19 Gifts You Can Give That Don’t Cost A Thing

The best things in life are free, right? Whether you're planning for Christmas gifts, Valentine's Day presents, Mother's Day surprises, or birthday presents, sometimes it's the gifts that don't cost a thing that are the most noteworthy. Don't get us wrong—we love that they're budget-friendly too. But a thoughtful, curated gift tailored to a specific relationship can be something truly special. Skip the spendy gifts this year and instead give them something both memorable and meaningful that doesn’t cost a thing. Here are some of our favorite no-cost gift ideas for anyone on your list.

Activities

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Group gift alert! Gather all your friends and send them off for a fun scavenger hunt. If you can think of ways to incorporate inside jokes and meaningful places that make it feel extra personal, even better.

Teach Them Something New

Few things are more valuable than the gift of knowledge, so pass it on. If you’re a pro at meditation and you know they want to learn, offer to help them out—how much time you ultimately dedicate is up to you. The same goes for things like cooking, sewing, and graphic design.

Volunteer for a Cause They Care About

Often, doing something for the cause they care about is even more meaningful than doing something for them. Whether you’re doing it in honor of them or with them, you’re making a difference.

Help Them Tackle a Challenge

Nobody wants to do the hard things by themselves. Things like moving, decluttering, and painting aren’t exactly fun, but they can become fun with a friend.

Surprise Them With a Free Event

There are always free things to do around town, but not necessarily the motivation to do them. Make sure it actually happens for once: pick them up, don’t tell them where you’re going, and have fun.

Take Them on a Date

Quality time is one of the best gifts you can give. You don’t have to go anywhere fancy—a walk around town with coffee from home can be just as energizing as an expensive meal at a restaurant.

DIY Gifts

Create a Time Capsule

Gather up polaroids, movie ticket stubs, doodles—anything that represents your memories together. Nostalgia always makes for a good gift, and a time capsule will be a very welcome blast from the past.

Print or Scan Their Favorite Photos

Have they been meaning to hang up family pictures since they moved into their home? Do it for them by grabbing some photo paper and recycling your frames. Alternatively, if they have a big box of physical photos cluttering their space, use your scanner to digitize them for a priceless gift.

Make an Arrangement

Cutting gardens are made for sharing. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your yard, all it takes is a few clippings to make someone’s day.

Make Homemade Gift Cards

Whether they’re always in desperate need of a babysitter or could use some help decluttering, making them homemade “gift cards” they can redeem on their own time might just be the best thing they ever receive.

Curate a Playlist

From the songs you sing together in the car to the songs with lyrics that perfectly describe your relationship, every time they listen, they’ll think of you. Plus, you can listen too!

Write a Letter

Give the gift of words they can reread whenever they need a boost. Bonus points if they’re written on your good stationery, and extra bonus points if you write more than one letter to suit different occasions.

Share Your Skills

Mastering the art of calligraphy? Offer to address the envelopes for their birthday party. Love to do art? Paint them a picture! You have a talent, and you should share it with those you love.

Create a Memory or Compliment Jar

Imagine that anytime you need a pick-me-up there are readily available reminders of your favorite life moments and best qualities. Is there anything better? 

Make a Game

This is one where you can really be creative. Dream up their twist on a crowd favorite like Cards Against Humanity, Guess Who?, or Jeopardy—you’ll probably end up playing it every time you see them.

Create a Video Tribute

This is an especially meaningful project because you can enlist the help of their friends and families to contribute. Memories, compliments, well wishes, and jokes are all fair game.

Food

Share Your Favorite Recipes

Do you have a go-to dish your friend always asks you to make for dinner parties? Has your cousin been begging for the secret family recipes? Write them up on a recipe card as the gift that keeps on giving.

Invite Them Over for a Home Cooked Meal

We can all agree that the way to the heart is through the stomach. Whether you’re making Kraft mac and cheese or filet mignon, this is a gesture that makes everyone feel loved.

Make a Harvest Basket

Farmers-in-training, this one’s for you: Head to your garden and see what’s ripe and ready for sharing. A bundle of basil, a handful of strawberries, and a few tomatoes will always be appreciated—and taste best when grown with love.