Comments on: Secret Santa Gifts Lift Spirits

By: Patron of the Arts

Patron of the Arts — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:53:37 +0000

We have a usual set of groups we give to both at the holidays and all year long (food banks need food all year long!) but this year, I’ve modestly become a patron of the arts.

I follow the blogs of a number of artists of various media and its been a hard year for a number of them.

It’s a bit hard to be a “secret” Santa via paypal, but it keeps me anonymous enough and helps their situation a bit, I hope.

By: Risk Tolerance, Mutual Fund Expense Ratios, Our Money Blogger House Guest

Risk Tolerance, Mutual Fund Expense Ratios, Our Money Blogger House Guest — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:36:17 +0000

[...] Frugal Dad: Secret Santa Gifts Lift Spirits [...]

By: Nicki

Nicki — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:03:06 +0000

Really great idea. I plan to bake some bread and goodies for a single man that lives across the street from us. I really like the “secret” part though … you’ve got me thinking. Thanks!

By: Linda K.

Linda K. — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:07:07 +0000

My roommate and I do a 12 days of Christmas thing… pick a family or person that is in need, either financially or emotionally, wrap up 12 gifts which don’t need to be anything extravagant, place them all in one box… with instructions to open one a day, for the 12 days ending with Christmas. This is done anonymously… so it’s even more fun for us. She has done this for years; it’s my first year of being Santa’s helper.

By: Candy

Candy — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:47:54 +0000

We all can be a secret Santa, no matter what our financial circumstance. The giving of time is just as important as our money. Thanks for the get post and ideas to give.

By: Jessica Nunemaker

Jessica Nunemaker — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:03:19 +0000

My husband and I always buy hot chocolate for the bell ringing Salvation Army people. That’s cold work – they deserve it. It’s always unexpected and much appreciated.

Jessica N.

By: Chris @ BuildMyBudget

Chris @ BuildMyBudget — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:49:54 +0000

What’s great is often you can brighten someones day by giving them something nice that you have laying around the house. Whether it’s a brand new book that you know you aren’t going to read or a nice piece of clothing that just isn’t your style, chances are you can find someone who will love it. You could also bake cookies and distribute those as Secret Santa gifts.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 17:54:01 +0000

We like to give to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and Toys for Tots every year. I hate the thought of a child going without a toy on Christmas day.

By: Kate@Living the Frugal Life

Kate@Living the Frugal Life — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:17:32 +0000

I’ve been thinking along these lines too, lately, as I take stock of just how fortunate I am, and how far I’ve come in my own financial goals this year. I’m a really good cook, and I have access to really good food that I grew myself this year.

I’ve been thinking about contacting a church to see if I could make dinner for a needy family; actually invite them to my home and feed them a homecooked meal, perhaps once a month, send them home with leftovers. It wouldn’t be anonymous, but I kind of like the idea of building a relationship with someone in need. It draws on my skills and resources. I could share garden produce with them next summer. Or if they’ve got their own yard, I could mentor them a little on gardening.

Right now what’s stopping me is a cold that’s made me lose my voice. Can’t call up a church with no voice… Two days so far. Hoping it comes back tomorrow.