Gifts for the Unemployed

During this holiday season many people are wondering what to give an unemployed friend or family. There is no reason to purchase expensive gifts; in fact the person who is jobless right now would appreciate gifts they can use. There are many useful less expensive gift options out there, which will make the holidays brighter for someone who is struggling. Instead of worrying if they will like a candle or a sweater, think of what would be most useful to them at this stage of their life.

A gift card to a local grocery store will help provide food for the holiday season or another time in the near future. As the price of food keeps rising it is getting harder for people to feed their families. The gift card will also help to free up money that can be used for other household bills when times are tight. If you want to dress the card up a bit, include some candy or other fun foods that the family may no longer purchase do to their financial crisis.

Another great gift card to give is a gas card. It cost money to put gas in a car to get to and from an interview. Even a day of job hunting means traveling from place to place to submit your application. This will take some of the worry on how they are going to afford to get out and look for a job.

Even if you do not have a lot of extra money to spare this holiday season, give the gift of time. There are plenty of ways to give a gift to the unemployed without spending money. Remember the coupon books kids made for their parents years ago. Bring back the tradition by making one, for your friend or family member. A coupon or two for a free day or night of child care. This will come in handy when they have the important interview coming up or even a few hours of relaxation when the stress levels are at an all time high. Coupons for a home cooked meal are more than welcome. Either invite them over to your home for dinner or cook a meal they can freeze for a later use. A coupon for a coffee date with you will be something they enjoy. Spending time with the unemployed will make them feel alive and not secluded from society.

Another inexpensive way to help is to share your stockpile. A homemade box of household cleaners, health and beauty aids and some homemade cookies will bring a smile to their face. Many times it is the small necessities that people have to do without when times are tough. A 12 pack of TP, laundry soap, body wash will help the family. This gift is more for those that you have a close relationship and would not be offended by such a gift.

Making the holiday season a happy and joyous one for the unemployed will mean a lot to them. Being unemployed during the holiday season can cause stress and depression in many people. Choosing one or more of these ideas will show that you care and relieve some of the stress they are feeling.