The Best Gifts Are Inexpensive

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I love our Foolanthropy season, because I invariably end up being introduced to some amazing charitable organizations. Take last year, for example, when I got to know Co-op America. (This year, we're supporting another five nifty organizations -- and I urge you to learn more about them and consider chipping in a few dollars along with us.)

In one of its recent newsletters, Co-op America listed some simple gift ideas that make a lot of sense and can save you a lot of money. Permit me to share some with you:

• A homemade "coupon book" full of coupons for free babysitting services, a homemade meal, or any other service you might want to provide, such as washing a car or cleaning a yard.
• A photo album full of photos meaningful to the recipient.
• Something you made yourself, such as knitted socks or a plant you grew.
• A CD full of (legally downloaded) music you love and think the recipient would like.
• A card or letter expressing how you feel about the recipient.

To these, I can add many more. (I've actually shared a bunch of ideas on our Great Gift-Giving Ideas discussion board.) Here are two more:

• Give experiences, not things. It's been shown that we tend to remember wonderful experiences more than wonderful things we receive. So take a loved one to a concert, or on a trip, or out bowling. Hunt truffles in the woods, or drive somewhere remote to enjoy the winter scenery. Shoot pool with him or take her to a basketball game. Take the kids to a fancy restaurant for a meal they'll long reminisce over.
• Consider giving a gift of stock, too -- especially for children. It can be a great way to introduce youngsters to the idea of being a part-owner of a real and growing business. Focus on companies that the recipients know and admire, but which also have decent growth prospects. For instance, young kids can appreciate Disney (NYSE: DIS) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), while fashion-aware teens might gravitate toward Nike (NYSE: NKE) or Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF), along with cell-phone maker Nokia (NYSE: NOK).

It doesn't take much to be a little more creative than usual when getting gifts for your loved ones.