BOISE- Times are tough.

Do you have enough money to get groceries, gas up and still pay the mortgage? How can your family exchange Christmas gifts, without breaking the bank?

Online shopping guides say it's possible to exchange gifts, without spending a fortune, but you have to be savvy with your spending.

CBS Two Eyewitness News put the theory to the test, shopping on $100 for a family of four, currently living at City Light, the Boise Rescue
Mission's home for women and children.

But before I went shopping, I first wanted to talk to the family and get a feel for the perfect Christmas wish list.

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Ten-year-old Ashely and her family don't own much more than the song in their hearts.

You couldn't find a happier family, but they're down on their luck - finding themselves homeless this year and staying at the City of Light Shelter.

Mom worries about Christmas and how she'll pay for everything.

"It's really kind of hard for a mom to think of herself because we always want (the best) for our children," Sarah said.

But if you keep asking, the children hope Santa is kind this Christmas.

"I'm wanting to make new memories," Sarah said. "I need a new photo album."

Sarah's other's children would love a couple gifts, too. Dakota, would like some Transformer toys while Ashley loves music and Sophia is big into hair and makeup accessories. Someday, Sophia said, she'd like to be a hairdresser and a makeup artist.

With those wishes in mind, I made my list and checked it twice.

With a list in hand, the CBS news staff hit the local Marshall's store on the corner of Eagle and Fairview and found deep discounts with designer clothing at 50 percent off, and in some cases, even higher.

Another store, Claire's Boutique, offered modest prices for jewelry, and Craft Warehouse had every do-it-yourself project for the creative types at very reasonable prices.

The shopping spree between all three stores totaled just over $90. But coupled with re-purposed gifts that were never used or spent last year, the total value of the gift set was $265.

I was able to purchase slippers, a book, cosmetics and an iron as well as a lotion set that was on sale. Some thong slippers would be stylish and feminine for a 10-year-old.

I also found Leapsters, which are counting toys for kids.

Many online shopping guides say it's OK to re-purpose gifts. So, I'm giving Ashley my old metronome from high school band, a sheet of music from a friend and my Christian rock CD. Sophia also gets a $50 gift spa certificate that I never used and Dakota, well, he'll be going to the movies with some free movie passes.

As for mom, who doesn't love a free CBS 2 Eyewitness News coffee mug? Mom will also be given a scrapbook full of photos, stickers and memories.

Wrapping the gifts, it brings me back to the family's one true Christmas wish. They told me the greatest Christmas gift is one you can never touch. It's a feeling you get in your heart.

"Christmas is a time when you can really get together and just share those family moments that you've been wanting to share your whole life," Ashley said.

Thinking this assignment was just about the family, they quickly turned the page. It shows just how charitable the children are.

"Can I ask you a question?" Sophia said. "What do you want for Christmas?"

There was no better gift then a music lesson on the flute from the children.

As they taught me, with even just a song in your heart, as long as you have family, you're guaranteed to start the new year on a good note.

The family promised not to check out this report to not spoil the surprise. I'll deliver the toys later and have the second part of this story on Christmas.


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Here's a look at some of the top gift ideas for Christmas shopping this holiday season:

1. Make it. Try to personalize and design your own gifts as much as possible. Got an old mug around the house? Put it with a package of hot chocolate and wrap it with a coupon that says "I Love You: free back massage!"

2. Shop the discount stores: Department stores are having major discounts right now, but so are the other retailers like TJMaxx and Marshalls. Look for deep discounts on designer items.

3. Re-purpose existing items: make sure you are careful, but it can be done. If a gift is unwanted, give it to someone else on your list.

4. Save on wrapping: use homemade wrapping paper, even think about using the comics from an old newspaper, or save paper from prior holidays, and re-use that.

5. Buy early, buy late: watch out for specials, whether they fall before the holiday or after. You may find a special deal that's gone the next day.