Some people LOVE giving gifts — the planning, the presentation…all of it.
Other people feel nothing but STRESS from the expectations.
Some people judge the gifts they give and receive by the money spent.
Other people judge the gifts they give and receive by how much thought, the time taken, and how much of themselves they put into the gifts they give.
I used to fall squarely into the “stress” group, but that has been slowly changing as I learn to put myself into some of the gifts I give. There is satisfaction in doing something, creating something, or giving something that is appreciated, meaningful, or perhaps unexpected. There is joy in thinking and planning a gift for a loved one, something that will be kept and treasured, whether it be an object, an experience, or a memory.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of low and no-cost gift ideas that might help us move beyond simply buying gifts to a place where we implant a part of ourselves in the gifts that we give to family, friends, and neighbors.
So, in no particular order, here are a few ideas to consider:
Baking and Cooking
A loaf of bread?
Christmas cookies?
Homemade pizza?
Share them with your neighbors or take some to the nearby retirement home if they accept such things. Or, take it a step further and invite people to your home for
smores
homemade soup
BBQ
I remember my parents inviting friends who didn’t have family nearby for a Thanksgiving meal. These were special and memorable times.
Books, Puzzles, Ornaments, or something else you already own
I remember one time a friend of mine in college gave me a used copy of A Prayer for Owen Meany wrapped up in a paper napkin. Admittedly, I didn’t fully appreciate the gift, letting it sit on a shelf for a few years. But when I pulled it out and read it, I was moved by the story and the meaningful gift that this friend had given me.
Think about sharing a
puzzle that you’ve enjoyed putting together
favorite Christmas ornament
something else that has meaning for you.
Variation — If you don’t have these things, visit your local second-hand shops to find unique, good-quality, and low-cost items.
Create something
Digitize photos and create a digital photo album.
Make a family home video — sing a song, video your children playing an instrument, or give a personal Christmas message to those who are far away…or those who are close.
Write a poem or a song — perform it live or on video.
Write a heartfelt letter.
Draw a picture or create some form of artwork (painting, drawing, photography, crafting, etc).
Create a homemade recipe book.
Spend time together
Visit a new location (or an old favorite) to go for a walk, take photos, or sit and enjoy the scene.
Spend a day cooking together, knitting, reading, or other enjoyable activities.
Binge-watch a television series or watch a favorite movie
Teach one of your favorite skills or hobbies — cooking, baking, a musical instrument, sewing, woodwork, photography, surfing, or…
25 random no-cost ideas from ChatGPT
Everything above was 100% from my brain. But, just for fun, I asked ChatGPT for 25 no-cost gift ideas. Here’s what I got—
Handwritten Letter or Poem: Share your feelings and thoughts in a heartfelt note or poem.
Homemade Coupons: Create personalized coupons for favors, like "One Free Hug" or "Dinner on Me."
Memory Jar: Fill a jar with written memories and things you appreciate about the person.
Digital Mixtape or Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that hold special meaning.
Virtual Movie Night: Watch a movie together online or recommend a film for them to enjoy.
Nature Walk: Offer to take a nature walk or hike together for some quality time.
Recipe Booklet: Share your favorite recipes or create a themed recipe booklet.
DIY Craft or Artwork: Create a handmade craft or artwork that reflects their interests.
Book Recommendations: Suggest a list of books based on their preferences.
Online Workshop: Find free online workshops or classes that align with their interests.
Digital Photo Album: Compile a digital photo album with shared memories.
Virtual Game Night: Host a virtual game night with classic games or online multiplayer games.
Poetry Reading: Record yourself reading poems or stories and share the audio file.
Indoor Picnic: Set up an indoor picnic with homemade snacks and treats.
Stargazing Night: Spend an evening stargazing together, either in person or virtually.
Customized Calendar: Design a personalized calendar with pictures and important dates.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find on a nature walk or in a local park.
Digital Artwork or Wallpaper: Design digital artwork or a wallpaper that reflects their tastes.
Online Recipe Exchange: Share your favorite recipes or cooking tips.
Fitness Challenge: Propose a friendly fitness challenge to do together, virtually or in person.
Coupon Book: Craft a coupon book with promises of chores, favors, or special treats.
DIY Pampering Kit: Share homemade beauty or self-care products.
Virtual Museum Tour: Explore museums or exhibits online together.
Kindness Vouchers: Create vouchers for acts of kindness or assistance.
Online Book Club: Start a virtual book club with shared reading experiences and discussions.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of ideas.
Be creative.
Be meaningful.
The payoff is well worth it.
Questions to think about:
1. How does a homemade or creative gift differ from something purchased at a retail store?
2. Would you rather receive a heartfelt gift or an expensive gift?
3. What creative ways could you give gifts to your family, friends, and neighbors? Share a couple of your favorite ideas in the comments.
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