Avoid 'Stuff' Overload: Give Your Time Instead
I love my friends and family, but I don’t like giving them gifts. Wait, that didn’t come out right. What I mean is that I don’t like feeling obligated to give them something simply because it’s their birthday or a holiday. It puts me in a stressful situation, wondering what I can possibly give them that they’ll truly like and that fits my budget. Besides, we all have too much “stuff.”
Here’s a better idea: give the gift of time. Everybody needs extra help cleaning out their garage. And work is best done in the presence of loved ones. So rather than shop “˜til your credit limit pops, make a beautiful card pledging a few hours of your dedicated time. Help, smiles and conversation – it’s a gift that everyone will appreciate.
Here are a few ideas of things you can give to each other:
Childcare
Cleaning
Gardening or yardwork
Pet care
Running errands
Letter writing
Hanging art or decorating
Cooking a meal
Organizing a closet
Helping plan a travel itinerary
Computer or web help
Household repairs
Unfinished DIY projects
This list could go on forever. Perhaps you’re an ace at polishing resumes – why not offer it to your friend who is looking for a new job? Maybe you’re a natural when it comes to packing for a trip – your disorganized gal pal might love some help. Swap your skills and give the gift of time. Everyone will come out feeling as if they’ve received the best gift. What are things you could give?
Editor’s note: Special thanks to LA for the great idea. 
Image: Michel Filion
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Green Home Detective: Identifying 10 Reusable Household Items
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. I remember my mother telling
The Recessionista's Ultimate Green Do-It-Yourself Guide
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. Going green – we hear
How to Safely Get Rid of Paint, Toxic Cleaning Products and Motor Oil
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. Sorry to burst your bubble,
Fish Lips Wrapping Paper
XHello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic. My friend, Tia, is a
|
Bookmark |
3 Comments
January 13th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
What a great idea – when I was a kid I made my parents a gift coupon book that had things like “wash the car” in it!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for capturing the ‘essence’ of what this idea is all about. In a time of trying economic circumstance, all we really have is time and our health, at the end of the day.
My closet sure needs organizing…;-)
January 14th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Happy (almost) Birthday, LA. I happen to be a great organizer.
I need new carpet.
Welcome! The comment box is all yours to say what you like. Just make sure you use a real name, not a site or company, so you don't get sent to the spam bin. (That makes us sad.)