Simple Gift Ideas

Almost half of all Americans feel pressure during the holidays to spend more than they can afford. Many people are still paying off holiday debts months later.

To avoid unnecessary financial burdens that only heighten the pressures of the season, the Center for a New American Dream has produced a brochure that offers alternatives to costly holiday spending.

Gifts of Time

This is a wonderful option for just about anyone, from the person who has everything to the elderly relative who would most appreciate companionship. A particularly nice way to give the gift of time is by drawing up a voucher that includes the name of the gift giver, the recipient, and the gift to be given. Here are some gifts of time you might consider giving:

• Homemade dinners delivered to the recipient's house

• Special activities with your spouse. A candlelight dinner, massage, or outdoor activity

• A month of taking out the garbage/doing the dishes

• A monthly lunch date with an elderly relative or friend

• Babysitting

• Car washing

• Organizing an outing to a zoo, museum, or park

• Offering a particular talent such as photography, gardening, financial planning, or hairstyling

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