You could give a gift that helps a community buy farm animals! These kids in Mexico help raise chickens so that their families can use the eggs. (Photo credit: The Heifer Project)

This time of year is often seen as a season of giving. Do you like to exchange presents with your friends? Maybe your family has special traditions that involve gifts. No matter what the reason, it can be lots of fun to give meaningful presents to others. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that aren’t bought in stores. Here are some suggestions:

Make a present.

When you make something for someone, they know you really care about them. Don’t be discouraged if you think you don’t know how to make anything — you might be surprised by how great your present turns out. Be creative!

• Think of things that the person likes, and draw or paint them a picture related to this. For example, if your grandmother loves her garden, you could give her a painting of her flowers.
• Write a book starring your family! Does your little brother love soccer? You could make him a picture book all about his star turn as goalie in the World Cup.
• Make cookies with someone. Not only do you end up with yummy gifts for friends or relatives, but you get to have a great time in the kitchen!

Give a gift that helps someone else.

Many people in our country and in our world do not have very basic things like food and warm clothes. What can you do to serve these neighbors?

• Ask your mom or dad about volunteering somewhere as a family. You could help to serve meals at a local soup kitchen or sort clothes at a community center.
• Look around your room. Do you have toys you don’t use any more, or clothes that don’t fit? Your parents can help you donate these items to other kids who will be able to use them.
• Learn about the Heifer Project, where you can buy chickens or cows that can provide food and milk for communities around the world.

Share your talents.

• Do you love to sing? Are you a dancer? Put on a holiday variety show for your family or go caroling with your friends.
• Teach a sibling how to do something cool that you know how to do, like juggling, cartwheels or French braiding hair.

Spend time with others.

Simply giving your time can be an amazing gift. Go ice skating with your sister, spend an afternoon with your grandpa, or play a board game with your friends. Instead of only one person getting the present, both of you can have fun!