Million Dollar Gift Giving

By Nancy Twigg

Christmas is just around the corner, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of decisions that need to be made about gifts for our loved ones. Christmas is also a time when many people spend way more money than they can afford, and the financial stress can detract from the joy of the season.

Is there any relief in sight? Is there a way to control the expense of gift giving without becoming a Scrooge? Can you actually give meaningful gifts without emptying your bank account? Rest assured that the answer to all these questions is "yes." You just need to use a little creativity.

Gift giving does not have to be something to dread but rather an opportunity for you to exercise your creativity. Even those on a tight budget can give gifts that reflect the true spirit of giving. Let's face it. Anyone can shell out a lot of money for a gift without putting much thought into it. How many people can give a thoughtful gift without shelling out much money?

Reflect for a moment on all the gifts you have received over the years. Which ones stand out in your memory? Most likely the gifts you remember the most are not the ones that cost the most. Gifts like a handmade picture frame or a memory book created especially for you are not particularly costly but are indeed priceless. I call these kinds of gifts "million dollar gifts."

Million dollar gifts are those that make both the giver and the recipient feel like a million bucks. Instead of a big investment of money, they require the giver to invest of herself - her effort, her energy, and her creative talents. These gifts send a clear message that the giver cares enough to give one of life's most precious commodities - time.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Following are several examples of "million dollar gifts." All of these require little or no money, only your time.

Can you provide a special service? Give an IOU for a needed service. Ideas include babysitting, mending, ironing, weeding the flower beds, chauffeuring the kids for the afternoon-anything that would be appreciated by the recipient.

Is there a special dish or dessert your loved one enjoys but doesn't get to eat very often? Give the gift of good taste that also tastes good. Food gifts make great non-cluttering gifts.

Are you artistic? Write a poem, compose a song, or paint a picture. Give the special gift of your unique talent.

Can you teach a skill or hobby? Offer to provide lessons to that person who has always admired something you do well.

What about using your camera or camcorder to create a memorable gift? Pictures of the recipient's family members or pets are always special. In the same way, a keepsake video is something the recipient can watch and enjoy over and over again.

Does everyone rave about your creative cooking? Make sure all those recipes aren't lost by compiling them all into a handmade cookbook. Giving this special collection to that family member or friend who enjoys trying new recipes.

These are only a few ideas, but the possibilities are unlimited. Without ruining your budget, you can give meaningful gifts that are as unique as you. When you put your mind to it, you will find that instead of dreading the next occasion for gift-giving, you will look forward to the opportunity give your own special "million dollar gift."

Nancy Twigg is the author of Celebrate Simply: Your Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions. For more information on low-cost and low-stress celebrations, visit Nancy online at www.celebratesimply.com