When all else fails, give the gift of books

My mother used to tell me, When all else fails, give the gift of books. When I was growing up, a book was a big deal. By todays standards, less than half of Americans consider a book a big deal. The truth is, that many people dont think much about books throughout their life. Between working, the kids soccer games, taking care of home, and the nine hundred and seventy two other things that sit patiently on a list waiting for their due attention, books do not cross the minds of many these days. That is, at least, until they receive the perfect book as a gift.

The perfect gift giving book isnt a title, its about paying attention to the recipient and knowing instinctively what they enjoy and what they crave. Many stay at home parents state that they crave one of two things, intellectual stimulation or more passion in their lives. There you have it. You can either get the craving stay at home parent an intellectual masterpiece that gets their brain function kicking in high gear or you can grab them up a steamy romance novel that will knock their socks off. This little principle applies to giving books as gifts to every man, woman, and child out there. And if you do it well, you might even be able to inspire a book worm in the making to delve into the world of books they have forgotten about.

So, how do you pick the perfect books as gifts for those who arent so vocal about their potential reading interests? Gift giving books come in two categories. The reading category is buying a book that they will read cover to cover and hopefully enjoy the opportunity to delve into someone elses life for awhile. Emotional or inspirational books are usually hard cover (although the trend toward soft cover is shifting) that are filled with something unique such as poetry, inspirational sayings, or other creative forms of lifes greatest gifts notions. Knowing which category to gravitate toward can be a challenge, especially when giving books as gifts to men.

Simple coffee table books that enlighten, inspire, or make someone laugh can be excellent gift giving books. They are usually not gender specific and can introduce someone to a new concept or thought process without any heavy reading. By using basic interests as your guide, giving books as gifts that send a message (such as inspirational coffee table books) can allow you to say things to someone you care for without ever having that awkward uncomfortable moment that makes people stumble. For instance, if someone is struggling with a significant loss in their life, it is very difficult to find the right words to offer comfort. An inspirational coffee table book as a gift can offer that comfort without being direct. Your point, however, will be well taken.

Giving books as gifts to children is always a joy and a pleasure. Hunting out the perfect book that teaches them something new or offers them a new perspective is always fun. Kids dont always get all that excited about receiving a book as a gift initially, but usually appreciate it later on when they open it up and start reading it. Whether youre looking for gift giving book for a three year old or a ten year old, hunting down something new and creative along the childrens books section is almost as much fun as coloring Easter eggs with them. It allows you to consider them carefully, to think about how they relate to the world and what interests of theirs are really starting to develop. You dont have to hit it perfectly on the head when it comes to kids books as gifts. Most kids will find books engaging as long as there some meat to the story line. Very few children are too terribly picky about topics. After all, so much is still brand new to children.

Often, something as simple as giving books as gifts can open up someone to the forgotten joys of sinking into a great novel and escaping the world for awhile into a land of their choosing. The greatest successful measure of giving books as gifts is knowing that they went out and purchased another book when they were finished with the first. Reading offers something that television, DVDs, and other forms of electronic entertainment cant even begin to offer. Books stir the imagination in ways that are healthy and long lasting. We imagine that characters, we can imaging their surroundings and their lifestyle, and we can imagine the way the story unfolds. When it is not done for us via electronic imagery, the imagination becomes so much richer.

Mother’s Day: Personalized Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

So many days roll by without a thought to the daily life of our mother. How is her day going? Is everything going well? Does she need to relax? And so on. We are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that moms have tough days too, even after we are all grown up. And husbands forget that wives, the mothers of their children, do get forgotten in the daily hubbub of life.

So this year, do something that is absolutely and completely all for her. First, make arrangements for a full day at the spa. The works. It is relatively inexpensive and will bring the glow back into mom. While she is at the spa, clean the house, or hire someone to come do it for you. Order out for the best restaurant to deliver a full course meal and set it up for you so that when mom comes home, there is no cooking to be done. Make arrangements to have it cleaned up also. Make sure all her dry cleaning is taken to the shop, the dog is bathed and groomed. The sheets on the bed are fresh and clean.

This may not sound original to some, but for moms, it is the most personal thing you could do for her. Make it so mom does not have to lift a finger for anything.

Another idea, if you want to spend the money and do the footwork, is have a family quilt made for her. There are dozens of ways to do it. You can even have old family pictures incorporated into the quilt. Have the names of her family added to the quilt, this will turn into a Memory Quilt, something she gaze upon year after year and in a sense be surrounded by her family each night.

Depending on what personal means to your mom or wife, can decide how you want to personalize her Mothers Day gift. There is engraving, embroidery, painting, and sculpting, or you can do something that mom has wanted done for a very long time and make that personal. Taking a cruise or short trip to a place that she has wanted to go.

To a mom, all things are personal, especially when it comes to her family.

Mother’s Day: Looking for a nice mothers day gift?

Every time a special occasion approaches like anniversaries, birthdays, or any special day, we commence getting nervous because we know people expect us to show how much we care about them. Certainly, its not all about the presents, but a pretty present always makes people much happy. Therefore, now that mothers day is coming up, you know that your mother deserves to be pampered on her special day.

Popular gifts ideas for mothers day are a box of chocolates, jewelry, clothing accessories, etc. But, if you want to make them be more lovely, you can personalize them. By doing this, you can show your mamma how much you care about her. Make a nice personalized Personalize the gift with the cover and amaze that most special person. Remember that you must order these products early to be sure to get the gift in hand before the special occasion, mothers day.

Nonetheless, why to continue giving the same gifts youve given before? Sometimes it can be difficult to decide how to pamper your mother and it is pretty problematic to choose the perfect gift. It depends on what of kind of style your mom has . In fact, there are a lot of gift ideas and it depends on what you are looking for. Maybe you want to surprise your mom with something luxurious and unique or maybe you want to give her something practical and helpful. That is the reason why you should invest time surfing the web and visiting online stores to find a lovely gift at a reasonable price.

A nice unique and luxurious gift for mothers day

Should you be looking for a unique and luxurious gift, you should try to look for something that will be exclusively for her.

Have you ever heard your mother complaining about waking up in pain? Is your mother always looking for new dcor accessories?

Almost all of them do. So, you should look for a new product that is both relaxing and fashionable.

Fortunately, now you can have a lush and individual addition for the home, the Alpaca Fur Pillow Cover.

Alpaca fur has silky and smooth texture, which makes it a very comfy surface to lie on. This natural fiber is softer than cashmere, and has a inviting look. Its cushy as a pillow and its a decorative ornament in your bedroom or living room. Surprise your mother with a fine and gorgeous looking alpaca pillow made of the softest baby alpaca fur.

Mother’s Day: Unique gift ideas for the cook

With Mothers Day around the corner, are you at a complete loss for an idea for the perfect Mothers Day gift? Yes, Mothers Day is the second Sunday in May, and with a little planning you can find a gift for mom that can be a help for her in the kitchen. Along with the Mothers day flowers and Mothers Day card, why not order a unique gift idea that she would use and appreciate all year long?

Perhaps you are wondering what to buy your mother for her birthday?
Your search will definitely end at Cruets.com. We have numerous gourmet gift items and imported condiments that have won gourmet awards at fancy food shows and exhibitions.

One great gift idea is the specialty hand blown glass, oil and vinegar cruet. As dual cruets for olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, our glass-within-glass cruets offer an innovative way to store both oil and vinegar in the same decanter. Each oil and vinegar cruet is a vessel within a vessel, and has two spouts, one to pour olive oil and the other to serve vinegar. The grape cluster cruet is by far our most popular design, one easy to add to any kitchen dcor. These items are custom made in Europe by glass master artisans, from durable technical grade glass, perfect for cooking and food serving.

Another gift idea we offer will free your mother from toiling in the kitchen to make a simple mashed potatoes dish. Instead of mom working diligently with a wire potato masher to achieve the smooth consistency devoid of any lumps, you can give her our new Ergonomic potato masher that is easy on her hands and wrist. The ergonomic potato masher is truly a unique gourmet gift. Garlic mashed potatoes will take on a new meaning in moms kitchen, with half the effort to make them.

Ergonomically designed, this potato masher is easily the best Mothers day or birthday gift idea you will find that is both practical and useful. Buy it for her as a thank you for all her efforts. This potato masher requires only half the energy as compared to conventional mashers. It has a rotating mechanism that will mash potatoes easily and without much effort. This new technique ensures a consistent paste of mashed potatoes and hence a flawlessly delicious dish. Moms work will go effortlessly with this latest kitchen product.

This simple and inexpensive culinary tool is made from food grade plastic and is safe for the dishwasher.

Wish your mother or wife a very happy birthday, or Happy Mothers Day, with unique gift ideas from www.cruets.com You can purchase online, and send by mail, these unique gifts are sure to acquire a place of pride in any gourmet kitchen.

Baby: Top Ten Baby Presents – Buy Baby Gift Items That Are Needed

It is always difficult to come up with ideas regarding what to get when you need to buy baby gift items. Baby gifts are as much for the mother as for the baby since there are many items that a mother could use but cannot necessarily afford to buy. So, the next time a baby shower, a birthday party or a christening has to be attended, use the following list of ten ideas to buy baby gift items that will make an impression:

Top Ten Baby Gifts

Baby Toys – These are baby gifts that will never go out of style, and can be actually enjoyed by the baby instead of the parents. There are baby toys that are specifically designed for certain age groups. So, all one has to do is go to the market and buy a toy that is made for the appropriate age, which is put up on the cover or packing of the toy. But the best and the most liked baby toy is a teddy bear or other soft toy, which is appropriate for babies of all ages. So if there is confusion, it is best to buy baby gift toys that are soft and plush.

Baby Monitor – Baby safety is constantly on the minds of the parents. Baby monitors are a perfect solution to end this worry. Now it’s possible to monitor and detect the movements, whining and breathing of the baby audibly and visually too. There are many different models of audio-only, audio/video, and motion-sensor baby monitors to choose from in a wide price range.

Baby Bath Care – Getting an expensive bath care set for the baby is the perfect way to show that you care about the welfare of the baby.

Baby Stroller – This a device that a parent cannot do without. It has to be bought anyway, so why not save the parents that much cash? Gift it instead of something that is completely unnecessary.

Baby Books – Gifting the baby with books, appropriate for his/her age, is always good. This actually helps in developing a joy of reading from a very young age. Pictures and colors fascinate the baby’s eyes, so make sure your book has a lot of illustrations. Buy baby gift books that have thick, cardboard or other material for durability.

Baby Blankets and Sleep Kits – Getting a cozy baby blanket and other sleep accessories is a perfect way of celebrating the baby’s arrival. These days, it is possible to customize the baby blankets. A personalized baby blanket is a truly unique gift. They are available in many colors, materials and designs. The next time you need to buy baby gift items, consider a personalized baby blanket!

Baby Clothes – Smart clothes for the baby will definitely make the parents happy, especially if it’s the second child. The baby will be spared from using hand-me-downs! These days, baby clothing is given a lot of importance, and one is likely to find beautifully made baby clothes in the market, keeping in mind the contemporary trends in fashion. To buy baby gift items that are useful, always consider baby clothes.

Baby Bedding – This will include everything from the mattress to the blanket and pillows, as well as the mosquito netting.

Baby Bouncers – Baby bouncers are the baby’s sitting place, where he/she can roll and bounce and have the time of his/her life. These are somewhat like a bean bag, with a belt, to ensure the safety of the baby. Buy baby gift bouncers or other mobile-type walker since parents need an item like this.

Baby Jewels – A jewel is a priceless gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. They also make a unique baby gift. There are many websites online which are dedicated to baby accessories that carry baby jewelry and have their items displayed online. They also ship and home deliver the items, so that you don’t need to go out and purchase them.

When you have to buy baby gift items, the above choices are always winners!

Baby: Baby Shower Gift Baskets – Practical But Perfect

So you have received a special invitation to attend a friend’s baby shower party, now headache time wondering what gift to purchase for the expectant mother. Do not worry you will have no problem in deciding as the list for what to buy for new born babies are endless.

The best idea worth considering when giving presents is to give several of them in a baby shower gift basket. You will be certain that one of the goodies you placed into the basket will surprise and excite the receiver. In a Gift basket expect to find all sorts from blankets, undergarments, changing pads, teething toy, soft toys, hats, sleeping gowns, cuddly bears and more.

Contents of a gift basket are very useful for mum-to-be for when she brings the new arrival home. Your particular gift basket can be made up by yourself but if you prefer there are people who are trained in this department and fully aware of the needs of mother/baby. Expect to find gift basket organizers to be mothers themselves which is better as they know what is best to help mother when raising the baby.

Baby gift shower baskets are a wonderful present to bestow. The variety of essentials contained in the basket for baby’s well being is warmly welcomed.
Themes and styles are normally used in the presentation of a Baby shower gift basket. You have bath time goody baskets filled with towels, comb, hairbrush, baby soaps and smellies like talcum powder. Then we have the beddy bye creel laden with hanging mobiles, cuddly toys, bedding, and fairy tale books.

Prices of a gift basket differ; total cost depends on items chosen to fill the baby shower gift basket.
White lemon and peach are colours that trail behind blue and pink for most popular shades behind a theme. If the sex of the baby is unknown when you place your order for the baby gift basket then opt for white or lemon this way you can not go wrong.

Baby shower gift baskets can be bought online if time is a problem for you. Online shopping for gift baskets is so simple you even get to see what is included in the baby gift basket before you make a purchase. Prettily packaged, gift wrapped and tied with bows is how the finished product looks. Do not forget to place a card inside with a personal greeting from you to mother and baby wishing them both well.

I would like to put my penny worth in and break tradition. I would fill the basket with envelopes containing gift vouchers for different mother/baby shops. This way no headache trying to decide on what gifts for inside the basket and no headache for the mother in returning presents that are not to her taste. A happy Mother-to-be is one with a fist full of vouchers before the birth or after.

That’s what I call getting it right.

Baby: Magic Of Music – Unique Baby Shower Gift

What is the best gift to give at a baby shower; if we all knew that everything would be hunky dory? Unfortunately we are not mind readers so stress lingers on while we rack our brains what to buy.

If gift choosing is the cause of your headaches then do not fret call mom-to-be and ask her what she would like. Doing it this way may spoil your intention of surprising the couple so you have a catch 22 situation. A good option is to ask the host what has already been donated this will help so you do not repeat buy. With this information you get to surprise as planned.

Baby shower gifts are usually useful items for the mother in help to raise her new born baby. But how do we know what she really wants. What if this mother has everything? A unique gift is a sure way of getting it right.

Fabulous shower gifts worth considering is announcement plates which you can have personalised with little ditty engravings. By doing this you gain assurance that the parents will not have another same. Designs markings and styles are plentiful. Having poems inscribed onto the plate is a nice gesture with your own choice of poetic wording.

Baby Blankets and pillows are high on the list of favourites given at baby shower parties. By adding more embroidery stitch patterns or a theme will give this gift a more unique look and feel.

Has the new baby got name yet if so have it engraved onto a guilt edged photo frame.

Making a small donation into babys first piggy bank is a rewarding gift and if you have money to burn then open a bank account and deposit some real cash into it.

Vouchers for different baby stores given to the parents to spend as they wish, is another practical gift idea. Mother gets to buy what it is she wants and more to the point needs.

Music tapes are worth a thought to give as a baby shower gift. Word has it that music can boost and enhance creativity and ease stress in babies. With the help of easy listening baby claims quality sleep therefore more intelligence. (Thats what they say)

Mum tells me there was no music in my day maybe this is the answer to why I never claimed quality sleep need I say more, I leave the rest to your imagination.

Baby: The Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas

In anticipation of the arrival of a new baby typically friend will have a baby shower for the expecting mother. This is a special celebration of motherhood that is typically held around three months before the baby is due. However now and days some people are even having baby showers after the baby is born. There are benefits either way.

It is customary for guests to bring some type of gift to the baby shower. These typically are something for the mother or baby. Picking these gifts can be a lot of fun for guests. It can be a real joy to think about the future baby and his/her mother and things they might like. Shopping for toys, diapers, bottles or other such baby items can be enjoyable.

However picking just the right gift can be difficult also. You want to find something that the mother too be or baby will use and something that they do not already have. This can pose a difficult problem. Here are some suggestions to picking the perfect baby shower gift.

Tip #1 Buy something practical -Things that the all babies use frequently can be very practical and ensure that what you buy is useful. Things like baby ointments, baby lotions, diapers, wipes, baby power, and other stuff. By placing these all in a cute basket it will scream baby shower gift! Buying a baby shower gift this way you can be sure that it will be put to good use. All babies need diapers and they go through them at an amazing rate. In fact this can be a huge expense for the new family. By buying useful objects like diapers, ointments and other functional products you will help defray some of the cost and the parents will think of you every time they change a diaper.

Tip #2 Buy something that is fun for the baby – Another fun tip and easy gift is to buy something that is fun for the baby like a toy. Today they have tons of great toys that vibrate, play music, and have colorful lights. These are all great toys and very helpful for the babies brain development. The more babbies explore and play the faster their brain connections develop. So not only will you be giving a fun gift you will be helping the child develop their brains. Things like swings, bouncy seats, high chairs, rockers or small soft play toys can all be great gift ideas.

Tip #3 Buy some clothes – This one can be a very fun gift. It is hard for anyone to resist the cute little clothes that babies wear. Just imagining those small feet, hands and body filling the tiny clothes can be a joy in itself. When buying clothes it is better to stay with pretty practical things to ensure that the baby will get to wear it a few times. Things that need to be dry-cleaned, ironed, or etc probably will not ever be worn by the bay because of the extra time and effort required by the mother to use these clothes. Also buying clothes in medium sizes or a variety of different sizes. Typically a family will get tons of clothes that are for newborns. That is what everyone like to buy as they imagine the baby. However to be unique and provide something that is useful at the same time buying clothes that are 3 to 6 or 6 to 9 months can be fun for the parents and make for a unique gift.

Tip #3 Buy something that is practical for mom – Buying gifts for the future mom can also be a lot of fun and very practical and something you can be sure they will use. Things like a diaper trashcan that keeps the smell of dirty diapers down, a sling to carry the baby, or a diaper bag can all be helpful. The mom to be has the hardest job of all. She will be getting up at all hours of the night to feed and comfort the baby along with being overwhelmed at having to take care of a brand new life. Giving some gift that can help make her life easier is often very appreciated.

Tip# 4 Buy something just for mom – Yes a baby shower is supposed to technically be for the baby. However moms are often nervous about the new life that will be coming to them and also can feel very exhausted from both the pregnancy and the delivery of a new baby. Buying a gift for her can be something that gives her a little boost. Things that will make mom’s life a little easier are always appreciated. A gift certificate to a local mall so mom can get away for a break and do a little fun shopping is often very appreciated. Other options for mom might include gift certificates for food, especially from places that deliver will typically be used. Even cooking a dinner for the future parents can be incredibly helpful. Also to unwind a subscription to a magazine can be a nice gift for a mom.

By following these tips you can find a fun gift that will celebrate the mom to be and the baby that is on it’s way into the family. This can be a very fun time and while shopping for such gifts can be difficult at times if you go early and think about the suggestions above and just have fun and find what you like the gift is sure to be something that the mother and baby will be happy to receive and use frequently.

Remember that a baby shower is a special time for the parents, mother and baby to be welcomed into the world. It is a great chance to boost the mother to be and prepare her for the hard work of being a mother. It is also a wonderful chance to celebrate the birth of a new life. Babies are so cute this can be a fun time for everyone. To ensure that you get the right baby shower gift take your time, relax and follow some of the suggestions above.

Presents with purpose: Gift ideas that make an impact

(BPT) – This holiday season, what if you could give loved ones a present that makes a meaningful impact on the world? Nothing evokes the holiday spirit more than giving gifts that help others in a direct, effective way. Both you and the gift recipient will know you’re making a difference in the lives of people who really need it.

Here are a few ways you can give a gift this year that truly makes someone’s life better:

Feed a family — and nourish a community

Several global charities have developed unique opportunities for Americans to make a dramatic impact on the lives of families throughout developing countries through year-end gift giving. For example, donors can direct contributions that pay for a farm animal to support a family or a clean water well installation to benefit an entire community.

In World Vision’s Annual Holiday Gift Catalog, a gift of a goat and two chickens provides a steady supply of eggs, milk and protein that can feed two or more struggling families. Your loved one will receive a card to tell them you’re making this life-changing donation on their behalf.

A single dairy goat can provide up to 16 cups of milk per day, providing calcium, protein and other essential nutrients for growing children. Goats are well-suited for harsh climates, and produce valuable fertilizer for crops and vegetable gardens. Chickens are easy to raise, and they naturally multiply to help feed generations of children. Each family who receives chickens gives back some hatched chicks to help other families in their community. This productivity can create a viable small-business opportunity for a single mother or struggling family to help add to their income.

Provide vital medical supplies

Numerous organizations also help struggling families in developing countries gain access to life-saving medicine, vitamins and nutritional support. Donating these types of gifts on behalf of a loved one who has struggled with his or her own health concerns can be an especially meaningful way to show you care at the holidays.

A monthly or yearly donation to World Vision in the name of your loved one is a great way to provide access to vital pharmaceuticals and medical supplies such as antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-parasitic drugs, deworming medications, disposable syringes, gastrointestinal drugs, painkillers or surgical supplies to communities that desperately need them. Your gift will multiply five times in terms of its impact to help ship and distribute necessary medicine and supplies.

Support community artisans

If your loved one is passionate about artistic and beautiful things from around the world, you can support local artisans and craftspeople as well. Your support enables artisans to access “microloans” that help them fund their businesses. You can also directly purchase their hand-crafted items, which supports their business and enables you or your gift recipient to enjoy unique and beautiful works of art. Look for organizations that partner with fair trade organizations when you shop for international goods to maximize the impact of your gift.

Browse through World Vision’s 2019 Gift Catalog to see a wide variety of unique handcrafted gifts ranging from jewelry and housewares to decorative items. A portion of your purchase will be used to support specific, urgent needs for children, families or communities around the world, benefiting local artisans, along with the individual for whom you selected a gift.

A $75 or greater donation enables you to select a gift from the Opportunity Collection of home decor items, the Grace Collection of jewelry and accessories or the Hope Bracelet. These items were exclusively designed by Emmy-Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton. They were created by fair trade artisans in India in partnership with Gifts with a Cause, a fair-trade organization that provides a sustainable income to artists in developing countries. This business opportunity helps empower people to thrive, improving the lives of their families and communities. To celebrate this year’s season of giving and make a real difference, consider making a donation that expresses how much you care. Your gift will truly have an impact on making the lives of others better — long after the holidays are over.

7 budget-friendly tips for smart holiday gift giving


(BPT) – The holiday season is full of celebration, social activities and spreading good cheer by exchanging gifts. The problem is gift giving can get expensive if you’re not making a plan and monitoring your spending. A happy holiday doesn’t have to mean stressing about finances or going into debt. You can enjoy the holidays and save money with some smart strategies for gift giving on a budget.

Create a gift list: Are you feeling pressure to get gifts for everyone? Thoughtfully consider who’s on your list this year. While a gift may be appropriate for some people, others might simply prefer to spend some time together rather than exchanging gifts. Perhaps invite someone over for lunch or plan a cookie exchange with friends.

Make a budget early: Deciding on budget limits for your holiday gifts will help guide your spending. You might have an overall holiday budget and then a specific budget to target for each person on your list. Then, with your gift list in hand and budget in mind, you can shop for appropriate and affordable gifts. What’s more, by starting early, you can take advantage of sales and other promotions that can help you save even more.

Stop worrying about perfect presents: Worried about finding the ideal gift? Coinstar’s recent holiday survey found about one-third of people don’t recall what gift they received last year, so stop feeling pressure to get the perfect present. Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts. Whether it’s a card or small, reasonably priced gift, the recipient will be glad you took the time to show you care.

Use change to stretch your budget: You probably don’t think much about coins, but the holiday survey found that people believe they have about $71 in spare change in and around their home! Collect and cash in that spare change at a supermarket Coinstar kiosk to boost your holiday budget. This can also be a fun activity for kids who can gather coins or dip into the family coin jar for spending money and then buy gifts for family members. Visit www.coinstar.com/findakiosk to find a location near you.

Create a group gift exchange: If you have a large, extended family or a group of friends that you typically buy for, consider a gift exchange. It’s fun and budget-friendly because you’re not buying a separate gift for each person. Smart tip: Set a price limit per gift to keep everyone in the same ballpark for presents and prevent any competition of one person outdoing another.

Opt for services as gifts: Rather than giving a physical present, is there something you could do that the recipient would appreciate? Consider an act of kindness like cleaning a family member’s home or watching their children. If you have a particular talent, consider how that can be incorporated into your gift. Know how to play the piano? Offer to give children lessons. Do you have a snowblower? Offer to help clear a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm.

Consider charitable donations: Giving to charity on behalf of someone else can be a nice holiday gesture. Whether it’s animal welfare, disaster relief, a children’s charity or something else, think about what the person is passionate about and select an appropriate charity.

The Coinstar holiday survey revealed that if there were no obligations or expectations around gift giving, about 10% of people would give to charity. Keep in mind, Coinstar kiosks in supermarkets allow you to donate your change to certain charities, making it easy to put your change to good use and give a meaningful gift.

No matter what you choose, gift giving can be meaningful and affordable. Let these ideas inspire you to stay on budget and shop wisely this holiday season.