Amidst the articles telling you what to get your boyfriend or girlfriend for Christmas, or what to get your family, or what to get your friends for under $50, here's a list of what you can give anyone, at any time, for no money at all.
1. Understanding
This is the perfect gift for people who you share nothing in common with; perhaps they don't celebrate the same holidays as you do or believe in what you do, but extending some understanding this holiday season is the perfect way to show that you're a decent human being.
2. Sympathy
For your friend that just lost their cat. For your classmate who failed their Physics final. For the homeless man starving under the bridge while you sing "O Holy Night" in your Christmas Eve service. Sympathy is the ideal gift for you.
3. A smile
Make sure to order these in bulk, because this one is perfect for any and everyone you pass on the street.
4. Kindness
Giving your seat up on the bus. Helping someone with their bags. (Except there's a catch: do this with no personal angle.)
5. Love
Great to remind family and friends of. Great for acquaintances to know. Great for strangers, too.
6. Honesty
This is the perfect gift for all of my fellow people who have a hard time telling people how you feel. You love someone? You could never ever repay someone for something they did for you? Someone hurt you? It's best to just tell them.
7. Joy
This is a great gift because it starts inside of you. Then it emits through your fingers and the ends of your hair and your smile. And most of the time, you don't even know you're giving it.
8. Respect
This is really good for the people in your life that you aren't particularly fond of. You don't have to give them fake friendship, but respect is always a good option.
9. Selflessness
This one may cost a little bit of something. Your time. Your ego, perhaps. Your spare change. But you gain so much in return.
10. A shoulder lean on
We're all so deeply connected. We feel the hurt and pain of others, the stresses of life. All you have to do for this gift is to just be there.
11. Forgiveness
The perfect thing for someone who has wronged you in the past. Let it go.
12. Generosity
This one may cost you some of the money you worked so very hard to gain and fought so very hard to keep. But perhaps the part of getting, is that we can give it away.
13. Courage
Be brave. You never know who's watching and who you might inspire.
14. Gratitude
Tell your family how much you appreciate them. Your roommates. Your friends. People get so distracted with every day life that a lot of times we forget how much we're cared for and appreciated.
15. Knowledge
I know this may be strange at first, but knowledge, to me, is one of the best things you can give. The want to better each other is a gift and don't forget to use it or appreciate the knowledge you receive.
