It’s the most wonderful time of the year, however, when you’re unemployed or are on a very strict budget gifting season can be hard on you. Not being able to provide material gifts should not stop you from showing up for you loved ones, instead it should inspire you to be more creative with your gifts. We will provide you a few gift ideas that won’t impact you bank balance.
Babysitting
Many nanny’s or caregivers have taken leave this holiday season, leaving working parents destitute with no-one to guard their children. Offering to babysit for a day or two will lighten their load and give them time to either have time to themselves or finally go to girls night.
Create a heartwarming video
With all the technology we have, create a heartwarming video with one of their favourite songs and have their pictures as a slide show on the video. Capture yourself giving a short message about how much they mean to you. You may ask others if they would like to take part to make it even more sweeter.
Offer to help
A lot happens around the house during the festive season, between painting, Christmas decorations, deep cleaning and Christmas lunch, there is always something to do. Pick one thing you know they need help with and offer to do it. If you love the tradition of putting up the decorations, pick that. If you have that one mouthwatering dish that everyone loves, just ask them to buy the ingredients and you will be ready to work your magic.
Create a ‘Jar of Motivation’
Get crafty with it. Using an empty coffee or jam jar, peel off the sticker and be sure to wash it thoroughly to get rid of the smell. Write ‘jar of motivation’ on a paper and paste it on the jar where the original sticker was. Now for the actual motivation, write down short motivational quotes and bible verses that uplift and give hope. Cut these out separately, fold them and put them inside the jar. The purpose is for them to use it either everyday or on days where they need a ‘pick-me up’, they just take one out and let it be their mantra for the day.
Gifts are about being intentional, not expensive. Your loved ones know your heart, just show up for them the best way you know how.
Also see: Christmas on a budget
