If you’re strapped for cash or you’re simply saving every penny you can to meet a financial goal, there is no shame about not giving people expensive gifts for the holidays. And there isn’t anything wrong with telling the charities you normally support that you’re scaling back some for the foreseeable future.

You can still help out charities and give your loved ones great gifts without opening and emptying your wallet. Here are some gift ideas that won’t leave you feeling sorry for being so generous.

Volunteer

Many organizations need volunteers willing to pitch in their time and effort as much as they need money. Habitat for Humanity, for instance, always needs people who are willing to help build homes. Even if you don’t have any experience with that kind of work, you can learn on the fly.

You’ll feel good about the effort you’re putting forth, whether you’re spooning up food in a soup kitchen or working for the afternoon at the local food pantry.

Money is nice and organizations certainly can’t survive without some funding. But hands-on work is just as important and sometimes harder to come by.

Lend a Hand to Family

Maybe in the past you’ve helped your grown children with their household expenses now that they have a family of their own to take care of. That’s great you’re willing to help and hopefully, they appreciate the financial assistance you’ve been giving them.

But if you need to scale back or perhaps not offer any money at all, there are other ways you can help them. Offer to babysit free of charge whenever you can if they’re at work or if they just want a fun night out. That way they won’t have to pay a babysitter and you’ll be able to spend some quality time with your grandchildren.

If the money you’ve been giving them has helped them with their grocery costs, you can go old school and grow some produce in your backyard during the nicer months to give them. Not only will you be sharing healthy food with them, but you’ll be saving them some money too. To make sure they have additional food for the winter, you can do some canning or freeze some of the produce that keeps well.

Give Them Heirlooms

If you’re considering downsizing or you don’t mind parting with some furniture or family jewelry, you can gift them to your relatives. Maybe your grandpa’s antique desk isn’t getting much use from you these days and you know it would look great in your child’s house. Or perhaps your daughter has had her eye on some of your nice jewelry for a while.

If you don’t mind parting with some of these things, it can be a great alternative to spending money just for the sake of purchasing a gift. Your family members will get a meaningful gift and you’ll be happy to see some of these items changing hands to the younger generation in your family.