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10 Debt-free Christmas Gifts

Christmas comes with a lot of stress. All of us are trying to figure out gifts to buy, parties to attend, decorations to get hung out, holiday baking to complete, and so much more.

Desiring a debt-free, stress-free Christmas is the reason I came up with 10 debt-free Christmas gift ideas that you can give during this holiday season.

My father is in his ’70s and I am in my ’50s. At this point in both of our lives we are not interested in collecting more stuff. Christmas gifts from the heart or even consumable gifts are more our style. (Homemade cookies are always acceptable! Yum!)

Cooking Dinner

That is why a few years ago I started telling my dad not to buy me a Christmas gift. Instead, we started planning on just going out to dinner together sometime as our gift to each other. This year, we are thinking it would be a lot more relaxing just to share a nice meal at home together. (Of course, he wants steak!)

I plan on pulling back right in the middle of all of the Christmas chaos and enjoying a home-cooked meal with my father this year. (Steak it is!)

This a debt-free Christmas gift idea because I already have all of the ingredients setting in my pantry and freezer at this very moment.

There is no running to the store to buy a gift just to say I have a gift. Using what I have instead of going shopping for more is a great way to fight Christmas consumerism and to stay on track for a debt-free Christmas.

One of the greatest benefits of sharing a meal together as a gift is relational. I would much rather share a moment with my dad than give him another cup or tie.

This year, make it more about the giving of your presence, rather than the giving of more presents.

Movie Night

I love the idea of scheduling a movie night at home to help have a debt-free Christmas.

You can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

This is the perfect time to go through your pantry cupboards and serve whatever you have on hand.

Make a cute hot cocoa, tea, or coffee bar. Set the table with a myriad of snacks, and invite one, or even a group of friends and family over for a fun-filled movie night.

Don’t head to the market for food, beverages, and new movies. The idea is to use whatever you already have on hand.

Many nights, we choose to watch YouTube videos, or our stash of DVD’s and VHS tapes anyway, so this won’t be too big of a stretch for us. (Yes, we really do still watch VHS tapes, although our VCR is kind of on its last leg!)

Game Night

Remember board games? Remember playing cards? Remember how much fun you used to have playing those games?

Christmastime is a great time to start up the Game Night tradition again.

My family still plays games every single week. It is a great way to bond with your loved ones without going into debt while doing it!

Re-gift

Look around your house for something you could re-gift.

Most Americans have a houseful of clutter. Often, we have more stuff than we even want.

Instead of going into debt while participating in Christmas consumerism this year, look at what you already have that could be used as a nice gift.

Do you have extra books, pictures, signs, knickknacks, DVD’s, blankets, or dishes?

The list is literally endless.

Basket Gifts

Who doesn’t love a nice basketful of special gifts at Christmas?

A special cup and something to drink makes a lovely basket gift.

I like to add a pretty teacup and assorted tea bags, a mug and some hot cocoa, or a coffee cup and a special coffee mix into a cute little basket.

Baskets can be used in making a variety of themed gifts, like:

Chef’s Basket

Fill with bowls, spoons, measuring cups, and spatulas. Throw in some homemade mixes and you have an awesome gift!

Movie Basket

Fill with popcorn, candy, a beverage, and a movie or two

There are Too Many Basket Ideas!

Sports Fan Basket

Chocolate Lover’s Basket

Pasta Night Basket

Personal Care Basket

Auto Care Basket

Baked Goods Basket

Share your basket gift ideas in the comments!

Make Something

How about a little Christmastime DIY’s?

Make something. I love homemade gifts. When someone gives a homemade gift, you know that they truly took the time to think about you, and sincerely wanted to give you something special.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Keep it as simple or as elaborate as you like.

A Couple Homemade Gift Ideas

Rice Heating Pads

Crochet some dishcloths

Melt some bars of soap, then add in some herbs, spices, or even coffee to make it personal.

Write a letter, or make a hand-crafted card

Paint a picture

Homemade cocoa in a jar

Homemade pancake mix

Homemade cookie mix

Leave a comment telling me what kind of homemade gifts you enjoy giving and receiving?

Personalized Coupon Book

This is an old idea that deserves to get some new attention. It is a simple idea. You can hand-craft personalized coupons, or create them on your computer.

Keep it simple. Write out different ideas onto coupons that your family and friends can redeem throughout the year.

Coupon Ideas

I owe you a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

I owe you a homecooked dinner.

One free night of babysitting

I will wash your dishes and clean your kitchen one time with the redemption of this coupon.

I owe you a dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Personalize your own coupons for each one of your friends and family.

Pass on Your Hobby

Do you have a hobby that you are passionate about? Why not share that love with your friends and family this Christmas?

Pull out your stash of supplies. Most of us have way too much stuff in our hobby closet anyway. Share a little extra as debt-free Christmas gifts this year.

Garden pot and seeds

Yarn and crochet hook

Scrapbooking materials

Rolling pin and apron

Homemade Baked Goods

Heartfelt Gifts

Write a heartfelt letter.

Watch for all of the free deals and add a picture. Walgreens is always offering some kind of deal on pictures this time of year.

Give an heirloom

Many of us have some special items lying around the house. Maybe a dish from Grandma. Perhaps a piece of jewelry from a great aunt.

Do you know someone in your family who would actually enjoy these things?

Maybe it is time to take it out of storage and pass it on.

This is a great way to have a wonderful, debt-free Christmas.

Use What You Have

The idea is to think outside of the box. Choose to step away from the normal gift-giving this year.

Think of ways you could connect with those you love. Have fun enjoying family and friends. Make memories.

Give the gift of yourself through home-cooked dinners, at home movie nights, and good old-fashioned game nights.

Step into your kitchen and use up the stuff that’s just been setting in your pantry.

Clean out some of your clutter.

Share some of your hobbies.

There are so many ways to enjoy Christmas without falling into the chaos of debt and consumerism.

Let me know in the comments how you plan on having a debt-free Christmas in 2020.

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