Christmas gifts can get expensive. But, you don’t have to have a large budget to show your love. In fact, you don’t have to spend a dime.
You will hear many people say things like “Jesus is the reason for the season.” As we all get wrapped up in the commercialism of the holidays, whether you have a nice Christmas budget or not, it may be time to take a step back.
There’s nothing wrong with giving a thoughtful gift from the heart. One that you had to put some time into creating or giving. If you have money, it’s easy to walk into a store, pick out something, and pay for it. What’s harder is to remember conversations you’ve had with someone, fill a simple need, or give some of your already stretched thin time budget.
I know that traditionally families exhibit their love for each other with pricey gifts. But, sometimes even an extra $20 can be hard to come by. With a little creativity, you can show your love and appreciation without pulling out your wallet.
25 Christmas Gifts That Won’t Cost You a Dime
- Make breakfast.
- Cook dinner.
- Perform a chore.
- Write an appreciation note.
- Burn a CD of favorite songs you both enjoy.
- Create a photo collage of special moments in your relationship.
- Walk around your neighborhood, downtown, or park together.
- Take a nostalgic drive.
- Wash car.
- Sing, play, or write a song (depending on your talent).
- Go stargazing.
- Read poetry.
- Watch a movie (by whatever means you have that wouldn’t cost you any money i.e. library, Netflix, cable, regular TV, internet, etc.).
- Prepare a special dessert.
- Download a free e-book.
- Tell all of the ways you’re happy s/he’s your _____ (mom, dad, grandma, friend, teacher, etc.).
- Set up a relaxing environment (candles, dim light, soothing music, or whatever works for her).
- Brew coffee.
- Make a movie capturing quotes from people you know and why they love that person.
- Offer to baby-, pet-, or house-sit. Give them an afternoon or night away.
- What are you known for? Give or make one!
- Share a recipe. Do you have a specialty or have you been asked for a secret one? Give it away!
- Make a gift basket from items you have at home (think cleaning, baking, personal hygiene, etc.)
- Write a note explaining how much you appreciate a specific act of kindness.
- Donate a service hour by coupon redeemable for whatever is needed.
Some people are picky about Christmas gifts and assume it’s something you purchased or made instead of it being a gift of service. The way to get around that is to not call it a Christmas present, but rather just give it.
More DIY Christmas Ideas
- Handmade Christmas: Over 35 step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas for the festive season
- Create-Your-Own Handmade Christmas Cards: 30 Cards & Envelopes to Color, Including 5 Pop-Out Ornaments
- Handmade For Christmas: Easy Crafts and Creative Ideas for Sewing, Stitching, Papercraft, Knitting, and Crochet
- Crafty Gifts: Packed with ideas for presents, wrapping, and cards
- Handmade Christmas Crafts (Handmade Holiday Crafts)
- More DIY Christmas Ideas
Corinne Schmitt says
I love this list! I’m always saddened when I see people stressed over how to afford Christmas. It diminishes the meaning of the holiday when we attach a price tag to it. This list is a wonderful reminder that there are many ways to express our appreciation for the people we care about that don’t involve opening our wallets.
OutsideTheBoxMom says
Thanks for stopping by! I think we all forget how much it means to spend time together making memories.