For many, the holiday season is wrapped in equal parts magic and frantic busyness, with the true meaning of the season often lost in between. As calendars fill and to-do lists grow, finding that perfect gift for everyone on the list often becomes a challenge and a chore. But what if instead of giving more material things, we gave something far more valuable—our time. What if instead of a mountain of receipts after the holidays, we have memories created and shared, helping us embrace the real reason for the season: time with family, friends, neighbors and even those in need in our own communities. Instead of losing sight of what means the most, we create more of what we all crave—connection.
Across the ages and cultures, the act of giving has been shown to bring great joy not only to the receiver, but also to the giver. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “When we give to others, it activates the parts of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a ‘warm glow’ effect that benefits both the giver and the receiver.” Similarly, research from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center has found that giving—whether through kindness, volunteering, or time—boosts our sense of purpose and happiness.
Studies in health and wellness also show that giving your time, which so often feels in short supply, can actually make you feel as if you have more time, not less. For many, offering time and energy to others feels like an investment—one we too often overlook.
Giving the gift of time shifts the holiday season away from transactions and back toward traditions. It does not mean giving up material gifts altogether. It’s more about weaving more meaningful experiences into the fabric of holiday celebrations. These gifts of time help create memories and shared experiences that will last a lifetime, long after the material gifts are set aside and possibly forgotten—and can be surprisingly simple.
The Power of Presence over Presents
Giving our time to others is a powerful gesture. Unlike a sweater that can get lost in the back of a closet or a book that might never be opened, a shared afternoon, thoughtful conversation, or an outdoor adventure can become a cherished memory.
The beauty of time gifts is their flexibility. Whether small or grand, structured or spontaneous, they can be tailored to fit any relationship. A quiet coffee date with a homemade baked good for a friend, a date night with a spouse, a snowshoeing adventure with siblings or children, a game night with grandparents, or a ride to the grocery store for an elderly neighbor. These experiences strengthen bonds in ways that material gifts never can.
Another plus is that giving time can ease some of the financial and logistical pressure that often comes with holiday gift giving. With a touch of creativity and a lot of love, these offerings can be crafted to suit each person on your list.
Gifts That Stand the Test of Time
As Christmas trees and lights are taken down and stored and we bid goodbye to the holiday season for another year, the gifts that linger in our hearts are not the ones tied up with bows. It’s the time spent side by side—the laughter, conversations, and shared experiences that weave our lives together with others that matter the most and last far beyond holiday celebrations.
This year, consider swapping out a few store-bought presents for moments that truly matter. By giving your time you are offering something priceless that enriches both giver and receiver—something that creates connection, stands the test of time, and never goes out of style.
Creative “Time Gift” Ideas for Everyone on Your List
- Babysitting voucher for a busy friend or sibling
- Monthly date night
- A home-cooked meal night
- Tech help session for someone who needs it
- A snow day adventure with thermoses of hot cocoa
- Movie night at home with a theme
- Memory Lane drive for someone who can no longer drive
- Walk around the neighborhood with a friend or neighbor living alone
- Volunteer together for a local animal shelter or food bank
- Closet clean-out buddy session
- Neighborhood helper day (shoveling, decorating, errands)
- Story time “subscription” for children or grandchildren (in person or video chat)
- Game night with family or friends
- Baking day with recipe exchange
- Help someone tackle a home project
- Host a winter walk and wine night
- Craft day for children
- Offer to run errands
- Offer to walk dogs or pet sit so someone can get away
- Cooking lessons for a young person
Making Your Gift of Time Feel Extra Special
Even though gifts of time do not come in store-bought boxes, they can still feel festive and intentional. A beautifully designed coupon book, a handwritten note, or a wrapped calendar of planned experiences can transform a simple gesture into something tangible and memorable. Thoughtful presentation and festive wrapping show how much you care—and make the promise of time feel like a true gift.
Create a Simple Handmade Coupon Book - Personalized “time vouchers” are easy to make and add a thoughtful touch to your gifts.
What you will need:
- Heavy cardstock or decorative paper (pre-cut scrapbook cardstock works well)
- Hole punch; ribbon, twine or brads
- Scissors or a paper cutter
- Pen, markers or printer
Steps:
- Cut and Stack: cut paper into uniform rectangles or purchase pre-cut colored card stock from a local craft store or online.
- Decorate the Cover: Add a title (such as, “A Gift of Time”) and personalize with recipient’s name, stickers or other decorative items.
- Fill in the Coupons: On each page, write a specific “time gift” that recipient can redeem, such as “One evening walk together” or “A homemade dinner of your choice” or “An afternoon of help with a home project,” etc.
- Bind It: Punch holes along one edge and tie with a ribbon, or secure with brads.
- Wrap It Up: Place the finished booklet in a small box or wrap it festively to make it feel extra special.
Tip: Prefer a digital design? Create your coupons in Canva or Google Docs, then print on cardstock and assemble as above.
Calendar of Experiences - Pick up a few inexpensive calendars for the year ahead and use stickers and or colorful ink to pre-schedule monthly activities. Add a personal note to emphasize flexibility. For a more custom touch, design a photo calendar with personalized photos and graphics, along with tentatively pre-scheduled events. Print, assemble and wrap for a gift that keeps on giving all year.