December Giving Theme: Gifting Outside the Box

During this season, we are so busy hustling and bustling in and out of shopping centers, malls and shops, that we sometimes forget what the holidays are really about. The most meaningful and appreciated gifts are often those that cost us only time and imagination.

Each day in December, we challenge you to give one non-material gift. It could be a nice note you write, kind words you say mindfully with meaning, something you do to go out of your way to help another person.

Get Creative. And don't forget to share your experiences here or in your giving blog! Here are 29 Simple Out-of-the-Box Giving Ideas to get you started. We'd love to hear your ideas, too:

1. Wave to neighbors as you drive through the neighborhood.
2. Forgive someone
3. Go around your neighborhood caroling with friends and family
4. Wash someone's car for them
5. Bring lunch to an elderly or ill neighbor
6. Iron a family member's favorite shirt
7. Pick up trash in the park
8. Serve breakfast in bed to your mate
9. If you have a roommate, wash and put away all their clothes while they're out
10. Write a poem telling someone how you feel about them
11. Leave handmade "Secret Santa" cards around your neighborhood
12. Don’t be afraid to give out sincere compliments to friends and strangers
13. Let someone with less items pass in front of you in the checkout line
14. Allow a car to enter the freeway in front of you
15. Hold the door open for someone
16. Help another shopper find an item in their size
17. Take a busy friend's children to the park for the afternoon
18. Take your family on a night tour around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights
19. Visit a retirement home and share stories with the residents, maybe sing with them
20. Share your plant clippings with a friend
21. Scotty (Lubabat's hubby) reminded Facebook friends of how Lubabat used to leave quarters in the gum machine slots at the stores just to put a smile on a child's face..
22. SMILE at everyone you pass
23. Hug someone
24. Host a pot-luck dinner with family and friends you haven't seen in awhile; have everyone share their recipes
25. Hold a family dinner and game night
26. Complete a home project that's way overdue; specifically one that has inconvenienced others
27. Make someone laugh with a funny joke
28. The next time you tell someone you love them, also tell them why
29. Think of a talent you have or a service you could provide and give loved ones a coupon book offering your skills or talents. We have offered free babysitting, car detailing and house cleaning. There are so many great ideas such as: free haircuts, manicures, massages, chauffeur services....let your imagination go and give the gift of a talent or skill.

Check out the Challenge Event for December.  A special Gifting Outside the Box Day December 29, 2011.  Click here to join