Christmas is right around the corner so if you still need gifts for people, I'm sure the stress levels are increasing by the minute. I came across this article that I wanted to share with you to hopefully help those in dire need of gift ideas that won't break the bank. Robert Pagliarini, a writer for Yahoo! Finance, makes a good point….what about those of you who really CAN’T afford to give gifts in general this year? In his article, “10 Great Christmas Gifts that won’t Cost you a Dime,” Pagliarini lists 10 FREE gifts that you can give your loved ones, without breaking too many laws!

1. Gadget training. If you have less tech-savvy people on your Christmas list, i.e., anyone over the age of 15, give them something they desperately need — training for their gadgets. Take a couple of hours of your time, or however long it takes, to show them all of the features of their cell phone, how to record their favorite shows on their DVR, how to properly use and operate a Facebook account to stay in touch, etc. (If they are interested in this kind of thing, of course.)

2. Babysit. When your tolerance for screaming kids exceeds your bank account balance, consider giving babysitting “coupons” that your friends can redeem. If you’re a masochist, schedule a night where multiple families drop the kids off at your house. This way you’re not giving up so much of your time.

3. Swap services. If you have smart but broke friends, this tip is for you. Have a friend who provides a valuable service such as personal training, financial planning, or computer consulting give you several one hour vouchers you can give to your friends. In return, you give your friend the same number of one hour vouchers for whatever service you provide.

4. Teach them. Now is your chance to be a know-it-all. Do you have a special skill such as speaking a foreign language or the ability to play an instrument? If so, you could provide weekly lessons for a month or six weeks. Bonus benefit: If you’re a good teacher, they may just want to hire you at the end of their free lessons.

5. Start a book club. Tap into your inner Oprah. Offer to host a book club at your house every month. To avoid having to buy the books each month, download thousands for FREE from places that offer these types of services, such as Project Gutenberg or Amazon’s free eBook program.

6. iTunes transfer. Nothing like the gift of piracy! This can take some time, but for that special person, this is the ultimate gift! Import all of their CDs into iTunes for them (no, it’s not really piracy).

7. Be a host. Be the host with the most when you’re the host with the least (cash, that is). This is an efficient gift because you can give it to all of the people on your list. Offer to host a monthly or quarterly party or game night at your place. Tell them you’ll plan it, send the invites, etc. To make sure you’re not spending money, require attendees to bring food and drink.

8. Share lottery winnings. If your idea of asset allocation revolves around having a mix of scratchers and Powerball lottery tickets, consider sharing one of the lottery tickets you’ve already purchased with those on your list. If you win, share the proceeds equally with everyone on your list. If you win really big, simply keep it all and get new friends.

9. Cook & Serve. Who doesn’t love being served by a friend? Give those on your list the experience of eating out at home. Prepare and serve a meal for a friend, friends, your parents, grandparents, etc.  Be sure to make it a dinner to remember, complete with all the bells and whistles that they may get from a 5-star dining experience. Don’t forget to clean up for them after.

10. Workout partner. They may both thank and curse you for this gift! Offer to be a workout partner to a friend. When you exercise with others you are more inclined to keep going even if you lose motivation. It’s a superb gift that will also benefit you.

Whatever you decide, you don’t have to feel guilty about not spending money. As Pagliarini says, “I guarantee you that the less money you spend the more thought you’ll put into the gift.” Isn’t that what Christmas is all about anyway?

Happy holidays!

-Orly