If you truly have no money to spend, there are many things you can give that can't be bought at the local stores --Take somebody to a free church or university concert, offer to baby-sit for a busy mom or cook for an elderly family member, or make a memory book with an inexpensive photo album. Remember, thoughtful gifts are worth a fortune.
Take Advantage of After-Christmas Sales
If there are some people who you don't plan on visiting until after the Holidays, wait to get them a gift –No reason to pass on the incredible sales that start on December 26th. While you're there, stock up on goodies you can use throughout the year, including wrapping paper, discount toys, and winter wear.
Push Your Focus Away From Spending
"While gifts are wonderful to give and receive, we have allowed them to become the focus instead of simply another part of the celebration," says Heidi Wanken, founder of Shopping Holiday, a group that encourages people to take a holiday from shopping. Recover the spirit of the season by focusing on helping others (volunteer at a shelter, a hospital, or a soup kitchen), valuing the little things (the batch of cookies your elderly aunt took an hour to bake), or starting a holiday tradition with your family.
"Far too many of us lose sight of our budgets when the holidays roll around and we spend too much without much consideration for the future," says Wanken. "Instead, we can choose to plan for our future while also sharing with others."