This year, forgo the expensive gift list and get back to the true meaning of the season. Read on for a collection of ideas on how to give thoughtfully without overspending.
Give Quality Time: Today’s gift can easily turn into tomorrow’s clutter. Instead, give out experiential coupons for quality time activities. A walk in the park, a drive to see holiday lights, or a movie night at your house are just a few coupon ideas.
Turn a Need Into a Gift: A gift isn’t really about the gift—it’s about opening presents together. So, wrap up items you were planning to purchase in the next few months. Socks, shoes, sports equipment and food all make for excellent gifts which were already in the budget.
Do a Secret Santa: If you’re gifting amongst a large family or group of friends, do a Secret Santa so each person only gives and receives one gift. The Secret Santa exchange is always fun, especially if you integrate a gamified “steal” option into the mix.
Shop Secondhand: All it takes is a little imagination to turn thrift store finds into one-of-a-kind gifts. A cheap ceramic dish can be filled with hard candy; mugs can become vessels for hot chocolate mix; and secondhand scarves are a gift anyone would be happy to receive.
Offer a Service: Can you do an oil change? Paint a wall? Babysit the kids? Whatever service you can perform, put it on an IOU slip and wrap it up for the holidays. This is a gift which costs you nothing, but may save your friends or family member time and money in the future.
Just Do Cards: Holiday cards rarely cost more than a few cents at your local secondhand store. Grab a stack and inscribe each with a personalized, heartfelt message. The opportunity to read kind words around the holidays can be one of the greatest gifts to receive!
Build a Kit: Activity kids are a triple threat. They’re fun to open, keep kids occupied over winter break, and don’t have to cost a lot—if you build it yourself. Cut squares out of free catalogues and pair them with an origami book from a thrift store; give muffin mix with a wooden spoon and ceramic bowl; or bake gingerbread to pair with powdered sugar icing.
Organize Alternate Activities: To avoid the disappointment of sitting around the tree with few gifts to open, make alternative arrangements for the holidays. You might serve food in a community kitchen, visit a local retirement home, or spend the day with rescue animals.
Wrap Items You Already Own: There’s nothing wrong with a little re-gifting! It’s good for the environment and your pocketbook. Wrapping items you already own is also a great hack for younger kids, who already have plenty of toys and are simply excited to open a package.
Set Expectations: Changing holiday traditions can be tricky. It’s okay to be honest with friends and family members about what you’re able to spend this year and how you plan to celebrate the season. The key is talking about it ahead of time, so everyone knows what to expect.