Blessed to be a blessing

The way I see it is that we are so blessed in our lives. If you are reading this now it means you have your own phone or laptop with internet access that you’re using in a car or inside your house, that likely has heat and keeps you safe… you get where I’m going. There are so many little things that we have and don’t even think about. Of course it’s not on purpose, but it’s easy to forget how blessed we each are.

So with a gratitude attitude and kind intentions, I feel that this is the best season to give to others!

My biggest challenge with giving to others is breaking up the monotony and doing something that feels special to me, something that I would appreciate if the roles were reversed. Not to mention, finding ways to give back without spending loads of money because this season can easily become draining on the ole bank account.

So, as someone with a heart for giving to others and a mind that reminds me to live within my means, I have found some of the best ways spread love this holiday season while staying on your budget!

1. Donating unused products

This is something I have been meaning to do for the past several months! I have received some beauty products throughout the year that I haven’t been able to use for various reasons and are therefore unopened. I collect them into a bin to bring to a local women’s shelter.

You could easily go buy some beauty products from Target’s travel-sized section and create a box full of unopened products to donate! Just make sure to do your research/call around to see what places near you accept these donations.

2. Make sweets for your neighbors

Growing up we had this neighbor up the street, Nina, who was an extraordinary baker. Any birthday, holiday, graduation, etc. she was ready with a plate full of cookies in hand and let me tell you, I was always THRILLED. I love sweets and knowing she poured her kind heart into them made them all the more tasty.

If you are a baker, this is such a fun way to give to someone while doing something fun! Try making your favorite creation or a plate full of miscellaneous goodies.

You could also go one step further and bring dinner! My mom always does this for her friends and I think it is such a nice treat!

3. Pay it forward

Back when I worked at Caribou Coffee during college, we would occasionally have a car come thru and pay it forward to the person behind them. The reactions from the random stranger was always so heartfelt and joyful. I usually heard, “Me? What did I do to deserve this?”, which always reminded me how sometimes everybody needs a little reminder that they are loved, even by strangers!! I promise this is always worth it, even if you don’t get to see their reaction, just know they are grateful. Plus it often dominoes, and leads to a train of 4-5 cars continuing the generosity!

If money is a little tight this holiday season, I think that coffee is a great option to gift someone! You could also do this somewhere you have a gift card to as well.

4. Tip a little extra

It’s easy to skip over the tip jar at your local cafe without thinking twice. But, if you have a coffee shop that you love or an experience with a server that was better than the usual, don’t be afraid to tip them extra this holiday season. I once received a $20 tip at the cash register for a $3 order that made my day! It was completely unnecessary but made me feel extremely valued!

5. Goodie Bags for the homeless

I found this idea last winter from Franceska Boerman, who shared this on her Instagram! Basically you go to the Dollar store and pick out $20 worth of goodies to create goodie bags for the homeless.

Growing up, my mom always handed out spare food to people on the road or even bought meals for homeless people on the street, so I’ve always had a heart to serve them. Being able to hand out these bags is a really special way to give back on a personal level.

I recommend going downtown or even riding down the roads where you know homeless people usually stay. If possible, I would go with someone to hand deliver these bags - just to make sure you are being safe. I also keep the bags in the backseat of my car, so that when I pull up to a light where someone is in need, I can easily hand out a goodie bag.

What to put inside the ziplock gallon bag:

Women:

Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Feminine Products
Socks
Gloves
Nonperishable snacks - granola bars, cereal packs, etc.
Water bottles
Chapstick/lipgloss
Hand sanitizer
Women’s deodorant
Lotion
Perfume

Men:

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Socks
Gloves
Nonperishable snacks - granola bars, cereal packs, etc.
Water bottles
Hand sanitizer
Body spray
Men’s deodorant

I hope this served as a guide to giving back this season and maybe even inspired you to try something new.

Let me know if you have any other ideas below!

Cheers!

xoxo - Katie

5 inexpensive ways to give back during the holidays