The vacations get costly quick. Checking off everybody in your listing might be daunting, particularly when you think about the impression in your checking account.
The typical American plans to spend $837 on vacation items in 2021, based on Gallup. That’s not rather more than individuals spent in 2020, and continues to be down from pre-pandemic norms. Quite a lot of us are nonetheless hurting economically.
However we’ve acquired an early vacation present for you: a listing of 100 free present concepts.
Able to get began? Presents are divided into classes, so you’ll be able to simply scroll to search out the kind of present you want. Or, learn the entire listing and discover inspiration for a frugal, enjoyable and FREE vacation season!
Meals and Drink
In case your kitchen isn’t properly stocked, you’re going to have to purchase components like flour and sugar. But when you have already got the provides, you may make numerous free items from what’s in your pantry.
1. Bread
Bake a scrumptious loaf of bread (suppose banana, zucchini and chocolate chip breads), wrap it up in some colourful plastic wrap, and also you’re good to go.
2. Cookies
Many individuals wait all yr to make their favourite vacation cookies, and plenty of households have conventional vacation recipes. Possibly yours even consists of your individual ‘secret’ mix of vacation spices. Why not share your favorites with your folks?
3. Cookie Combine in a Jar
You possibly can bake cookies, otherwise you can provide individuals the present of with the ability to bake their very own cookies every time they need.
Put dry components (flour, chocolate chips, and so forth.) right into a glass jar, tape the recipe to the skin of the jar and tie on a festive ribbon. Right here’s an lovely M&M cookie jar recipe from Celebrating Sweets.
4. Frozen Selfmade Meals
Should you’re large into meal prep, you most likely already make your meals in bulk, storing them within the fridge or freezer till you’re able to warmth and dine.
Whilst you’re at it, you may make an extra meal in your giftee. You gained’t simply be giving them a scrumptious meal, but in addition the present of time.
5. Muesli
If meal prep seems like an excessive amount of work, make muesli as an alternative.
Simply fill a glass jar 3/4 filled with dry, uncooked oats, then add nuts and dried fruit. You will discover detailed recipes on Fountain Avenue Kitchen. Put a lid on the jar and shake it a couple of occasions till the muesli is properly combined. Add a festive ribbon!
6. Recipe E-book
Should you love baking, however don’t have sufficient money for the components, give individuals a recipe ebook.
Websites like Family Cookbook Project and Bookemon offer you free on-line software program to create your cookbook, full with images. You possibly can then share your recipe ebook on-line or print it out as a PDF without cost. There are alternatives to order a professionally certain ebook, however these will set you again anyplace from a couple of bucks to $20.
7. Regifted Sweets
Even for those who aren’t naturally expert within the kitchen, you’ll be able to nonetheless give individuals a scrumptious vacation present.
Take a few of your vacation sweets — just like the field of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark you bought at your workplace vacation get together — and move them alongside to another person.
8. Wine
Need the best attainable vacation present? Put a bow on the unopened bottle of wine you’ve got sitting within the cabinet.
From My House to Yours
One of many best methods to provide somebody a free present is to move alongside one thing you already personal — whether or not it’s the bundle of scented cleaning soap out of your aunt or the ebook that’s been in your shelf for a decade.
9. Regift Previous Presents
Take that factor you bought final yr that’s nonetheless in its field, and provides it to another person. We advise scented soaps or candles.
10. Reward Card
Did your workplace give staff present playing cards this yr? Have an outdated present card sitting round you haven’t spent? Pass ‘em along.
However verify expiration dates and balances first. Reward playing cards are one current that ought to by no means arrive used.
11. Books
Give an outdated favourite, or wrap up the ebook you got a yr in the past and didn’t learn.
12. CD Coasters
Previous CDs make nice coasters, and also you most likely have a complete binder filled with outdated ones amassing mud someplace.
Seize some felt, material and glue following these instructions from Crafts by Amanda. Add a card explaining the present and move the CDs alongside to a good friend who appreciates upcycling outdated know-how.
13. CD Artwork
Should you and a good friend bonded over a band or album a number of years in the past, dig up the CD and body the jacket artwork.
14. Ornaments
You probably have grownup youngsters or grandchildren, giving them treasured ornaments off your Christmas tree will make them really feel particular.
Plus, they’ll consider you each time they place the decoration on a department.
15. Puzzles
Individuals not often do the identical puzzle twice, so make sure that your used puzzle has all the fitting items, and wrap it up.
16. Garments
To get away with this sort of present, you’ll have to be a mom giving a favourite sweater to a daughter, an older sister giving a favourite T-shirt to a youthful sister or a finest good friend passing alongside a treasured jacket.
17. Classic Put on
You may know a young person or younger grownup who’d like to put on the outfit you’ve been hanging onto because the early 90s.
Classic is at all times in type!
18. Costume Jewellery
Should you inherited a pile of costume jewellery from an older relative, share the wealth with the youthful technology.
19. Household Heirloom
This can be a extra critical present. Cross alongside the necklace or china set that’s been within the household for generations.
Ensure you give it to somebody who will admire each its historical past and worth.
20. Childhood Stuffed Animal
Cross alongside a beloved stuffed animal to make a particular reminiscence with a toddler or grandchild.
21. Funky Mug
Should you’re one of many individuals who loves amassing novelty mugs, it’s time to begin distributing your assortment.
Wash ‘em very well first — we don’t need to see any espresso rings or lipstick stains.
22. Collectibles
Whereas we’re as regards to collectibles — if you already know somebody who collects owls, trains or snow globes, move alongside a respective merchandise from your own home.
23. Storage Unit Shock
You probably have a storage unit, there’s most likely no less than one factor in it that you simply aren’t utilizing and would make a great gift.
The Reward of Reminiscences
Now that so a lot of our images and movies are saved on-line, there’s one thing very particular about receiving an precise {photograph} or residence video.
Plus, these are objects you most likely have already got in your closet — which makes them supreme free vacation items.
24. Previous Images
Cross alongside outdated pictures of grandparents or great-grandparents to the youthful technology.
25. Create a Digital Album
As a result of a lot of what we do is on-line, one other nice present is digitizing outdated household images. Scan your images right into a shareable album by way of a service like Google Photographs or Shutterfly, and ship it to all of the relations.
That is additionally a terrific present as a result of images fade over time. By scanning them right now, you’re preserving them for future generations, as properly.
26. Images From Childhood
Should you’ve recognized a good friend since childhood, slip an outdated picture of the 2 of you right into a body. Even higher for those who additionally write a be aware reflecting on all of your reminiscences collectively.
27. Previous House Video
Ship everybody within the household a duplicate of outdated residence video footage of youngsters or different family.
28. New House Video
Why not make a brand new residence video this yr? Use your smartphone to make the video and you may ship it on to them.
Some concepts: video your youngsters enjoying the piano or singing vacation songs. Or get in entrance of the digital camera and inform the individuals you like how a lot you care about them. Possibly even arrange the telephone on a stand and file your self making a favourite household recipe.
29. Household Tree
If your loved ones doesn’t have an up to date household tree, put one collectively and ship it to everybody in its branches.
30. Household Historical past
Interview relations about their historical past and favourite reminiscences.
Then put the interviews collectively right into a ebook — or video!
31. Share Your DNA Outcomes
Have you ever ever gotten an Ancestry or 23andMe DNA take a look at? Odds are, you’ve got relations who can be very within the outcomes, however are too shy to ship in a swab of their very own spit.
Ancestry particularly provides you some historic background on the area your loved ones was from; print this historical past out with a map of your outcomes for a novel, significant present that gained’t price you a cent.
32. Household Trivia Sport
The household that performs collectively stays collectively.
Make a trivia sport that includes particulars about your loved ones members and play it over the vacations. It may be so simple as questions and solutions on index playing cards or as difficult as your craft abilities permit!
33. Guess Who? Household Version
Have an outdated Guess Who? sport mendacity round?
Exchange the photographs of Anne and Max and everybody else with photos of your individual prolonged relations or individuals in your good friend group. These printouts don’t must be picture high quality. Simply be sure to crop and lower them to be the fitting dimension to slot in the sport board. You may get a full tutorial from Heather’s Homemade Life.
34. E-book of Shared Reminiscences
Give your closest good friend a ebook of reminiscences.
Write down as many tales and shared experiences as you’ll be able to bear in mind. Embody doodles, images and anything you’d like so as to add.
You’ll give your good friend a historical past of your friendship and a present to actually cherish.
The Thought That Counts
Once you don’t have sufficient money to buy one thing new, take into consideration items which might be extra about time than cash. And sometimes extra considerate, too.
35. Month-to-month Letter
Write a good friend or relative a dozen considerate letters.
Put them in envelopes with directions about when to open.
36. How Do I Love Thee
Start with the well-known Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) after which, just like the poet, depend the methods. Try extra poems on poets.org and you could discover others that profess your love much more completely.
37. Child Mad Libs
Right here’s a cool aunt or uncle present:Write up a couple of Mad Libs. Listed below are some examples from The Inquisitive Mom.
Don’t fear an excessive amount of concerning the story — the children will fill all of the blanks in with “boogers” and “farts” anyway.
38. Mixtape
The basic mixtape by no means will get outdated — particularly if it’s on an precise cassette you’ve got mendacity round.
However for those who don’t have a tape, you may make and share a Spotify playlist as an alternative.
39. Reminiscence Jar
Fill a jar with strips of paper containing shared reminiscences. Try this in depth listing from Bestow for some inspiration. The thought is to drag out the papers both alone or while you’re collectively and be reminded of a particular time.
40. Inspiration Jar
As you may guess, an inspiration jar is much like a reminiscence jar, besides it’s full of inspirational quotes or ideas. Should you want some concepts for quotes, try this downloadable listing from American Lifestyle.
41. Hopes and Desires Jar
This one would require a little bit work out of your giftee, but it surely’s a enjoyable train. Give an empty jar with a bunch of clean strips of paper and inform your good friend to place their hopes and desires into the jar. You may get a little bit inspiration from Little Miss Celebration.
42. DIY Piggy Financial institution
Try these cool DIY piggy financial institution concepts from Cool Crafts for the kid in your life. You may encourage them to change into a future Penny Hoarder!
43. Time Collectively
Whether or not it’s a day spent exploring a park or a night spent knitting and chatting, typically the present of time spent collectively is what actually issues.
You may make this present extra giftable by creating a coupon book, which the giftee can use to redeem their time with you.
44. Binge Watch a Collection
Inform your vital different (or teenager) that sure, you’ll binge watch Stranger Issues, Solely Murders within the Constructing or Ted Lasso.
You already know the one. It’s all of the extra significant if it’s one you haven’t been a fan of previously. Simply strive to not damage the present with snide feedback throughout viewing.
45. Go to the Museum
Many museums have free days, and September is commonly the month when citywide free museum days are held. Discover out when they’re and take somebody particular.
Additionally, for those who occur to have a museum membership, you could be entitled to free entry for different museums by way of the North American Reciprocal Association, mostly known as NARM. Tons of of museums throughout the nation participate on this program.
One thing for Nothing
There are numerous methods to get new or nearly-new objects without cost. Try this listing for inspiration.
46. Purchase Nothing Group
The Buy Nothing Project connects individuals who need to each give and obtain gently used objects without cost.
See if there’s a Purchase Nothing Group in your space, and check out what its members are providing. Possibly one of many free objects will make an ideal present!
47. Freecycle
Freecycle is one other on-line group the place members give away objects without cost. Test it out and see if there’s something you may want.
48. Fb Market
Facebook Marketplace has a free part. Search domestically for gently used objects to make use of as vacation items.
49. Craigslist
Search Craigslist for individuals freely giving free garments, toys, furnishings or home goods. As at all times, watch out for scams!
50. Kijiji
Should you’re in Canada, verify Kijiji without cost listings. A current verify discovered somebody in Winnipeg freely giving a free piano and another person attempting to unload baggage. (Take into account that you’ll must pay to have the piano moved!)
51. Ebay Categorized Adverts
Ebay Classified Ads may also have free objects you’ll be able to declare — it by no means hurts to verify!
52. Reddit
Have a look at Reddit’s Barter, Recycle and Gift Card Exchange communities without cost items.
53. Freebie Websites
Use our listing of 18 online freebies for present inspiration.
You possibly can go together with only one or bundle a bunch of helpful stuff collectively for somebody who’s strapped for money.
54. Free Child Merchandise
If somebody in your present listing is a brand new or anticipating father or mother, right here’s how one can get free baby products.
55. Retailers Providing Free Presents
You already know the free make-up bag that comes along with your cosmetics buy? Reward it to another person.
Retailers usually supply free items across the holidays as an incentive to get you within the door. Purchase what you need, and move the free present to a good friend!
You may also have the ability to rating freebies this manner you probably have a birthday across the nook.
56. Amazon Commerce-In
Amazon Trade-In permits you to commerce in largely used electronics for present playing cards. Get a present card or two and the one you love should buy no matter they’d like.
57. A Furry Pal
You possibly can virtually at all times discover somebody freely giving free kittens or puppies.
Notice: Be certain that it’s a present the recipient desires and the recipient is able to deal with the accountability of caring for a pet. The kitten could also be free, however pets need time, money and love.
Inventive Work
Are you expert with a pen, guitar or paintbrush? Right here’s how one can flip free vacation gifting right into a murals.
58. Authentic Artwork
Draw it, paint it, sculpt it, present it.
59. Child Artwork
You probably have children, ask them to attract or paint particular photos for his or her grandparents and different family.
60. Authentic Music
File your self performing an unique music you wrote for somebody you like.
61. Cowl Album
Are you extra of a musician than a songwriter?
Make a mixtape (or MP3) of you enjoying covers of the recipient’s favourite tunes. Or collect the entire household to sing vacation favorites.
62. Poetry
The unique basic (and free) present.
63. Audio Poetry
File your self studying unique poetry or outdated favorites. Poems by Mary Oliver or Kwame Alexander is likely to be simply what you’re in search of. Poetry.org could have inspiration too.
64. Audiobook
Learn a brief story or basic textual content aloud.
For instance, you’ll be able to learn Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in simply a few hours.
65. Audio Goodnight
Distant from grandchildren?
Make them an audio goodnight utilizing an app like TELL. TELL has a subscription possibility, however there are additionally free methods to file sure tales. Inform a narrative, sing a music, want them goodnight and ship your love.
66. Coloring E-book
Get clean paper and a marker, and create a coloring ebook for a good friend.
Draw photos of things you each take pleasure in (e.g. pizza, Netflix) or reminiscences you share.
67. Hand-Drawn Paper Dolls
Right here’s how to attract a paper doll: Draw the physique first. Then, put a sheet of paper over the physique (so you’ll be able to see the drawing beneath) and draw the garments to suit.
Colour the paper doll, or go away the define for the recipient to fill in!
Should you don’t fancy your self an artist, you’ll find loads of free templates on-line, together with this one from KidsActivities.com.
68. Comedian Strip
Draw 4 panels, then add your self and your folks having fun with a comic book state of affairs.
It’s also possible to create a comic book strip without cost on-line utilizing an app like Canva.
69. Crossword Puzzle
Create a crossword puzzle the place nearly all of the clues are concerning the recipient.
Should you don’t need to hand draw that mess, you should utilize a web based instrument to generate a printable crossword, like this one from Variety Games.
70. Phrase Search
If a crossword puzzle sounds too difficult, make a phrase search! You possibly can both do that by hand or as soon as once more use a free instrument just like the one supplied by Variety Games.
The Reward of Labor
Belief us, some individuals will admire these items greater than anything they obtain this yr.
71. Handywork
Provide a good friend or relative a weekend of your time to do all of their little home tasks.For instance, you can replace their ductwork or repair a leak to assist them save money on their utility bills.
72. Housecleaning
Are you able to clear a home till it sparkles? Reward your skills.
73. Automotive Wash
You probably have children or youngsters who have to give you present concepts for aunts or uncles, have them supply automobile washes.
74. Yardwork
Yardwork is a chore and a half, and outsourcing it professionally can price a fairly penny. Make your folks’ or household’s lives simpler by providing your companies without cost. Relying in your native local weather, this may increasingly embrace garden care, shoveling snow or simply common landscaping.
75. Function Tech Guru
Over the vacations, your loved ones members could also be receiving items they’re excited to make use of, however aren’t fairly positive how one can arrange. You possibly can supply your companies as the vacation tech guru.
Provide to arrange that new Roku or Hearth Stick, laptop computer or different system both on the day of the celebration or as an appointment at a later date.
76. Provide Distant Classes
Possibly you’ll be able to’t get collectively as a result of COVID transmission remains to be excessive in your space. Or just since you stay distant.
Both approach, consider a particular ability you’ve got that your giftee may need to study. Are you fluent in a second or third language? Capable of play an instrument? Proficient in a software program program an older member of the family is scuffling with?
Take your abilities and provides them as distant classes over Zoom.
77. Therapeutic massage
This free present is basic for a cause. Who doesn’t like a foot, shoulder or again rub that lasts greater than a minute?
78. Babysitting
Are you aware how a lot childcare costs today? This free present is definitely actually, actually precious.
79. Pet Sitting
Give your folks peace of thoughts by being their designated pet sitter for a protracted weekend — or for each trip they take subsequent yr.
80. Different Expertise
If you understand how to change garments, upholster furnishings or wallpaper rooms, there’s a free present thought.
The recipient has to give you the clothes, the furnishings and the wallpaper, and also you present the labor.
Vacation Crafts
Let’s finish this listing with a set of vacation crafts.
As with the food and drinks part, these items are solely free if you have already got the provides — however we guess you’ll have sufficient to make no less than considered one of these!
81. Pet Rock
Make a particular reminiscence with a niece or nephew by gifting them a pet rock equipment, together with all of the supplies listed at Super Simple. Get all of the brownie factors while you sit down and create your pet rocks collectively!
82. Cleaning soap Bubbles
Have a little bit dish cleaning soap and a cute container? You’re in your strategy to making a batch of cleaning soap bubbles.
Try Apartment Therapy for a listing of cleaning soap bubble recipes. Make circle and heart-shaped bubble wands out of pipe cleaners.
83. Play Dough
Flour, water, salt, oil and a little bit of meals coloring are all you want for this basic toy. PBS has the recipe.
84. Bathtub Crayons
Use grated cleaning soap and meals coloring to make crayons for bathtime enjoyable. Get Rich Slowly has directions (No. 94 on the listing).
85. Sidewalk Chalk
You probably have plaster of Paris and tempera paint, you’ll be able to simply make sidewalk chalk. There may be additionally a recipe for this by way of Get Rich Slowly. Try No. 88 on the listing.
86. Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is a enjoyable toy that may hold children entertained for ages. The Spruce Crafts hosts a slew of various recipes.
87. Framed E-book Illustration
Minimize out and body a web page of textual content or an illustration from a basic ebook.
88. Secret Compartment E-book
Minimize a gap within the heart pages of a ebook to type a secret compartment. The Art of Manliness has a how-to information.
89. E-book Into Purse
It’s also possible to flip a hardcover ebook into a handbag or clutch. A Beautiful Mess has the directions.
90. Mason Jar Tea Lights
You probably have a mason jar and a few tea lights, embellish the skin of the jar with glitter, lace, ribbons, decoupage or a plain ole’ everlasting marker. You possibly can even use autumn leaves like Spark & Chemistry did!
Put the tea gentle inside and you’ve got a present to gentle up anybody’s vacation.
91. Teacup Candle
Recycle your half-burnt candles into a wonderful new masterpiece. You’ll need some sort of container in your upcycled candle, like a mismatched teacup, shot glass or votive holder.
You may additionally want a double boiler, however Femme Frugality has a workaround utilizing a easy soup can.
92. Scrabble Ornaments
Take your Scrabble sport out of the closet and switch the tiles into handmade ornaments. Spell “peace,” “pleasure,” “love” or anything you want.
Duct Tape and Denim has directions.
93. Scrabble Necklace
Or, flip your outdated Scrabble tiles into necklaces. Makes and Takes has the tutorial and diys.com has 24 other ideas for fun projects utilizing Scrabble items.
94. Hand Heaters
Mix scraps of material and raw rice to make hand heaters. Simply pop ‘em within the microwave, then take them out and heat up these palms!
Rae Ann Kelly has a how-to information.
95. Sweater Mittens
Flip an outdated sweater into new mittens! Try Creme de la Craft to study extra.
96. Sweater Pillow
Used sweaters additionally remodel into tender, fuzzy throw pillows. PopSugar has a no-sewing-required information.
97. T-Shirt Pillow
Scour your drawers and pull out all of the outdated T-shirts, particularly these with enjoyable patterns or pithy sayings. Now, flip them into throw pillows. Check out DIY Network’s information — and for those who don’t have pillow batting at hand, use the stuffing from a throw pillow you need to toss anyway.
98. Lip Scrub
Make a easy sugar scrub out of components you most likely have already got in your kitchen.
Our lip scrub recipe solely requires sugar and olive oil.
99. Tub Bombs
Whip up a batch of selfmade bathtub bombs with components you may have already got round the home. (If not, you’ll be able to whip up this batch for lower than $10.)
Our video tutorial exhibits you the way.
100. DIY Face Masks
These previous couple years have been intense. Give the present of leisure with these DIY face masks
This listing of free present concepts is curated by employees writers and contributors at The Penny Hoarder.
