10 Generous Gift-Giving Strategies That Won't Break The Bank

Check out my latest blog post on My Fab Finance. 

Now that the holiday season is over, it doesn’t mean the spending stops. Many of us are shopping, traveling, eating out, catching all the new movies, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying quality time with family and friends. But how can you be generous and buy gifts for others, and even yourself, without breaking the bank

While gift giving can often times be “difficult” for those who may have just experienced a layoff, loss of a loved one, experienced a break-up or financial hardship, those of us more fortunate can help to spread kindness and generosity without going in debt. You can still be generous to others without spending lots of money. Get creative and keep it simple.

Small, inexpensive gestures can make a huge impact. Click here to read my latest article 10 ways to be generous without breaking the bank at My Fab Finance.

(Or continue reading on below.)

Here are 10 ways to be generous without breaking the bank:

1) Cook or purchase a meal for an individual or a family

If you are unable to cook, use UberEats, DoorDash or a restaurant’s delivery service to send a surprise dinner to a loved one as a gift.

2) Pay someone’s past due electricity bill

The seasons can be harsh depending on geographic location. Whether it’s heat or air conditioning, those bills can get pretty heavy. Why not ensure someone has continuous comfort in their home? If you don’t know anyone personally, ask your local utility company to apply a payment to a random person’s past due account. Kindness brings good karma… what goes around always comes back around.

3) Offer someone a ride to work or school

If you know someone who rides the bus/train or walks every day, offer to pick them up or drop them off. Or offer to pay for an Uber or Lyft ride. 

4) Spend time with a child who has no siblings

Take them to see a movie, bowling, games, etc. Bring along some other kids, if you can, so that child can have fun bonding with you and the other kids. 

5) Write an uplifting note to someone

Most people don’t send or receive handwritten notes anymore. Show someone some love by sending them one. Mail it or deliver in person if possible.

6) Purchase a Full Body Massage Gift Card

If you know someone who’s always working during the holidays and doesn’t get much time off, relaxation is definitely a necessity for them.  

7) Offer to babysit the kids

Offer to babysit for a single parent or couple who doesn’t get a break often, so that they can have a date night or enjoy some much-needed ME time. 

8) Purchase a gas card

Gas can be expensive, especially if you have responsibilities all over town or drive long distances to work. Gift a gas card to someone who frequently drives long distances to work. 

9) Visit with someone in person 

Go to someone’s home and just talk or watch a movie. Money doesn’t always have to be spent to have a good time. Sometimes just sitting and talking can be a great way to stimulate your mind. 

10) Host a Vision Board Party

We are all works in progress. We all have goals and dreams to accomplish. Why not connect with others and provide a safe and judgment-free zone to encourage, motivate and inspire? Any day can be your personal New Year, and what better way to help someone else (or even yourself) hit reset on your life and get clear on your visions by creating an action plan for success!