17 Gifts That Don't Cost a Thing
By Koryn Kennedy
A great gift doesn’t have to cost a lot...or anything at all! Here are 17 free ways to let the people in your life know you care.
Get 100 more gift ideas here: Chic Stocking Stuffers, Gifts Under $20, and Gifts for the Perfume Lover
Stage a Scavenger Hunt
17 free gifts
stage a scavenger hunt
The major difference between childhood and adulthood? Childhood was a lot more fun and cost a lot less. Tap into that kind of fun with a homemade scavenger hunt. Keep them guessing by hiding clever, handmade notes around the house. Watch them have a blast as they chase down their gift: the sofa, some friends, and a movie.
Personalize the Internet
17 free gifts
personalize the internet
Set them up with a Google reader account and put together a list of their favorite sites and blogs that you know they\'ll love. Not only does this show someone you care, but that you really know them too.
Get Cultured
17 free gifts
get cultured
Every city in America offers some kind of free events, from movies to concerts. Check out Getrichslowly.org for tips on how to find them locally. Art galleries are always free and usually serve wine during the opening of a new series. Do some research, tell the recipient to get dressed up, then hit the town.
A Beauty Counter Makeover
17 free gifts
a beauty counter makeover
Sure it’s something any girl can do at any time, but how often do they? There’s nothing like a cosmetic counter makeover. They’re free and offered at almost every makeup counter in every mall or department store across America (high-end cosmetic boutiques like Chanel have them as well but require you to book in advance). Once she realizes that you took the time to plan out her makeover she’ll be touched — and look awesome.
Lend Your Skills
17 free gifts
lend your skills
Are you an excellent chef? Could your sewing skills rival the contestants of Project Runway? Put your skills to work and help out a friend with a project they’re working on. Or take some time for a tutorial and teach them a thing or two.
Be a Personal Stylist for a Day
17 free gifts
be a personal stylist for a day
Grab your beauty products — you have more than enough — and make over a friend for a big night out, a first date, or an office party. If your friend is male, use your shrewd fashionista eye and go through his closet. Pull out his best pieces and show him how to put together an outfit that will get double-takes.
Be the Help, for Free
17 free gifts
be the help for free
Bartend, cater, or help decorate for a friend’s party. There is no sign of friendship like offering to take on someone else\'s stress. Being a hostess is draining, so your friend will really appreciate anything you can do to lighten the load of organizing a successful shindig.
Make a Personal Playlist
17 free gifts
make a personal playlist
We\'re not suggesting you turn into Ducky from Pretty in Pink, but a well-thought-out playlist is great way to let someone know how much they mean to you — never underestimate the power of a few great songs. Double points if you can dig up the equipment to make an actual mixtape!
Create a Funky Photo Album
17 free gifts
create a funky photo album
Sure, you can share photos almost the minute you take them, but there is something special about holding a photo album. For a truly personal gift, gather some snapshots and paste them on to the pages of an old children’s book, or glue them onto a clipboard. Look around; there are many things that would make cool, unique frames or albums.
Get in the Kitchen
17 free gifts
get in the kitchen
Open all your cabinets and see what you have to work with; fish out that box of brownie mix that’s been sitting behind the cereal bowls for the last year. Nothing to cook? Take any kind of candy you can find, put it in an empty spaghetti sauce jar, and slap on some ribbon. No one says ‘no’ to sweets this time of year.
Write it Down
17 free gifts
write it down
Grab the fanciest paper you can find, sit down, and write a letter. It can be simple and sincere or just a funny tribute to your relationship with the recipient. Note: If you go the comedic route try writing a traditional sonnet in iambic pentameter. It’s a fact that iambic pentameter makes anything funny even funnier.
Clean Out Their Fridge
17 free gifts
clean out their fridge
It may seem a little odd, but barring severe OCD, everyone\'s fridge could use a little cleanup, and it\'s probably the only place you can throw out others\' possessions with impunity. So grab some rubber gloves, get to work, and don\'t forget to scrub the crisper bins while you\'re at it. They will be thankful.
Make a Friendship Bracelet
17 free gifts
make a friendship bracelet
You remember how to do it. Use some yarn or twine, dig up some old jewelry, beads, charms, or seashells and weave together an old-fashioned friendship bracelet. It got the sentiment across perfectly in 5th grade; it will do the same today.
Give Your Time
17 free gifts
give your time
It’s a simple gift that’s always appreciated. Offer to baby-sit on a friend’s date night, walk their dog on a Saturday morning, or water their plants when they’re on vacation. A little extra unexpected free time is an invaluable gift.
Record a Movie
17 free gifts
record a movie
Set up the laptop, script out what you want to say, tap into your inner Scorsese, and let the magic happen. Even if you’re artistically challenged, the sentiment will come across and the actual viewing is guaranteed to generate some laughs.
Get to Work
17 free gifts
get to work
Shovel snow, help them move, or fix a leaky faucet. In five years she may not remember who gave her the gift card to Amazon.com but she will remember the hours you spent helping her haul boxes of books into her new pad.
Get Crafty
17 free gifts
get crafty
Indulge your creative side and use your homemade skills to make something cool. Design an artsy bookmark, knit a beret, or tastefully rip up an old band tee. But be honest with yourself first; imagine how excited you’d be, on a scale of 1 to 10, to receive this DYI gift. 7 or higher? Keep working, then wrap it up, and deliver with confidence.
