Friday, November 27, 2009

When you think you have nothing to give

Earlier today I wrote how those who "have" at this time can help their friends and family who "have not". So... I wanted to share how you can give when you are the "have not".

In our materialistic society, we most often think we have to make a purchase to give or the gift is will not be appreciated. Actually, I have found that not to be true in most cases. Yes, there are those around who may not appreciate fresh baked cookies but let's be honest... do you want those people as friends? So they are family and you are stuck with them... pray for their materialism and offer them a cookie, anyway. They may learn someday.

Here are some ways I've learned to be a giver, even with a very limited income...

When I do have "extra" cash, I stock the pantry (shelves, frig, deep freeze) with simple items which... when mixed together... create magic (Narnia magic). Isn't it absolutely remarkable the number of recipes which can be made from: eggs, butter, milk or cream, various sugars, flour, flavor extracts, nuts, dried fruit, yeast, etc.?

Throughout the year I'm always looking for inexpensive containers, suitable for giving gifts of baked goods. For instance, last year I hit a clearance sale at Wal Mart and purchased a couple dozen pretty red trays for a dime each. I gave many of them to Stephanie as a gift since she often takes baked goods to people.

When I can get a good deal on fresh fruits, I like to "can" jellies and jams. People love these.

A blog friend sent me honey and homemade soap from her farm... LOVED it!

Other gifts I give with little or no money:

Books from the book sales or purchased with Amazon credit.
Items purchased at garage sales and while thrifting that I know people would love.
A pretty mug or teacup from my own collection with a box of favorite tea or hot chocolate.
A basket filled with a favorite snack (like puppy chow... yum) made "from scratch".

I used to make teddy bears, angels, small quilts, and other sewn items.
My first gift to my husband (before he was my husband) was a crocheted scarf... which he still has. :)
I've given a gift of recipe cards written with favorite family recipes.
My daughter received a "cookbook" from our good friend for a wedding gift that she had written with their favorite recipes... all printed from her computer.

Stuff to do as gifts

Offer to babysit the kiddies.
Sit with an elderly or ill person so their caregiver can get relief.
Read to someone who can't read for themselves... young or old.
Offer to scrub a floor or paint a room.
Trim bushes and trees for someone who can no longer get around easily.

Put up a Christmas tree for a friend who is not handy about such things.
Share extra decorations (that you no longer need or want) with a friend who has none.
Hang the Christmas lights for the elderly neighbor who can no longer hang them.

Write letters to people who would love to hear from you.
Send a pretty card to an elderly relative or friend.
Give forgiveness to someone who needs to hear those words.

Listen to a teenager, really listen.
Ask an elderly relative to share family history and write it down.
Collect family recipes and type them into the computer... give copies to loved ones.

Encourage your children to draw pictures for Grandma and Grandpa... and send them.

If you have a green thumb, take starts from your flowers (in season) and start them in your home, give to a neighbor or family member when they are ready.

Ask your kids for ideas, they tend to be quite creative!

12 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

Hmmm...very good thoughts here! I need to read that again to let it all sink in. Hope you are enjoying the holiday and the true meaning of it!

Anita said...

Excellent and varied suggestions! Thanks for sharing.

Happy Hermit (happilyhiddenhermit@gmail.com) said...

Excellent Post !!

Scrappy quilter said...

Another great creative list. The best Christmas we ever had was our pioneer Christmas (when we have almost nothing to give). We made everything. Our kids still talk about it and the fun we had. Christmas doesn't need to be about money does it. Hugs..

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

What a beautiful post! Lots to think about.......We've always believed in home made gifts, and that people are more important than things... May I ask you, please, to pray for one of my sisters-in-law who is devastated to hear that her cancer has returned. I am so sorry for her. She was supposed to go to Minnesota just now to be with her daughter for the birth of her first baby, and now she is having an operation on December 8th. Then six months of chemo. Please pray for her.

matty said...

Wonderful ideas, Brenda! We have finally convinced our families to NOT give this year, except to the little nephews (10 and 12). There is too much want out there and we have just far too much. We have asked everyone to share with someone in need instead.

Hugs!

Matty

Kristi, I'll be remembering your family! Tried to email you from your blog, but can't!

carla said...

Excellent post. I love the tips. Most years, we're really stretched at Christmas; but even when we have a little more cash, I'm very hesitant to use it buy presents for people who won't use or keep them. At least two relatives regularly throw things away or donates them to Goodwill. To me, that's money ill spent. My desire is to give them something they want, but I'm just not a perfect gift giver. Handmade presents are the solution when I'm not sure what to give. The ones who love me appreciate them. And you're right - do I really want to be friends with those who don't appreciate homemade cookies?

Barb said...

What wonderful and creative ideas! The most valuable gift is one given from the heart - thank you for the reminder.

Quinne said...

Hi Brenda :) This post and the previous one are just lovely. Thank you for sharing your heart and these ideas. Love you, Q

Connie said...

You have some wonderful suggestions for giving. I appreciate your list very much. We must remember that whatever the gift it must come from our heart.

Cheryl (Copper's Wife) said...

Wonderful ideas!

Abounding Treasures said...

What wonderful and creative ideas ~ thanks for sharing ... they've given me some fabulous food for thought for this year :o)