I.O.U. a Green Christmas

Still puzzling over what to give those you love? Concerned about the environment? Rejecting consumerism? Too short on time to go home-made? Already bust your holiday budget? Have you considered giving an I.O.U. for the holidays? I’m not talking about giving a gift certificate, arguably the most popular form of I.O.U. I’m talking about sharing the things you are good at. Just think about it for a minute…

We all have skills and talents and whether our relatives appreciate them or not, these talents have value. What could be more green, more organic than giving a service, an I.O.U. for some of our precious time? Now, you might just be saying to yourself right about now, “Gee, I don’t think my relatives would appreciate that. It’s too practical and ‘cheap’.” If you must, you do have the option to combine the service you want to give with an actual item. Here are a few quick ideas:

• From a good cook. How about dinner of the month, or cake of the month? Give an I.O.U. stating that you will bring a meal or cake every month for a year. Combine it with a cookery book if you want something for the recipient to unwrap. This way they have some control and can have the fun of writing you a list of the meal or cake they’d like.
• From a DIY guy or gal. That pesky project that your friend or relative has been struggling with is the perfect opportunity for an I.O.U. If you don’t want to highlight a project that could be a touchy subject, simply offer a number of hours and let them write a wish list. I don’t suggest giving a DIY book with this one because that could hit a sore spot. Maybe give them a catalog that they could pick something from, something they’d like you to install.
• From a gardener. How about I.O.U. a raised bed and care of your own vegetable garden, or a summer show of color for the front garden of your home. Combine this with a catalog and gift certificate for a local garden center, or a specialist seed supplier, and you could be onto a winner.
• For a new parent, a friend, or relative. I.O.U. babysitting once a month. Want something to go along with it? How about a ticket to a performance or a gift certificate to a local restaurant?
• For a spouse who may be feeling neglected. How about I.O.U. a monthly picnic date?

It’s really not necessary to break the bank when choosing holiday gifts, we all have talents to share if our friends and relatives are just ready to appreciate them. And if you don’t have a talent you can think of, as long as you have a little time to give, there are lots of things you could offer. Just make sure you include an element of choice for the recipient so that it is fun and controllable for them. It’s about them, not about you. Hopefully your I.O.U. will be accepted in good grace, or even welcomed with open arms. And, by the way, next time one of your kids asks for a gift suggestion, feel free to say you want an I.O.U. What it’s for is your choice!

What is your special talent? Let me know of any ideas you’d like to share. Of course there are lots of wonderful craft ideas to find around the blogosphere. Do let me know any you’d like to recommend for last-minute presents.

Crunchy Chicken has some green gift suggestions, and a guide for greening your parties.
Peak Oil Hausfrau suggests sneaking in emergency preparadness.
Scribbit’s husband doesn’t need much from his son to make him happy, not even an I.O.U. and she has thoughts on teaching kids the spirit of giving.

Green Christmas in association with Amazon.com.

Related posts:

1. Garden Giving
2. Garden gifts for Green Gift Monday
3. 10 Christmas Surprises You Won’t Find On My List