No-spend last-minute Christmas gifts

By Stacie Gaetz

I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but Christmas is less than a week away!

If you are looking for some last minute, affordable free gifts, you’ve come to the right place!

There is no doubt that this has been one of the most expensive Christmases any of us can remember.

I know each generation marvels at how expensive things are “now-a-days,” but the numbers don’t lie, the price of everything is skyrocketing now more than ever in recent history.

However, this unfortunate fact, shouldn’t mean that you give presents to less people or need to be less generous this holiday season.

If you have a few last-minute gifts to throw together and no budget left to do it with, there are several free (or incredibly affordable) gifts that you and/or your children can make your friends and family this holiday season.

The way to the heart

It is no secret that the way to just about anyone’s heart is through their stomach so take the time to make some tasty treats this Christmas season.

Almost everyone has their go-to holiday treats that they have perfected over the years and make time after time, but you can really show how much care and the amount of thought you have put into a gift by creating something specific just for the recipient. You even get extra points if sharing the food with that person brings back memories of a special experience you had together. Maybe you used to go to a certain coffee shop together and have “the best” hot chocolates. Create hot chocolate jars for them and reminisce about that time. Maybe your friend brought you lasagna as a meal-train meal when you first had your baby – return the favor.

Do your kids have a specialty that they make? Maybe they are experts at creating no-bake chocolate bark or spicy snack mix. Let them take this one over and create their signature concoction for their loved ones.

Create a “mixtape”

Putting together a playlist for someone you love is the perfect way to show them you care. Whether you make a collection of songs from you and your brother’s childhood or compile a playlist like the one you listened to on your first road trip with your best friend, music brings back memories.

Share your wedding playlist with your significant other or put together some of your parents’ favorite “oldies” hits in one compilation.

Go old-school by burning a CD or share the songs with them via Spotify or another music sharing app.

Grow them something

Plants are a beautiful and affordable gift. It shows extra time and effort (but requires a bit of preplanning) if you grow your green gift from a bulb or seedling. This can even be free if you give them a trimming from a plant you already have.

It is truly like giving the gift of life and will brighten up their home during the chilly months. If your friend is down, it can give them a bit of hope and something to take care of (and even talk to if they want).

Amazing art

Try your hand at creating something beautiful for your friends and family. It can be as simple as making your own Christmas cards or as extravagant as a hand-made sculpture. This is another one to get the kids involved with. Let them fingerpaint a canvas with the colors your loved one uses in their home décor. Feeling particularly artistic? Do a sketch from a photo of the two of you or paint a portrait of their beloved pet. Sew them a pillow or purse or you can make them a personalized Christmas ornament for their tree.

Services rendered

This one is totally free and very thoughtful as you can customize it based on exactly what your friend needs at the time.

Are they swamped with work? Offer to clean their house or walk their dog.

Has it been months since they went on a date with their significant other? Offer your babysitting services.

Do they absolutely love a signature dish that you cook? Make it for them and drop it off on their doorstep with their favorite bottle of wine or other beverage so they don’t have to cook that night.

Play together

When was the last time you and your friend or family member just went out and played? Plan a day of free fun. Go on a hike together or go to as many playgrounds as you can. Spend a day walking through Devonian Gardens or going to a mall uninterrupted (in January or February once it is less busy).

How about planning a day in, playing all the board games you love? If it is a long-time friend or a relative you grew up with, you can even dig out some nostalgic games from your past. Maybe your loved one is more into video games, have a tournament of their favorite one.

If you have a sports fan on your hands, plan to watch or even play their favorite sport together for an afternoon.

Thoughtful regifting

When we hear the word “regift” we all think of someone pawning off the junk they don’t want but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can regift in a thoughtful way.

Give your loved one something of yours that they have always admired. Maybe they mentioned that they really want to read a book you just got. Maybe they have always commented on how beautiful a vase you own is.

Maybe they absolutely adore one of your scarves or commented on another accessory that you are willing to part with.

Do they have kids younger than yours? Hand them down (good condition) toys, books or clothes for their kiddos.

Picture it

This one is my family’s favorite (and one we have done many times). Print them a photo that you love and put it in a frame you have lying around the house. You could also create a canvas of the photo as there are plenty of online tutorials on how to do so and the materials are affordable form your local craft or even dollar store. Each time they look at the picture, they will be reminded of you.

Everything is expensive right now but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your loved ones meaningful, thoughtful gifts that they will enjoy.

You just have to get a bit creative and be willing to put in some effort to make their holidays bright.