3 Free Thoughtful Gifts You Can Give this Holiday Season

We have now entered Holiday season. Unfortunately a season that was meant to be one of thanks and celebrating the ones you love has been full blown commercialized. Each year I struggle with it because it is hard to avoid being swept into the madness when it is something you have experienced your entire life. I decided to share a list of free thoughtful gifts to create for people that you love. Often times we think that we have to spend a lot of money to show our love, but as we learned when we were little it is definitely the thought that counts.

Make a playlist-I remember when I was younger, we used to burn CDs of the songs we loved. This is along that same thought. The gift of good music is something that will last the test of time. You can add songs that they love and introduce them to new music that they would love. Now that we have moved into the digital age you don’t have to worry about losing the CD or scratching it up. You can create a playlist on Spotify, on YouTube, and on Amazon or Apple Music. If you have an Echo or any device that has Alexa you can actually verbally create the playlist and set up a time to play it for say your significant other. You can get real creative for free. You can do a shared playlist and together you add different songs, this is something that can be done throughout the year. As a person that loves good music, I would really appreciate this gesture.

Create a slideshow or picture video-There is nothing like a timeline highlighting special moments in your life. These days you can create slide shows easily with all the different apps that are available. You can create a slide show or “movie” in google photos and make it shareable where you can send a link to those that you love. On my smart TV you can also add pictures that flash across the screen, so that is another cool option that someone might not expect to see. I made a reel on Instagram for my son’s 18th birthday that flashed through his life in 30 seconds. It was the sweetest thing. It cost nothing and just took a little bit of time to create. This is a keepsake that will last forever.

Write a poem-I remember when I first met my husband I used to write him poems all of the time. Every now and again I will write him a poem or just some sweet thoughts to let him know how much I still care. The gift of words lives forever and they can go back and reference it anytime. If writing poetry isn’t your thing, the good news is that there are plenty of awesome authors out there. Share with them a poem or list of quotes that reminds you of them. Another good idea is song lyrics from a song you mutually love or one that reminds you of them. You could print any of these options out and put it into a frame and turn it into artwork and it becomes yet another keepsake.

Bonus Idea-Complete an act of kindness. I believe love is an action word and a person should be able to tell you love them through your actions. If your loved one hates a particular task or chore complete it for them. I swear if I woke up and my entire house was clean leaving me with absolutely nothing to do, I’d probably pass out. Helping out truly goes a long way. Find something that you can take off the plate of someone you love.

In the comments share the most thoughtful gift you have received!