My Uncle is unfortunately a big fan of the Cleveland Browns, so I drew the Dawg Pound logo on his card. I don't have anything against the team or their fans, but anyone that has any interest in football can tell you that they're struggling.
I don't claim to be an artist, my passion for drawing goes as far as the doodles in my highschool notebooks. But I decided that because I spent the rest of my money on fast food and concert tickets, I would get everyone a card and personalize it with a drawing and a message. It took at least two hours for each card from deciding what to draw for each person, to lightly sketching it in pencil, and finally coloring it all in with sharpie. But it was worth the time and effort to see the smiles on their faces, and frankly, to be praised on my drawing skills, even though I just copied images from phone and drew random mandala-esque designs.
The holidays don't have to make you broke if you're willing to put a little thought and effort into what you're giving, but it's even better if you can use that thought and effort to buy everyone something you know they'll like.