Three Uniquely Free or Frugal Gift Ideas

1. Exchange ideas rather than physical gifts.
Ask someone to read a particular book that you have found meaningful or useful in your life. In exchange, ask that person to suggest a book for you to read, too. For example, one book that I credit to changing my life is Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. I could loan my copy to a friend to read, and in turn, she could loan a copy of a book she has found meaningful. If either of you do not have a copy, keep this gift exchange free by checking the books out from the local library.

Pledge to get together with a friend or sibling over coffee once a month to discuss the latest news about the presidential race. If this topic would cause too much strife, consider bringing news articles with a positive message to read to each other over coffee.

2. Give a handmade gift.
Are you an excellent baker? Bake cookies, cupcakes, or pies for your gift recipients. Be aware of any special dietary requirements they may have. Mincemeat pie might not be well received by your vegetarian friend. A sugar-laden dessert is not a healthy gift choice for your diabetic father.

Handy with knitting needles? Knit a warm scarf and present it to your significant other.

A whiz with a paintbrush on canvas? Paint a scene that is meaningful to your gift recipient. Original art from a loved one is a wonderful gift that can be treasured forever.

The list of handmade gift items is endless. A visit to your local craft store will surely inspire many more crafty gift ideas.

3. Pledge to spend time with your gift recipient.
Give your widowed mother the gift of spending Sunday brunches with you in your home. Make this time with your mother inviolable.

Make a weekly phone date with your friend who lives 1200 miles away across the country.

Know an older neighbor who may be lonely during the holidays? Bring over some fresh bread or muffins, and spend some time sitting down with your neighbor, really getting to know him.

Today's busy society combined with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season often leaves us time-deprived. Giving the gift of yourself may be what that special person in your life wishes for most of all.