Free Holiday Gift Giving

If you are like us, you need to find ways to trim your Christmas gift budget. I have some ideas for you. I have been part of "Dollar Stretchers" for a couple of years now. I receive emails every day with ideas on how to stretch a dollar. Well, this article had some good ideas that I just wanted to share with you. I have copied and pasted the whole article exactly as it was in the email so if you wanted to check out more from the author, you could do that. Some of these ideas I have heard before and even done, but some of them were new to me. I have my shopping already done, but I might "add" some of these gifts or keep the ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, or even next year.

10 Free Holiday Gifts
by Melissa Mayntz
Add more value to your holiday than any price tag can measure

Holiday gifts may be one of the last things to purchase on a
strict budget, but they are often the first things that
recipients notice missing, even without ill will. Gift givers
whose budgets are stretched this year, however, do not have to
play Scrooge with gift lists. These ten gifts are completely
free to give and will make a lasting impression both on the
giver and the recipient.

1. Companionship

Visiting an old friend or spending a chilly winter afternoon
with someone who is unable to get out is a great gift to warm
the hearts of both parties. A simple conversation, board game,
shared meal, or watching a movie is a great way to spend the
time together enjoying the holiday spirit.

2. A Letter

The "happy family update letter" is a popular feature for many
holiday cards, but nothing beats a hand-written, personal
letter. Longer than a quick note or signed greeting card, a
special letter can be reread and enjoyed throughout the
holiday season.

3. Coupons

It is easy to draw or print simple personal coupons to give as
stocking stuffers or meaningful gifts. A free kiss coupon is
perfect for couples, while kids will appreciate a "get out of
trouble free" coupon or a "dinner pick" certificate to choose
a favorite home cooked meal.

4. Services

Free labor is a great gift to share to help ease that special
someone's holiday burden. Offer to shovel snow for a week,
baby-sit during another holiday, or share special skills the
recipient can use, such as professional advice or tips that
are free to give but will be invaluable for them.

5. Quitting a Habit

Making a concerted effort to quit a bothersome habit like
biting fingernails, interrupting, etc. is a thoughtful way to
show someone that you've been listening to their requests for
you to stop throughout the year. Stronger habits such as
smoking and gambling may be more difficult to quit, but doing
so is an even more meaningful gift.

6. No Arguing

The perfect gift kids can give their parents is a day free
from petty arguments and fights. The same concept applies to
tense family situations or any social occasion when not
everyone may get along, but time free from that tension is a
great gift to offer.

7. Pampering

Pampering someone special doesn't have to cost a mint. Offer a
neck or foot massage, draw a warm bubble bath, or otherwise
treat them like they deserve all of this and more for a
thoughtful gift that will be thoroughly enjoyed.

8. Time Alone

Parents especially will appreciate the gift of time alone.
Offer to take care of the kids, answer the phone, and deal
with any emergencies that crop up in order to give the
recipient time to enjoy whatever they want or to catch up with
their own to-do list.

9. Day of Chores

A day of chores can be a useful and productive gift. Whether
it includes daily tasks such as cooking a meal and cleaning
the kitchen or too long delayed chores such as cleaning out
the garage or attic, offering a 24-hour period of complaint-
free servitude is sure to be appreciated.

10. Forgiveness

The holidays often bring family and personal problems into the
spotlight when fights break out or estrangements become
apparent. Make this holiday season extra special with the gift
of forgiveness, and move past disagreements to welcome the new
year with a new attitude toward one another.

It is easy to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest
clothing, technical gadgets, and must-have items during the
holiday season, but long before the bills are paid off, many
of those gifts are unused or forgotten. By choosing meaningful
free gifts to share, it is possible to trim the holiday budget
and add more value to it than any price tag can measure.
_______________________

Melissa Mayntz is a freelance writer and editor from Utah. She
has written more than 1,500 articles for print and online
markets, and she edits manuscripts for publishers and
individual writers. Learn more at www.MelissaMayntz.com.

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