said gift giving has less to do with the money you spend and more to do with the actual gift.

She believes anyone can score a great gift for less than $30, as long as you make it as personal as possible.

Kathryn Finney, creator of TheBudgetFashionista.com, believes the price tag a gift carries is irrelevant.

She said it's about appropriateness, not price. "If someone wears silver and you buy them gold -- even though gold is much more expensive -- they probably would have been happier with the less expensive silver," Finney said.

Melcher said to think about the hobbies, interests and lifestyle of the person you are buying for. If the recipient is trying to diet or into fitness, she said give a gift bag with a jump rope, water bottles and an inexpensive pedometer.

Finney said to pay attention to things the person talked about.

Did he mention a favorite restaurant? If so, get him a gift card. Is there a color she always wears? Shop clearance wraps for a sweater in that shade. If she has a favorite store, take a stroll around and see what $30 can get you.

If their favorite store is Prada, don't fret and don't break the bank trying to afford a high-price handbag. Finney said higher-end stores usually have items at every price point. Key chains or items inspired by the designer can be great gifts on a budget.

There are many coupons offered online and can be found by searching the store name with a plus sign into Google, Finney said.

Have Gift Stash On Hand

Another tip is to shop at off-retailers like Marshall's and TJ Maxx and discount stores like Target and Wal-Mart, Melcher said.

If something catches your eye and is a good price, buy it and tuck it away, even if you have no occasion in mind.

Melcher said it's a great idea to have a gift drawer or closet to stock up on gifts you see for a bargain. Things like picture frames, vases, stationery and bath sets are all great gifts for most people.

"Keeping small gifts on hand can keep you from overspending on last minute trips to the store," she said.

Finney also recommends buying things on sale throughout the year and stocking up. She encourages stashing things like candles, earrings and decorative trivets away for when you need that perfect gift. Shopping outlets right after Christmas time is a great way to get a bargain, she said.

And one sure-fire way to stick to budget is to not bring more than you can afford to spend. Finney said only carrying cash prevents overspending.

Re-gift By The Rules

When it comes to online or in-store, Finney said there are perks to both. Online shopping offers a wider selection at your fingertips any time of the day, but being in a store allows you the complete experience of touching and feeling the items.

Melcher said both have great clearance sections, which is a great place to peruse for gift ideas.

But when trying to save a dime, there are some rules. When attempting the controversial re-gifting, Melcher said to use caution.

Even though it's free, it can be tacky. Melcher said to only do it if the person who gave it to you will never know.

She said to make sure it is in excellent condition and never used. Also, make sure it is appropriate for the recipient and be sure to remove any gift card addressed to you.

Wrapping It Up

Once you score the perfect gift on a budget, it's time to wrap it up.

Melcher said she is all about the packaging. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and gifts are no different."

She said adding little details are an inexpensive way to spruce up a gift on a budget. She said to tie a bow around a pen in stationery sets, add a cookie cutter or a mini-whisk if it is cookie-related or a wine bottle stopper if the gift is wine.

Melcher said children's party stores can offer fun inspiration. Finney said that dollar stores also offer great, low-priced gift bags and wrapping accessories.

Even though many say it is only the thought of giving a gift that counts, Finney said it is time and effort that really count.

"Even though the thought does count, nobody really likes getting a gift they don't want," she said. "It's important to think of the personality, interests, and style of the recipient when giving a gift."

Melcher said when in doubt, relax. "Try not to feel the pressure of gift-buying and allow yourself plenty of time to find something unique, personal and affordable," she said. "Spend what you are comfortable spending financially and emotionally."