‘Tis the season for generosity, love, and connection—and, let’s be honest, pressure. Between rising prices and economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that many couples and families are feeling stretched thin. For many, what used to feel joyful now feels more like another source of stress.
If that’s where you find yourself this season, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not being “Scrooge-like” for wanting to simplify. In fact, scaling back or reimagining how we give can lead to even more meaningful memories.
And the research does show: it really is the thought that counts.
In that spirit, we’ve outlined five meaningful ways you and your family can rethink how you gift this holiday season. You may even discover new traditions or rituals that last for years to come.
Related: 7 Affordable And Meaningful Gifts For Couples, My Love Language is Gifts, Does that make me Materialistic?
1. Start by having an honest conversation
Before the holidays arrive, take time to talk with your partner or family about what’s realistic this year. You might say:
“I love giving gifts, but things are tighter this year. What would you think about keeping it simple or even skipping gifts altogether?”
Being upfront helps manage expectations and gives everyone a chance to share what truly matters to them. You may find that others feel relieved to have the same conversation, but didn’t know how to bring it up.
This is also a chance to reflect together:
- What do we genuinely look forward to during the holidays?
- What feels stressful or unnecessary?
- What could we shift to make this season feel more joyful and easeful?
Honesty now prevents disappointment later—and helps ensure the holidays feel supportive, intentional, and aligned with your values, instead of being driven by pressure or financial strain.
2. Consider a “No-Gift” Agreement—with a twist
If you decide to skip gifts, replace the exchange with something intentional and meaningful. A few ideas:
- Write love or gratitude letters. Have each person write one heartfelt note expressing appreciation or a favorite memory from the year.
- Create a shared playlist. Curate songs that remind you of your relationship or the past year together. This can be fun to do as a couple or as a family.
- Plan a cozy “experience day.” Think homemade comfort meals, holiday movies, or a winter walk with hot cocoa—simple moments that cost nothing but time.
- Offer a “service gift.” Acts of service like taking over chores, cooking a favorite meal, or organizing a space can feel far more valuable than store-bought items.
Trying out a no-gifts agreement can spark creativity and be a fun opportunity to explore new ways to express care and appreciation—without relying on something purchased from a store.
3. Give the gift of presence
In seasons of uncertainty, presence often outweighs presents.
Turn off notifications, slow things down, and make space for real connection. Quality time, one of the 5 Love Languages, can fill emotional needs that physical gifts sometimes can’t. But how often do we actually get the pleasure of being fully present with our partner or family, uninterrupted?
Probably not often. And that’s exactly why it can feel so meaningful.
You might even find that you enjoy that kind of presence so much it becomes a ritual of connection.
Try this:
Have an at-home “Yes Day.” Set your own guidelines—like choosing only activities that use things you already have. The sky’s the limit!
Some ideas:
- Play board games or card games
- Cook something creative using only what’s in the cupboard
- Make and send holiday cards together
- Build a pillow fort and watch nostalgic movies
- Have an indoor picnic or themed dinner night
Anything that encourages fun, creativity, and togetherness can become its own kind of gift.
“Things don’t form the strongest holiday memories. Few can list even half of the presents they received — but we remember the baking, the sledding, the laughter with cousins.” — Susan Newman, PhD
4. If you’re on a tight budget, choose “thoughtful small”
If completely skipping gifts doesn’t feel right, low-cost ideas can still be deeply personal and meaningful. You might start by setting a dollar limit that everyone feels comfortable with—so no one feels stretched too thin or obligated to spend beyond their means.
Here are a few simple, heartfelt ideas:
- Print and frame a favorite photo you’ve taken together.
- Give something sentimental you already own—a book you love, a cozy scarf, or a keepsake paired with a note explaining why it matters to you and why you want them to have it.
- Create a small self-care kit with travel-size favorites like lip balm, perfume, a face mask, or a candle.
- Write “experience coupons”—like a cozy date night at home, a back massage, or cooking a favorite meal together.*
*Bonus points for scheduling one and putting it on the calendar—experience gifts become even more meaningful when followed through.
Research by Chan & Mogilner found that experiential gifts strengthen relationships more than material ones—even when people don’t consume the experience together.
Thoughtful gifting doesn’t require a big budget; it requires intention. When the focus shifts from price tags to personal meaning, even the simplest items can become cherished reminders of love and connection.
5. Focus on what’s most important
When times are uncertain, financially or otherwise, it’s worth remembering that the true spirit of giving isn’t about comparing price tags; it’s about care, intention, and connection.
Gift-giving is one way to show love—but not the only one.
So if your budget is smaller this year, or if you decide to opt out of gifts altogether, try reframing it as an act of mindfulness, not deprivation. You’re choosing to prioritize stability, presence, and peace—something we could all use a little more of right now.
You can rewrite the rules of the season.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this season, give yourself permission to release the parts of the holidays that feel more stressful than meaningful. The most lasting traditions often start when we focus less on doing it “right” and more on doing what feels aligned, supportive, and genuinely connecting.
Whether you’re giving thoughtfully, skipping gifts entirely, or simply making space to be together—what matters most is how it feels, not how it looks.