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    Ways to Give a Gift Without Spending a Dime

    By Quizzle.com | Work + Money – Mon, Dec 19, 2011 6:22 PM EST

    By: Juliana Weiss-Roessler

    We know how it is. You really want to get some amazing gifts for your friends and family, but money's tight. In fact, tight might be putting it a little mildly: you're tapped. But don't start panicking yet. There are plenty of thoughtful gifts you can give that won't cost you any money at all.

    Personal instructor. So you didn't have money to get grandma that new digital camera. Being tech savvy, you can show her how to work it like a professional photographer, something that's at least as useful. Other useful "gift" skills include teaching cooking, sewing, computer use or practically any sport.

    Say cheese.     People love photos, especially of their loved ones. Take a picture and make a nice frame from crafty materials you already have around the house - they're sure to appreciate it.

    Laborer for a day. Don't have any specific skills to teach? Gift yourself as hired help. If you live in a colder climate, offer to shovel snow from your recipient's driveway; for warm weather places, tend the garden or mow the lawn. Or if they prefer, offer to clean the house or help with small remodeling jobs.

    Make the Internet smaller.     Got an aunt who loves antiquing but isn't so Web savvy? Do some research of useful websites and blogs and set them up with a Google Reader account with a list of places you know they'll enjoy.

    Be a sitter.     Offer an IOU for babysitting the next time your recipient needs it. Or provide pet care the next time they go out of town. Or if you have a family member caring for an invalid relative, give them a day off and help out.

    Paint the town free.     Most big cities (and a lot of smaller ones) offer a number of free events year-round, including things like movies, concerts, and other fun activities. Do a little research and find something your recipient would be interested in and take them out for a night on the town. Art galleries are especially good for things like this because openings will often not only be free, but offer wine and appetizers. Mmm.

    Mark your place.     Nothing could be worse to a voracious reader than losing their place in one of the dozen books they're reading at the same time, so do them a favor and make them a nice bookmark out of cardboard and wrapping paper or old cards you have lying around. Use a hole puncher on one end and tie a string through the hole to complete the effect.

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    13 comments

    • Lee
      Lee  •  5 months ago
      Visit an elderly relative and bring them a homecooked lunch. They'll love it and most of all your company.
    • Deidre
      Deidre  •  5 months ago
      If there is one thing in my area there is an overabundance of, it is honeysuckle vines. I make wreaths and baskets out of them and give them for presents. Very little skill or talent necessary. If you knit, there are many useful things that can be made with odds and ends of yarn.
    • ZZ
      ZZ  •  5 months ago
      I think visiting a nursing home or assisted living facility is a great idea. My Dad was in one, towards the end of his life and his biggest need was companionship. Particularly during the weekdays when my brother and I were working and could not visit frequently. He never wanted for things, just someone to talk to. I also noticed that most of the people there get little to no visitors. It can really make someone's day.
    • Bonnie
      Bonnie  •  5 months ago
      I plan to create copies of my children's favorite recipes that I used to make for them, on the computer. I will then print them out, put in page protectors and put in a slim binder. I'm sure they will love re-creating those childhood favorites!
      • Amy
        Amy 5 months ago
        Bonnie, the best gift I have ever received from my mother was a recipe box with all family recipes' (aunt's, grandmother's, etc)! I am sure your children will love your gift!
    • George
      George  •  5 months ago
      Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to ALL of you
    • nec
      nec  •  5 months ago
      Be an "Organizer" for a day...help a relative or friend organize stuff or get rid of clutter in their home or office for a day.
    • Robin
      Robin  •  Rocky Mount, North Carolina  •  5 months ago
      That's what my husband and me did this year to cut cost alot !.
      We cleaned up my dads yard for his Birthday (which is Christmas Day, he will be 79))
      I help him but he don't want to bother me so he usually hires someone to help him.
      My husband worked on a lawn mower for his boss for Christmas.
      My husband helped his brother in return for some old bikes , we cleaned up and are giving to grandchildren.
      I helped my daughter who was overwhelmed at home cleanup and organize her house. Gave dad a coupon for further free work. It has been great , a whole lot less money and a whole lot of love. just a few ideas.
    • GCserious
      GCserious  •  5 months ago
      I would LOVE a free lawn mowing as a gift!!
    • Beach Girl
      Beach Girl  •  5 months ago
      I volunteer for the USO and as a coach for Special Olympics as well as take my dog to visit the residents of the local nursing home (she is very gentle). None of these cost me anything but the gas to get there and the appreciation is overwhelming.
    • Bernard
      Bernard  •  Lagos, Nigeria  •  5 months ago
      You can visit charitable homes and make inmates happy with the little you have got.
      • J
        J 5 months ago
        I think this is a great idea particularly for those in hospices or residents of senior homes-many have no family to visit them during the holidays. Be sure to check with facility before hand.
    • Minnesotakid40
      Minnesotakid40  •  Sauk Rapids, Minnesota  •  5 months ago
      How about a local animal shelter, lots of lonely dogs and cats who would love some attention, they like Christmas too.
    • No Conscience
      No Conscience  •  5 months ago
      Commiting suicide and helping the entire world-one less mouth to feed.
    • A Yahoo! User  •  5 months ago
      How about saying something positive to someone which you have always thought, but never told them? Sometimes a genuine compliment or sentiment which can be shared with someone else is very memorable, valuable, and will most likely not be forgotten.... Telling someone how we feel is financially "free", but rarely done.
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