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If you're looking for holiday gift ideas that don't have a price-tag, we've got several that will leave you feeling good and connected:
Send a paper hug: Roots & Wings Co. has deconstructed the art of creating a life-size hug to send through the mail. It's an awesome project for kids to work on and could also be a kick for adults who want to connect with someone far from home. Trace yourself, apply artwork and a note, then cut, fold, and send.
Teach a skill: The Center for a New American Dream offers some interesting thoughts on going beyond consumerism in gift giving. Sharing a skill or talent you truly enjoy is a great way to give the gift of your passionate self to others.
Leave a note: Write a note, anonymous or not, and leave it on someone's desk, car, bike, or mailbox. Explain how or why that person has made your life better. See our Happy Holiday Person checklist for other great ways to give happiness to others.
Commit an act of kindness: I asked some of my Delivering Happiness colleagues to share their stores of kindness:
Jenn Lim (Chief Happiness Officer): I like the idea of building in a weekly RAH (random act of happiness) on my calendar. Paying for the next few cars' toll, paying for someone's parking, leaving a hand-written 'thanks,' buying lunch for someone . . . also like finding the people that usually go unnoticed, when I can acknowledge and show appreciation for their own small acts of kindness . . .
Melissa Lacitignola (Community Happiness Orchestrator): Last year, my husband and I decided to give up our Christmas in order to bring Christmas to those less fortunate. So we put all the money that we would otherwise spend on ourselves and family and we went to Walmart, bought as much as many blankets, canned food, baby supplies, school supplies and toys as we could, wrapped them up, and passed them out to families in need of that particular item. It was really great to see the joy and gratitude on the kids' and parents' faces and it felt great knowing that we actually were able to make a difference and bring a bit of joy to others.
Clair Byrd (Captain Chatter): I try to just live the best life I can and make kindness and charity so much a part of my everyday thinking that I don't really notice when [I do] something that is particularly nice. I think my favorite recent "act of kindness" was at the last Delivering Happiness Town Hall . . . we had a bunch of leftovers so we purchased to-go containers, packaged up a bunch of Thanksgiving dinners, and handed them out to the homeless in the area, sharing a little bit of our Thanksgiving with them. We asked them to share with their own communities and walked away feeling pretty good about it!
Svetlana Saitsky: I sent a hand written card to a friend of mine that has just had a bike accident. She said it made her cry happy tears and that was awesome.
Jason Rieckewald-Schmidt (Salesforce Sherpa): My friend and I were once in downtown San Jose. A guy asked for a dollar and I told him I'd be happy to get him some food. He asked for a pack of cigarettes, and I told him I could get him 1 pack. He asked for 2 packs, and I told him he could get 2 packs. He asked for 3 packs, I told him, I could get 3 packs. He asked for 4 and I told him the most I could do was 3 packs, along with the food. The next morning my friend and I went out to breakfast with another friend and he offered to pay for breakfast. I said, "Thanks, I spent all my money on cigarettes last night."
Whenever I see someone in a military uniform, I make a point of thanking him or her for serving our country. I am simply astounded by the sacrifices others make to preserve our happiness. I never fail to feel the awesome, if only momentary connection that comes with the person who hears me say, "I appreciate you."
