Monday, December 7, 2009

How to Give Big Without Writing a Big Cheque

If there was ever a time of year to get serious about managing your finances, the holidays is it! Here are some fun ways to give meaningful gifts without maxing out your credit card. The trick is to focus on creating memories rather than loading up your loved ones with more stuff they don't really need.

* Quality time: Print out a "Quality Time" certificate redeemable towards a specified number of hours doing something fun with a loved one on a weekly or monthly basis.

* Acts of service gift certificate: Print a certificate that promises window washing, tax preparation, garden weeding, etc.

* Bake up a storm: Make big batches of favourite cookies and treats, then wrap up a generous sampling for each person on your list.

* Decorate the family tree: Do some research into your family's genealogy, draw up a family tree and frame it.

* Comfort food: Collect your mom's favourite recipes and print them in a book form as a way of preserving all those heart warming flavours.

* A gift to remember: Write down or make an audio recording of all the favourite memories you've shared with that person.

* Wrap up your expertise: Make a gift of your skills: weekly lessons in yoga, furniture refinishing, sushi making, computer training, massage, etc.

"Lost time is never found again"

Benjamin Franklin