Ways to Show You Care On a Budget

What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It really is a universal truth that most people could use a little more tender loving care in their lives. Even though friends and family surround us, sometimes the world can feel lonely. One way to really brighten someone’s day is giving them a little token of your appreciation for them unexpectedly. You’ve undoubtedly read many guides on gift-giving, and those usually pop up around Christmas or Mothers and Father’s Day. But what about ways to show someone you care without going on an all-out splurge? Read on for some easy ways to acknowledge the people in your life without breaking the bank.

Upcycling 

Whether you’re the type of person that loves going to the thrift store or antique shopping or not, it’s a fun hobby that you should give a try if you haven’t already. If you’re an impulsive person, make sure you’re walking in with the knowledge that just because it’s a good deal doesn’t mean you have to buy it – you could quickly end up with too many things you don’t need. However, these types of stores are amazing places to find gifts for friends and loved ones without spending a ton of money. You can also score some pretty nostalgic pieces in thrift and vintage shops. How special would a gift be that reminded you of a memory you shared with the person for whom you’re shopping? 

If you don’t feel like getting out there and digging through all the racks and bins of items in a second-hand shop, there are plenty of them online that are easy to shop from the comfort of your own home. And, if you’re looking to splurge a little, but not too much, consider buying second-hand luxury items, like pre-owned IWC watches or a pre-loved Gucci bag for the fashionable woman in your life. Whichever direction you decide to go, you can make a difference by finding an upcycled gift, no matter your budget. 

The Gift of Time

Sometimes all we need is someone to just spend some time with us. Or maybe you can gift your time by doing acts of service for someone you care about. Do you know that they have been neglecting their flower beds for one reason or another? Offer to tend to them. Have they been putting off going to the salon or other appointments because their time as caregivers makes it challenging to keep those appointments? Offer to watch over their loved one(s) while they knock out some of those critical “to-do’s.” Giving the gift of time is often one of the most thoughtful and meaningful things you can do for another person. 

Subscription Services 

Speaking of never having enough time in the day to get things done. Another great gift idea that is affordable for you as the gift giver and saves money for the person for whom you’re shopping is a subscription service. We’re not talking about Netflix or Amazon here. Does the person on your mind have a pet? There are subscriptions for everything from cat litter, pet toys, and pet food. Consider purchasing an annual subscription for them, so they’re able to worry about one less thing. You can also do something like a cheese or wine subscription, where they’ll get monthly shipments of new flavors to try out. If you’re shopping for a Foodie, this is a great idea. And, you save money by purchasing the lengthier packages. 

Bringing Them A Meal 

Depending on the circumstances of someone’s life, especially as we enter our golden years, bringing the gift of food is a very much welcome surprise from our friends and loved ones. If you’re trying to brighten the life of someone who is specially pressed for time or unable to get to a grocery store on a more regular basis, a fresh, home-cooked meal is invaluable. Maybe offer to commit to bringing them a meal on a specific day every week or every two weeks. Not only that, but sit down and enjoy the meal together. Not only are they getting the gift of your food, but your company as well. 

So there you have it, there’s a lot of ways to show someone you care without maxing out your credit cards. Many of which weren’t even included on this list. If none of these inspire you (which we highly doubt), get creative! Maybe you’re an artist, a DIY’er, or you dabble in pottery. Their recipients treasure homemade gifts. We’ve all heard that you should tell people often how much they mean to you, well, you should also show them. Happy Giving!

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