The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but getting hit with a whopping credit card bill is not. It’s been another long year, and we all want to celebrate and enjoy Christmas shopping. Setting spending limits can be one way to deal with gifting, but what about those of us who really don’t have any cash to spare? Don’t despair. You can show your loved ones that you care without shelling out beaucoup bucks. As an added bonus, cranking up your creativity can result in some of the best gifts you’ve ever given. Read on to pick up tips on Christmas gifts that don’t have to cost a thing.
1. Bequeath Heartfelt Heirlooms
New is nice, but one thing you can’t buy is family history. Classic jewelry pieces are not only beautiful, they have a special meaning. If you have an heirloom brooch or necklace that you were already planning to gift someone in your family, consider giving it to them now. Don’t think you own anything worth offering? Take another look through your collection. A wristwatch, signet ring, locket, or even just a nice pair of gemstone or mother of pearl earrings (https://www.thepearlsource.com/mother-of-pearl.php) can all be heirlooms if the recipient likes them.
2. Do Good For Them…
Most of us already own plenty of stuff, but many of us are short on time. Another wonderfully meaningful present can be the gift of time. Offering to do housework, babysit, shovel their driveway, and so on can be an incredibly thoughtful gift. Don’t be shy about your talents. Tap into all your powers, whatever they may be. Print up coupons for services to be redeemed when the recipient most needs help. These kinds of gifts are much more appreciated than yet another coffee mug.
3. …Or Do Good for Others in Their Name
Another way to give the gift of time is to volunteer for a charitable organization in honor of your loved one. A few ideas include volunteering at a food pantry, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. If you’re looking for longer-term options, you could teach English to speakers of other languages, perform maintenance on a favorite trail or nature preserve, or pitch in at your local library. The is the kind of gift that keeps on giving!
4. Make Marvelous Mix Tapes & Vids
Take a modern spin on the mix tape by creating a personalized playlist for your best buds. Choose songs that have special meaning, like ones you’ve sung together at karaoke, their favorite tune from fourth grade, or a ballad that was played at your prom. An alternative or complementary gift is a video compilation. Mix video clips of your favorite memories with still photos to create a unique montage. Be sure to ask friends and family for contributions too. For people who prefer hard copies, gather up brochures, ticket stubs, photos, and other mementos of adventures you’ve been on together. Glue them into a little book, add a few words about the event and you’ve got yourself a special one-of-a-kind gift.
5. Craft a Fabulous Freebie Fun Day
As mentioned above, time can be one of the most precious gifts you can offer a person. Invent a fun (and free) itinerary for the two of you to do together. Maybe it’ll be an afternoon at an art museum on a free admission day, a hike on a new trail at a state park, or an exploration of a new-to-you town or city nearby. If the recipient is a child, you could set up a scavenger hunt, or explore a park or playground you’ve never been to before. If the weather isn’t cooperating, a day at home can still be an adventure. Whip up some slime, play dough or finger paints and spend a fun and fabulous crafty afternoon together. Create a fancy card, scroll or other unique presentation to spell out your idea, then be sure to set a firm date to follow through on your promise.
6. Create Charming Collations
Food is a classic way to show you care. No one will ever say no to cookies, but if you want to do something extra special, treat your loved one(s) to a handcrafted meal. It’s not about expensive ingredients. The name of the game is ‘make it beautiful and tasty’. Even PB&J can be a unique treat if you cut the bread into fancy shapes. Think sugar-dusted waffles for Christmas breakfast or an overstuffed stuffed omelet for a tasty and elegant brunch. Soup and salad can be a filling and much-appreciated healthy lunch or dinner. Finish it off with a homemade pie or cupcakes and you’ve got all the fixing for a memorable meal. Borrow from idea #2 and create coupons if the actual holiday is too hectic for you to serve a meal.
7. Regifting Is More Than Okay
Regifting does not make you a cheapskate. Say it out loud if you need to. All of us have been given items we will never use. Passing these things along to people who will enjoy them is not only practical, but morally right. Too much stuff ends up in landfills already. We all need to use and appreciate the things we have, and if that means offering a candle that’s been taking up space in your closet to your cousin who loves anything pumpkin spice, then it is the right gift. Feel free to jazz up plain items you have sitting around too. Something as simple as a notebook can be transformed into a diary, journal, or even an heirloom cookbook. Sharing some of your secret recipes makes the gift all that more special.
The holidays are a time to spread cheer, not stress, and that includes for yourself. Limitations can be a blessing in disguise. Using your creativity to think outside the box about what to put inside the box can make this holiday season the best you’ve ever had!
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