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I hate shopping. Even more than that, I hate Christmas shopping. I hate the lines, I hate the expense, and most of all, I hate wandering through the mall with no idea what I'm going to buy for people.

My solution to this is very simple. I buy enough holiday greeting cards for everyone on my list and call it a day. What's so special about cards? Why, the wonderful services and IOU's I put inside of them, of course! Time and energy are our most valuable resources, even more valuable than money. Nothing means more to a gift recipient than a gift that requires a little of both. Once in awhile, throughout the year, keep a good karma going-sacrifice just a portion of those valuable (and renewable) resources for the people you love. Here are some ideas:

1. A night of babysitting. This is great for many reasons. It doesn't cost you anything, and you will absolutely thrill the parents on your list with this great gift of time. Take it a step further and offer to watch the children in their home. This extra effort on your part will mean a lot to parents of infants who would have to lug a suitcase full of baby paraphernalia both to and from your place just to get a few hours of fun.

2. A day off work, penalty free. You would think this would be possible only if you were an employer. I gave this gift to my best friend one Christmas, not sure how well it would go over. She showed the card to her boss and he granted it! The day off was not counted against any of her vacation, personal or sick days-it was just a free day off. Naturally, you'd have to be a little choosy about who you gave this to. I'm sure this would not be a good gift for the government (or other strict corporate) employees on your list.

3. A sleepover for all your girlfriends at your place. Too old for sleepovers? Nonsense. You provide the chick flicks, pizza, drinks and games. By giving this as an IOU, you allow time for everyone to check their schedules and agree on a good night.

4. Are you good at cleaning? Offer to clean someone's house for them! The best candidates for this gift are bachelors-they will really appreciate it. Don't be picky either. Make it an all-inclusive deal. Wash the windows, launder the bedding, flip the mattress-all the stuff bachelors don't think to do on a regular basis. Or ever, probably.

5. Offer to care for a close friend or family member's newborn overnight so they can sleep. Take this one additional step and offer to do it on a weeknight, even if you have to work the next day, too. If mom is breastfeeding, offer to bring the baby to her so she doesn't have to get out of bed. After baby's meal, you can take care of putting her back to sleep. Just one full night's rest means the world to new parents-especially parents who have to work!

These are just a few ideas. Services you can provide for your family can also be specific to your skills. Anyone getting married the following year? Offer to take one of the planning chores from the bride, particularly one that would otherwise require her to hire someone (decorating, invitation design, DJ, cake, etc.) Would you feel comfortable doing the taxes of someone else, perhaps someone who would have a simple return (single, no dependents?) Offer to do their income tax return for them the coming year!

Services are cheap, but way more meaningful than anything you could buy. Give throughout the year! This should be what Christmas is all about.

Learn more about this author, Jennie Kelley.
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