The Best Free Gifts
Gift giving is a traditional social custom associated with birthdays, holidays and special occasions in a person's life. However, gift giving can also be an expensive custom that might leave you with an empty wallet. Instead of emptying your bank account to provide gifts for your loved ones, consider these no-cost alternatives that will show them you care.
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Use Your Skills
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Are you a master seamstress? Are you handy with a hammer? If you have a skill that others might find useful, you can offer up your services for free as a gift for any occasion. You don't have to have any extra-special skill either; you can offer services for babysitting or even clean someone's house for a free gift they will appreciate. If you can't afford a gift for a birthday or holiday party, offer to help set up and clean up after the party instead.
Get Crafty
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Use your creativity to whip up a gift from the heart. You can write a poem, story, or even heartfelt gratitude to the gift receiver in lieu of buying a present. If you have extra craft supplies around the house, you can use them to make a fun painted vase, knitted item or even jewelry. Consider a scrapbook present filled with old photos of you and the gift receiver. Instead of buying expensive scrapbook paper, use bits of old wrapping paper, fabric remnants and pictures and words from old magazines.
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High-Tech Gifts
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If you are handy with electronics, you can give a number of high-tech gifts that won't cost you a dime. You can help someone with less-than-perfect computer skills set up their Internet shortcuts and install anti-virus software. If you can get your hands on the gift receiver's MP3 player, you can fill it up with a handmade playlist of songs you think he or she will enjoy. Set up a newsfeed for the gift receiver and compile feeds to blogs and websites you think he or she will enjoy.
Regifting
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Regifting is a popular practice, where you give an unopened gift that you do not want as a gift to someone else. When regifting, be sure that the gift you are giving will be appreciated by the person receiving it. Always write down who gave you what so that you don't accidentally give a gift to someone that they gave to you the year before. Gently used items are okay, too, as long as you still have the original packaging and you clean it before giving it away.
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