Originally Posted by
carfreephilly
If (like me) you feel compelled to give something to family members but don't want to buy a bunch of junk nobody needs, try some home canned or baked goods, homebrewed beer, or make a donation to the person's favorite charity. No need to say how much you donated--a lot of places you can donate as little as $10 and get a printable card to give to the "recipient." Or just make your own card saying you made a donation to X charity in their honor.
I have given gifts of home canning several times. It's something I enjoy making and it also is something that cannot be bought in stores. I feel as if I'm giving a part of myself when I do this.