Audio By Carbonatix

The older I get, the faster Christmas seems to come around every year. I haven’t even finished sneaking my kids’ Halloween candy, and suddenly it’s time to buy gifts and put up the tree! And every year, I think this is the year I’m going to be more prepared. More organized. I’m going to save more money for Christmas shopping. And—spoiler alert—every year that is decidedly not the case! ::facepalm:: It’s always something. The unexpected expenses that hit right before the holidays, job layoffs, balding tires, insurance hikes, and mortgage increases. 

If you can relate to any of that, then you can also relate to the need for gift ideas that don’t break the bank…or better yet, even make a dent in the account. Going into debt for Christmas isn’t all that jolly, and thankfully, there’s no need to do so if you’re willing to get just a little creative. 

I’ve learned that the people in our lives whom we typically buy gifts for—family, friends, even our children—really do prefer time and engagement over material items. Your presence and energy are what are most valuable to them in the end. In other words, it really is the thought that counts the most. 

When Christmas morning is over, and you’re surrounded by wrapping paper scraps, discarded ribbon, and more stuff to find spots in the closet for, the last thing you want is the sinking feeling of knowing it hasn’t even technically been paid for yet. 

Don’t worry. That doesn’t have to be you this year. Here are twenty gift ideas that won’t cost you much—if anything! 

1. Sitting. (no, not on the couch!) If someone on your guest list ever needs a pet sitter, house sitter, or babysitter, this is the perfect opportunity to bless them with a gift they will truly cherish. Those services cost money, so you’re saving them not only the expense when the need comes up, but also the hassle of trying to find someone to check in on their cat, water their plants, get their mail, or babysit that toddler so they can have a much-needed date night. This gift is suitable for a wide range of scenarios. You could write the offer on a card, or make it more fun and create a redeemable coupon online.

2. Coupon book. And speaking of coupons, why not make a whole book? This is another gift that allows for a range of recipients. Couples could give flirty ones to their spouses (if you know you know!), promising back massages, foot rubs, or breakfast in bed. This even works for your kids—why not make them a stocking stuffer with “get out of jail free” coupons, allowing them a “free pass” when they are busted for bickering with their sibling. (Bonus sidebar: they won’t want to spend that coupon, so the bickering will inevitably not even happen.) You’re welcome. You could also give your kids coupons for a chore they usually do themselves, or a “anything you want for breakfast” day. Have fun with it! 

3. Hug in a Mug. This gift is incredibly affordable. Visit a dollar store equivalent and find two matching mugs (or cute ones that don’t match, if you’d rather!) and fill them with candy, chocolate-coated spoons, or hot chocolate mix. You could opt for a holiday-themed mug, featuring peppermints and candy canes, or take the coffee route, filling it with coffee K-cups and chocolate stir sticks instead of cocoa packets.  

4. Regifted book. I know what you’re thinking—why would someone want a used book? A book lover, that’s who. And if you provide a handwritten letter explaining why you loved this particular novel and why you think they will too, well—voila. The perfect gift for the reader in your life!

5. A poem. Not everyone can write poetry, but if you have the knack (or like rhyming), why not give it a try? You can write a poem about Christmas, about the recipient, about your friendship, or any other topic they enjoy, and print it and frame it, or laminate it. 

6. Offer services. Similar to the house-sitting or babysitting idea, this coupon book or handwritten promise could be good for a specified number of hours of various services spread over January. Based on the recipient, you could offer services such as yard work, cleaning, grocery shopping, and personal shopping. Whatever they need! This gift would be especially appreciated by frazzled new mothers managing their home and children, or elderly family members on your list who need help with errands but don’t like to ask for it.

7. Future date. If money is tight right now, but you know it’ll ease up in a month, give an IOU or coupon for a future date. This could be dinner, a movie, a coffee night, lunch, or something else, depending on the recipient. If you want to ensure it happens, go ahead and list three days on the calendar they could pick from to book it officially! This way, they will know you really mean it and won’t feel bad cashing it in later. 

8. Recipes. Everyone likes homemade recipes, especially if they’re handwritten or typed up with cute graphics and printed from your computer. You could go all out and create an entire homemade booklet, or you could share a few of your favorites on notecards and decorate them with hand-drawn illustrations or stickers. A quick note with each recipe, explaining why you love it, why you chose it for them, or where it came from, makes it even more personal. 

9. A painting. Like the poetry idea, this is obviously limited to those with the skill (not me!). Still, if you have artistic ability, a painting of something the recipient loves is an excellent idea that only costs your time and a few supplies. Think of their favorite pet, a memory of the two of you together, a notable landmark you visited together, a favorite place they like to go, etc. 

10. Volunteer. If a family member or friend is involved in a cause that is very important to them, offering to volunteer at that cause during the next year can be a meaningful gift. Feeling seen and knowing that the things that matter to them matter to you as well is truly priceless. Find out and get involved! The best part is that this gift will also bring you blessings. 

11. Mason jar parfaits. You see these jars on social media all the time, and they’re always so cute! Find a large mason jar and layer it with the ingredients for your favorite homemade cookies, or perhaps cocoa, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for hot chocolate. You can even go savory and layer with various dry ingredients and seasonings to create your favorite soup. Tie a ribbon around the mason jar lid and ta-da! Festive and flavorful. 

12. A handwritten letter. Anything handwritten in this digital age immediately increases its value because it tells the recipient that they are worth the time it took to write it. (and the hand cramp! Ha!) Why not gift a handwritten letter telling your friend, spouse, child, or family member all the reasons why you love them? Give it with a pair of cozy socks (always easily found and affordable) or their favorite candy or homemade cookies. 

13. Game night. Remember how your time is a gift? Why not plan a custom scavenger hunt for your friend or kids, or plan a night with board games and card games? You’ll create memories to last a lifetime. 

14. Blessing jar. I was gifted one of these jars by a dear college student in my church years ago, and it remains one of the most special things I’ve ever received. She rolled up tiny scrolls of paper with printed scriptures on them and placed them into a small jar with a cork stopper (any jar will work, including mason jars of various sizes). You can type and print the scriptures, or handwrite them if your handwriting is legible. You could include instructions on how often to pull a new one from the jar (i.e., twelve total for one a month, or fifty-two total for one a week, etc.) or note “as needed” for encouragement. 

15. Painted rock. Rocks are free (though illegal to take from state parks, so don’t do that!) and paint is cheap – why not find a few smooth, easily painted rocks and make some fun creatures for the young people on your list? They could sit out on their desks as happy little paperweights, or even be stackable as a game if you find the right shapes. Look around, get creative, and have fun! You could even have a rock painting party with the gift recipient, if you'd like to spend quality time together.

16. Playlist. Nothing says “thinking of you” like music. Creating an entire playlist of songs for that special person on your list will absolutely show them how much they mean to you. (If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember that we used to do this with mix tapes!) hehe)

17. Create a family tree. This is especially meaningful for the elderly members on your list and in your family. Researching via internet search (some family tree sites are free or offer limited access, while others require monthly or annual subscription fees) and charting out a personal family history is invaluable for those interested in their ancestry.  

18. Regift an ornament. Again, regifting can be tacky if not done correctly, but what about taking an ornament that has been in your home or family for years and regifting it, along with a story about why it’s special to you and why you want them to have it now? Or have fun and create a fictional story about the ornament, turning it into a character and sharing how it’s traveled through memories and is ready for a brand-new adventure? 

19. Record a song. Here we are again with the “talent required” element, but if you can play a musical instrument or sing well, why not record a song for your loved one? You can write new music if you have the ability, or record yourself playing your favorite song on the piano or singing it. Be brave and go for it!

20. IOU. Everyone likes being owed a favor. Why not create a coupon or printed promise that you will do X in the future, along with your recipient? Perhaps they have an event or appointment coming up that they don’t want to attend alone. You could promise to tag along, or make the call they don’t want to make, or help resolve the conflict they don’t want to tackle alone. Honestly, these are things good friends would do for each other anyway, but when it’s written out as a promise, they will know you mean it and feel seen and loved.

Photo credit: Juliana Malta/Unsplash

Audio By Carbonatix

The older I get, the faster Christmas seems to come around every year. I haven’t even finished sneaking my kids’ Halloween candy, and suddenly it’s time to buy gifts and put up the tree! And every year, I think this is the year I’m going to be more prepared. More organized. I’m going to save more money for Christmas shopping. And—spoiler alert—every year that is decidedly not the case! ::facepalm:: It’s always something. The unexpected expenses that hit right before the holidays, job layoffs, balding tires, insurance hikes, and mortgage increases. 

If you can relate to any of that, then you can also relate to the need for gift ideas that don’t break the bank…or better yet, even make a dent in the account. Going into debt for Christmas isn’t all that jolly, and thankfully, there’s no need to do so if you’re willing to get just a little creative. 

I’ve learned that the people in our lives whom we typically buy gifts for—family, friends, even our children—really do prefer time and engagement over material items. Your presence and energy are what are most valuable to them in the end. In other words, it really is the thought that counts the most. 

When Christmas morning is over, and you’re surrounded by wrapping paper scraps, discarded ribbon, and more stuff to find spots in the closet for, the last thing you want is the sinking feeling of knowing it hasn’t even technically been paid for yet. 

Don’t worry. That doesn’t have to be you this year. Here are twenty gift ideas that won’t cost you much—if anything! 

1. Sitting. (no, not on the couch!) If someone on your guest list ever needs a pet sitter, house sitter, or babysitter, this is the perfect opportunity to bless them with a gift they will truly cherish. Those services cost money, so you’re saving them not only the expense when the need comes up, but also the hassle of trying to find someone to check in on their cat, water their plants, get their mail, or babysit that toddler so they can have a much-needed date night. This gift is suitable for a wide range of scenarios. You could write the offer on a card, or make it more fun and create a redeemable coupon online.

2. Coupon book. And speaking of coupons, why not make a whole book? This is another gift that allows for a range of recipients. Couples could give flirty ones to their spouses (if you know you know!), promising back massages, foot rubs, or breakfast in bed. This even works for your kids—why not make them a stocking stuffer with “get out of jail free” coupons, allowing them a “free pass” when they are busted for bickering with their sibling. (Bonus sidebar: they won’t want to spend that coupon, so the bickering will inevitably not even happen.) You’re welcome. You could also give your kids coupons for a chore they usually do themselves, or a “anything you want for breakfast” day. Have fun with it! 

3. Hug in a Mug. This gift is incredibly affordable. Visit a dollar store equivalent and find two matching mugs (or cute ones that don’t match, if you’d rather!) and fill them with candy, chocolate-coated spoons, or hot chocolate mix. You could opt for a holiday-themed mug, featuring peppermints and candy canes, or take the coffee route, filling it with coffee K-cups and chocolate stir sticks instead of cocoa packets.  

4. Regifted book. I know what you’re thinking—why would someone want a used book? A book lover, that’s who. And if you provide a handwritten letter explaining why you loved this particular novel and why you think they will too, well—voila. The perfect gift for the reader in your life!

5. A poem. Not everyone can write poetry, but if you have the knack (or like rhyming), why not give it a try? You can write a poem about Christmas, about the recipient, about your friendship, or any other topic they enjoy, and print it and frame it, or laminate it. 

6. Offer services. Similar to the house-sitting or babysitting idea, this coupon book or handwritten promise could be good for a specified number of hours of various services spread over January. Based on the recipient, you could offer services such as yard work, cleaning, grocery shopping, and personal shopping. Whatever they need! This gift would be especially appreciated by frazzled new mothers managing their home and children, or elderly family members on your list who need help with errands but don’t like to ask for it.

7. Future date. If money is tight right now, but you know it’ll ease up in a month, give an IOU or coupon for a future date. This could be dinner, a movie, a coffee night, lunch, or something else, depending on the recipient. If you want to ensure it happens, go ahead and list three days on the calendar they could pick from to book it officially! This way, they will know you really mean it and won’t feel bad cashing it in later. 

8. Recipes. Everyone likes homemade recipes, especially if they’re handwritten or typed up with cute graphics and printed from your computer. You could go all out and create an entire homemade booklet, or you could share a few of your favorites on notecards and decorate them with hand-drawn illustrations or stickers. A quick note with each recipe, explaining why you love it, why you chose it for them, or where it came from, makes it even more personal. 

9. A painting. Like the poetry idea, this is obviously limited to those with the skill (not me!). Still, if you have artistic ability, a painting of something the recipient loves is an excellent idea that only costs your time and a few supplies. Think of their favorite pet, a memory of the two of you together, a notable landmark you visited together, a favorite place they like to go, etc. 

10. Volunteer. If a family member or friend is involved in a cause that is very important to them, offering to volunteer at that cause during the next year can be a meaningful gift. Feeling seen and knowing that the things that matter to them matter to you as well is truly priceless. Find out and get involved! The best part is that this gift will also bring you blessings. 

11. Mason jar parfaits. You see these jars on social media all the time, and they’re always so cute! Find a large mason jar and layer it with the ingredients for your favorite homemade cookies, or perhaps cocoa, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for hot chocolate. You can even go savory and layer with various dry ingredients and seasonings to create your favorite soup. Tie a ribbon around the mason jar lid and ta-da! Festive and flavorful. 

12. A handwritten letter. Anything handwritten in this digital age immediately increases its value because it tells the recipient that they are worth the time it took to write it. (and the hand cramp! Ha!) Why not gift a handwritten letter telling your friend, spouse, child, or family member all the reasons why you love them? Give it with a pair of cozy socks (always easily found and affordable) or their favorite candy or homemade cookies. 

13. Game night. Remember how your time is a gift? Why not plan a custom scavenger hunt for your friend or kids, or plan a night with board games and card games? You’ll create memories to last a lifetime. 

14. Blessing jar. I was gifted one of these jars by a dear college student in my church years ago, and it remains one of the most special things I’ve ever received. She rolled up tiny scrolls of paper with printed scriptures on them and placed them into a small jar with a cork stopper (any jar will work, including mason jars of various sizes). You can type and print the scriptures, or handwrite them if your handwriting is legible. You could include instructions on how often to pull a new one from the jar (i.e., twelve total for one a month, or fifty-two total for one a week, etc.) or note “as needed” for encouragement. 

15. Painted rock. Rocks are free (though illegal to take from state parks, so don’t do that!) and paint is cheap – why not find a few smooth, easily painted rocks and make some fun creatures for the young people on your list? They could sit out on their desks as happy little paperweights, or even be stackable as a game if you find the right shapes. Look around, get creative, and have fun! You could even have a rock painting party with the gift recipient, if you'd like to spend quality time together.

16. Playlist. Nothing says “thinking of you” like music. Creating an entire playlist of songs for that special person on your list will absolutely show them how much they mean to you. (If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember that we used to do this with mix tapes!) hehe)

17. Create a family tree. This is especially meaningful for the elderly members on your list and in your family. Researching via internet search (some family tree sites are free or offer limited access, while others require monthly or annual subscription fees) and charting out a personal family history is invaluable for those interested in their ancestry.  

18. Regift an ornament. Again, regifting can be tacky if not done correctly, but what about taking an ornament that has been in your home or family for years and regifting it, along with a story about why it’s special to you and why you want them to have it now? Or have fun and create a fictional story about the ornament, turning it into a character and sharing how it’s traveled through memories and is ready for a brand-new adventure? 

19. Record a song. Here we are again with the “talent required” element, but if you can play a musical instrument or sing well, why not record a song for your loved one? You can write new music if you have the ability, or record yourself playing your favorite song on the piano or singing it. Be brave and go for it!

20. IOU. Everyone likes being owed a favor. Why not create a coupon or printed promise that you will do X in the future, along with your recipient? Perhaps they have an event or appointment coming up that they don’t want to attend alone. You could promise to tag along, or make the call they don’t want to make, or help resolve the conflict they don’t want to tackle alone. Honestly, these are things good friends would do for each other anyway, but when it’s written out as a promise, they will know you mean it and feel seen and loved.

Photo credit: Juliana Malta/Unsplash