7 Tips for How To Give Rather than Receive this Holiday Season (On the Cheap!)

Sara Novak — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 09:00:02 +0000

It’s the season of giving–a time of year when we turn our attention away from ourselves for a bit and focus on those we love and care about. Although giving to those you have never met is also welcomed. And if your bank account won’t allow you to blow it out, don’t fret. We’ve got some tips for giving on the cheap. Here’s how to give rather than receive this holiday season.

1. Give your time.

Not sure how to give without money? Consider volunteering. Studies have shown that those who volunteer their time tend to be happier than those who don’t. Consider making volunteer time a permanent part of your holiday tradition. Whether it’s at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or helping your friend paint their bathroom, whatever the task, your time can be worth its weight in gold.

2. Make a friend a personalized feast.

Having a friend over for dinner is nice but to make it extra special this holiday season, personalize the meal. Choose a menu of their favorite foods to serve up. Make a signature cocktail that you know they will love.

3. Infuse some holiday cheer.

Have you ever noticed that many of the high-end flavored liquors taste like a medicinal Jolly Rancher? For natural homemade flavor, you’ll need to make your own–and it’s a great gift. I reported on our sister site Organic Authority about how to infuse your own spirits. And it’s a great way to add holiday cheer.

4. Make your friends granola.
Package some wholesome love in a simple mason jar with a hemp string bow and gift your favorite health nut friends. This recipe for DIY granola rocks. And it’s a treat that doesn’t cause guilt (like a batch of cookies).

5. Give homemade beeswax candles.
We all love candles. They add warmth to rooms, soothe our moods, and they smell great. But candles can be pricey and seemingly extravagant. That’s why they’re the perfect gift to receive. It’s even better if you make your own, like these homemade beeswax candles.

6. Monogram a journal to add a special touch.

Buy an inexpensive journal at the book store and then jazz it up with a personalized touch. A stamp kit may be your wonder tool here. Here’s how to get started.

7. Offer to house sit a pet.

It’s the holiday season and everyone is headed out of town. People need someone they trust to take care of their pets. It’s a HUGE weight lifted for the pet owners of the world (I‘m one of them).

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Image: Official US Navy Page

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Gift Guide-A-Palooza

Leigha Oaks — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:02:54 +0000

Still struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and not-so-loved ones (like the gum popping girl in the cubicle next to yours)? That’s completely ridiculous. The sheer volume of (amazing) gift guides overwhelming ‘blogland’ should be enough brilliant inspiration to finish your list and check it twice.

Of course, in my completely unbiased opinion – you should start with the gorgeous EcoSalon 2010 Gift Guides. But then, after you have soaked in all the details, visit these delicious guides. When your friends, family, and all your gift recipients thank you, you can thank me.

2010 Gift Guide Guide

A Cup Of Jo

Don’t miss the gift guide archives!

Apartment Therapy

Bits of Beauty (For Him & For Her)