by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

Many articles and websites provide ideas for low cost gift giving for Christmas. Gift ideas that cost nothing are also available. Artistic or craft abilities are not required. No special supplies need to be purchased. Most of these ideas do not even need to be wrapped, yet the gifts may be the most beautiful under any tree.

Easy no cost gift ideas:

Giving the gift of time is one of the most valuable gifts that anyone can give but it costs the giver no actual dollar amount. While time may be money, time given to another can be worth so much more to both the recipient and the gift giver. These gifts can be given at Christmas or any time of year. Consider what you have to offer and what your recipients really need.

Create coupons to give to an elderly friend, neighbor or family member that offer your free services for one day of snow shoveling after a storm. For many, this will be a much-appreciated Christmas gift. If shoveling snow is not an option, coupons can be created for grass cutting, weeding and raking. One or two coupons can even be created for each season as a package gift.

For a close loved one, one or more coupons for a massage, or one night of peace and quiet for relaxing in a hot bubble bath could be just what the recipient needs. Create coupons that offer several hours of free babysitting for the new mother or large family that could use just a bit of free time. Offer your services to help clean house or prepare a meal for an overworked friend. Offer to spend an afternoon baking Christmas cookies and treats and then help with the clean up after.

Free with advanced planning:

Samples can be frequently found free from manufacturers. These types of gifts will need to be collected in advance but can be combined to make a very nice presentation. Make up, perfumes and shampoos are a great choice for travelers or anyone on a gift list that likes trying new things. Collecting samples may take time but the hunt can be an adventure in itself. If high value coupons can be included with the samples, the recipient can later purchase the items they enjoyed.

Advanced planning can provide even more no cost ideas for future gift giving. Gardeners can pick flowers, press them and create bookmarks or dried flower arrangements. Grow fruits and vegetables for homemade jams or pickles. The only cost for these gifts may be the sugar or spices needed for cooking. A simple ribbon tied around a jar of homemade jelly can make an excellent gift choice. With a little imagination and knowledge of what a recipient really needs the holidays can be bountiful without bills.

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