Big families can mean big costs when it comes to presents. That’s why most companies, if they have a gift exchange program limit the gift to $10 or $15. It’s a policy in large families too so money can be spread out throughout the year.

One thing to remember before setting out: When there’s not so much money at stake, shopping becomes more fun.

So, with a crinkly $10 note in your hands, and forgetting about tax — which as usual you’ll have to scramble for — where can you buy something interesting, fun, useful or all of the above?

There’s no better place to start for sheer breadth of choice and bargains than the Kitsap County Arts and Crafts Fair, which this year is Dec. 6 and 7 at the Kitsap Pavilion. Admission is a can of food or a gently-used or new toy.

In its 21st year, buyers have the assurance that all handmade items are done with care. The people there are usually indulging a hobby and are looking to recover their costs plus not much more. The knowledge that what they made is being used for good somewhere feels good too.

Here’s a few quick suggestions:

• Lip balms and eye shadows. It’s not too late, just ask her what kinds she likes.
• Three decks of cards.
• Second hand books. There will be something there of interest to anyone — guaranteed.
• Foot-wide cookies. Two.

   All these can double as stocking stuffers. Smitty’s Bargain Basement at 1225 Sheridan Road in Bremerton (360-479-7514) is another place for a steal. Dollar stores can have playful presents and the new Big Lots store at South Kitsap Mall or the one in Bremerton can add a little fun to shopping.

Good presents can go for a song. In fact, if you have a half-decent voice, or know somebody who does, sing one to your spouse in public. That’s priceless.

If you want to hear a song or watch other performers there are options. Tickets to the latest community production may be something that they have not considered.

Peninsula Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” starts 6:30 p.m., Dec 7 at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center, 1500 13th Street. Cost: $10-$18. The performance has a live orchestra as accompaniment.

Those in need of fitting within stricter financial limits can buy tickets to the Victorian-themed Christmas at the Crossroads Neighborhood Church 7555 Old Military Road in Bremerton, which starts at 7 p.m. Cost is only $5 per person or $20 per family and a non-perishable food item for food bank.

The new musical, “A Christmas Rose” brings the sights and sounds of Victorian England through a beautiful English Village scene.

The annual holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” plays at the Silverdale Community Center. Cost $6 to $10.

For the fisherman in your midst, there is always a collection of flies and other assorted goodies that drive the fish — and the fisherman wild.

Check them out at Kitsap Sports in Silverdale (360-698-4808), Bay Street Outfitters in Port Orchard (360-874-7880), and Northwest Angler in Poulsbo (360-697-7100).

Although boating is known not to be cheap, there is a variety of nautical goodies at the Ship’s Store in Port Orchard, (360-876-1056). For the more hard core boaters, there’s always some trinkets at West Marine (360-479-2200) and Boater’s World (360-478-4089). Both are located on Highway 303 in Bremerton within about a half mile of each other.

For the auto enthusiast, every auto part store has lots of trinkets for under $10. Check out Westbay Auto parts with eight locations from Gig Harbor to Port Townsend, as well as any of the seven Schucks locations from Gig Harbor to Poulsbo or the nine NAPA stores from Kingston to Purdy.

When all else fails, there’s always your local Hallmark card shop. There are six McBride Hallmark stores all over the county and one in South Kitsap Mall they don’t own.

And though its may not be as family friendly, the Heads Up Brewing Company in Silverdale offers free tours of their facilities and an opportunity to “brew your own” along with beer tasting. Free.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. at the Heads Up Brewing Company, 9960 Silverdale Way. For more information call 360-337-2739.

If still completely blank. go back to that secondhand book store and buy a book of jokes.

(Editor’s Note: Temple A. Stark is a free-lance writer living in Port Orchard. Reach him at writer@templestark.com).