Going Beyond Gifts This Season

It's obvious that times are hard right now, and most people don't have much of a budget for this holiday season, or don't have one at all. There are various things, however, that people can do besides buying gifts that someone may or may not like. While the temptation to splurge on small items at a dollar store might seem like the only real option, people who have all kinds of budgets (or lack thereof) can find ways to be giving this holiday season without having to settle for less.

The first thing you can do is a tried and true tradition for some, and can be dirt cheap depending on ingredients: a homemade treat. Whether it's cookies, pies, cakes, or even meals and appetizers, people always appreciate the effort into making something rather than simply buying it from a store. If you know of a terrific recipe and want to share it, such as a cookie, you can make a small batch and then place the ingredients in a small jar with a decorative notecard displaying the recipe. For those who'd rather not give away a secret, such as a special blend of spices for burgers, barbeque or chicken, you can get small jars (or even clear salt and pepper shakers) and fill them with your blend with stickers labelling them as your secret blend.

My friend mentioned recently that she hates getting gifts when the giver knows she's not able to give one in return, as she's struggling financially. She mentioned that rather than getting more stuff (which wouldn't help, since she's also planning to move), she'd love a donation in her name. Even a small donation of five dollars to a charity close to a loved one's heart (disease research, abuse help, homeless and animal shelters, etc.) can do so much more than material items. Look around for local charities to see what would appeal to your friend, or look online for more nationally or globally recognized charities.

If you have a particular talent, use it in order to make a gift more memorable. If you're a good singer, record yourself singing along to Karoake tracks (or a cappella) using a recording software such as Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) or Windows Movie Maker. Write a short story, poem, limerick, or haiku for a friend, and print it out on decorative paper or use templates from Word. Sew something special, like a shirt, sweater, or blanket. Painters, chefs, and other such workers can do the same sort of thing for gifts.

For those who don't feel comfortable making a homemade CD, story, or dish, there are other ways to offer a kind service as a gift. Make up a certificate promising to wash their car, clean their house, or do their grocery shopping. Just make sure you make good on your certificate once they want to "cash" them in, or you'll look like a jerk. If you'd rather not make a "promise certificate", you could simply do one of the favors for them and leave a note, such as washing their car in their driveway while they're in the house and ring the bell when you're done (or leave a Christmas card in one of the windshield wipers).

Hosting a potluck dinner in lieu of Secret Santa or gift-exchanging is another way to satisfy everyone and to mingle with friends and/or family. It can give everyone a chance to pitch in without going over anyone's budget without the cost of a pricey meal at a restaurant. Instead of a dinner, you can also have a dessert potluck, a drinking get together (make sure you have designated drivers or cab fare, or everyone's sleeping over), or even a lunch or breakfast potluck.

Know your friend's interests and work with them. One year I was strapped for cash and had very little to spare for gifts. I knew my stepdad was fascinated by rare money, and working as a bank teller, I saw a customer depositing rare red five dollar bills. I "bought" some of them from the vault with regular fives, and bought a money-holding card to place them in. I also found information about them online and typed up a description and history of the bills on a nice template and printed it out to include with the card. It was inexpensive, but unique, and was a huge hit at Christmas. Ask your bank if they have two dollar bills in good condition and you could do the same sort of thing for anyone you know who would get a kick out of such a gift.

Suggest to your friends that you all volunteer for the holiday season instead of exchanging any sort of gifts or favors. Most shelters (homeless and animal) need help especially around winter holidays, and can always benefit from extra sets of hands. You and your friends will feel like you're made a difference, and that sense of satisfaction is greater than anything you can wrap.

Having a small or nonexistant budget shouldn't limit you for ideas to celebrate the holidays. Use resources close to you and you'll find a way to make this season a fulfilling one for everyone.