Ep. 137 - Gifts That Cost Little & Mean a Lot

 In this episode, we are going to look at some creative and thoughtful gift ideas that cost little to no money. Often times, we can over complicate things and gift giving is no exception. Join us as we unwrap some ideas and discover how the most meaningful presents often come from offering your presence, lending a hand, or sharing your talents.


Show Notes
Episode 36: 10 Gifts that Cost Nothing & Mean a Lot
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1939447/episodes/11914439-ep-36-10-gifts-that-cost-nothing-mean-a-lot.mp3?download=true

Transcript

This last week, I was in La Jolla, California. Every year, I try to take my mom along on a business trip with me–that way she gets to enjoy the fancy resorts while I’m off doing worky things. 

My mom will turn 80 next year, so I am really aware that the chance to make new memories together is a gift – the kind of gift you can’t put into a box. 

And it’s these kinds of gifts that are the focus of today’s conversation as I am refreshing ideas from Episode 36 that was all about Gifts That Cost a Little & Mean a Whole Lot. 

The Bottom Line on Top of this episode is that there are many ways to give from the heart (and from the brain) versus simply from the wallet. 

There’s a link in the show notes to the original list of 10 gift ideas and I’ll share just a few here to help kick-start the creative thinking:

The Gift of Time – Many episodes center on how to maximize minutes and make them matter more. As early as episode 4, I’ve shared theories, practices, and research on the science, psychology, and habits centered around time. 

But, how do you ‘gift’ time? The giving here is in removing an obstacle or providing an opportunity, not about a set amount of time. What are things you already do or have ready access to that might be helpful to others? It could be as simple as bringing up trash cans for your neighbors, offering to pet sit or babysit, be a carpool driver, drop off dinner, and so on. The intention here is not to expend significant amounts of your own time, but to consider where you might be able to amplify time for others.
 
On a related note, see where you can simply spend time together. Virtually or in person, the time we invest in having dedicated time really matters. 

The Gift of Words – Hey, I’m a word nerd. Episode 134 explored the simple beauty and the bonus brain boost that comes from sharing gratitude. Words are always available to us, and yet are often sometimes the hardest to give to others. I can’t think of any other gift, however, that carries so much value to the recipient. 

And one special focus of words to consider is to give more compliments. In fact, some initial neuroscience studies indicate that compliments activate the same center of the brain as receiving money. So our words are worth a lot. 

It's not just the thought here that counts, it’s also the thought that’s spoken – or texted, emailed, written, or recorded. However you choose to package your words, add in specificity by using examples, adjectives, and highlights because it’s the details we share that help make our words be remembered. 

The Gift of Sponsorship – Okay, this one can take on many forms. In some cases, it could be about endorsing someone in a personal or professional capacity either directly for an opportunity or more broadly like with a public review, a rating, or testimonial. I recently had a friend refer some business to me from his business, and that was one of the greatest compliments I can think of. 

There could also be a combination of time and sponsorship when you review someone’s resume or CV, helping them write a bio, looking at their social profile, maybe tag them in a post, or another form of visible support. 

It often feels awkward to ask for such things so when you offer (and follow up on your offer) it means just as much as the act itself. You might need to offer more than once in order to have them accept the gift of having their light shine a little brighter.  

The Gift of Brain Snacks – I have an amazing friend who often sends me articles, YouTube links, tags me in posts so I can go track something, and she’s even sent me books in the mail. This friend has single handedly stocked my intellectual library for years. I get exposed to things I would not have found on my own and it’s all with a take-it-or-leave-it offer. It’s a casual way to expand my mind and it is definitely a gift. In turn, I’ve been inspired to share similarly with others. 
 
In these busy, digital days, it’s hard sometimes to find inspiration and to be inspired. Getting snack-size ideas from someone else is like visiting a brain buffet, you get to try a little and see what you like.

The Gift of Gratuity – This final idea does sometimes involve money but it’s more about the gift of acknowledgement. Inflation has caused a pinch for so many people. So as we are out and about in the world, sometimes the best thing we can offer each other is a chance for our contributions to be seen and acknowledged. For example, if you find yourself in a service situation, see where a little extra (money maybe) can be given. 

It’s not just the money either. A friend of mine writes personal notes on the receipts with a specific compliment (going back to our previous item). Another friend keeps dog biscuits in her car and she hands them out when she’s on a walk. That’s one way she contributes smiles as she walks her miles. 

Look for opportunities to make daily deposits into the bank of goodwill for the people you know and people you don’t. You never know when small gestures may mean a lot. 

So to recap, a few gift ideas are the gift of Time, Compliments, Sponsorship, Brain Snacks, and a little extra, Extra. 

When I first became a mother, someone gave me a little sign that had this quote: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. 

This still hangs in my home and it’s a regular reminder that who we are matters far more than what we give. 

As you consider ways to give the gift of you, be sure to take time to give your own gifts to yourself. And as you do, always take care to take good care.