What can simplicity in gift-giving look like for you?  If you find that the gift-giving list continues to grow in number and expense, you are not alone. Consider how you can give within a more intentional, life-giving way.  Here are some ideas to guide you with your gift list this year. Our loved ones do not require more things from us. They need our time, love, and presence. It doesn’t mean that a wrapped gift is out of the question. We can still give in ways beyond a neatly wrapped gift or feel guilty because we couldn’t purchase for everyone on our list.

Shopping that gives back.

Others Trade for Hope: There are many gift ideas that Others offer. Each item is ethically hand-made, and your purchase gives back in support locally and globally to The Salvation Army. Check out their inventory on Instagram at Others Trade For Hope, Facebook at Others-USA, or SAConnects.org

Support local businesses within your community. The pandemic has heavily impacted many of these small businesses. Your support will help them, and it encourages community support.

Gift of our “time, treasures, and talents.”

Can you give time to helping a friend, neighbor, family member, or community organization? Be intentional with that time and how you are helping someone. You will find that the gift of an extra set of hands can be an enormous gift to someone.

What treasure do you have that can be given as a gift? We have heard that “regifting” is tacky. But, what if we have a treasure that we don’t use anymore or know that someone else will appreciate even more? Can that gift not be given with love to someone? Consider exchanging books with someone as a gift… you give and receive, that’s a bonus.

Talents. What is your talent? Can you use it as a gift for someone? If you play an instrument, perhaps you can play some Christmas carols for someone who can’t get out. Do you have a neighbor who needs cheering up? Is your talent baking? Consider baking a few extra dozen cookies to give away.

Limit the purchases- even for our kids.

Check out the link below. There are some great ideas to incorporate how to be humble, generous, and celebrate with Christ at the center while giving gifts. For example:

“We are going to give three gifts for each child, based on the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that baby Jesus received from the magi.

• The gift of gold will be something they really want – maybe a more significant item or just something they’ve wanted for a while.  As they get older, they’ll be able to give us a gift list. For now, we’ll just decide on an item that we think each of them would like and enjoy.
• The gift of frankincense is something that will encourage their spiritual growth. At this point in their lives, that will probably be a book or music that teaches them more about God….
• The gift of myrrh is something for their body, and this can include clothing or shoes……” Emily McClement

Click here to check out the Divine Conspiracy website.

Write out that list. Consider how each person can be gifted this year. Be the gift to someone this year.

The gift of prayer.

Praying for someone is a beautiful gift. Let people know you are praying for them or ask how you can pray for someone. We can easily assume that as Christians, we pray for ourselves and others all the time. But the power of prayer when shared and lifted- up by others on our behalf, can bring much comfort. Create a prayer list of people and pray over them and for them. You may find this gift not only benefits the receiver but the giftee as well.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others), and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people. 1 Timothy 2:1 (AMP)