Gifts we can Give for Free
Happy Holidays!
Yesterday, a colleague perfectly described the energy of this season — “meetings crammed into every last crevice of the day, up until the moment that we all finally go on holiday break.”
Does it feel that way for you, as well?
Free Gifts
Here are some ideas for free gifts we can give, during the holiday season and beyond:
A hand-written thank you note, or a note “just because.”
An invitation to take a walk together —either in-person, or from afar via phone if you live in different places.
A 5-star Amazon review for a book that you enjoyed.
A 5-star Google Review for a business you love, or where you recently experienced excellent service.
Reflecting back and appreciating excellent service to someone behind the counter, at the drive-up window, or in a restaurant.
Acknowledging a stranger with a smile or a hello.
Offering to take a photo for someone who is attempting an awkward selfie to capture a special moment with loved ones or friends.
Introducing yourself to a neighbor who you see frequently but who you've never met.
An offer to walk someone's dog after they've had surgery, or a baby.
An offer to organize a meal train for someone in a similar situation.
Prioritizing a visit to see a friend or a family member across town.
Feedback to team members that is specific, behavior-based, actionable, and skillfully delivered.
Keeping our commitments.
Quarterly reviews for team members that are low-key but happen regularly, versus one mega annual review that is hastily prepared.
Over-communication about upcoming policy changes, even if we think we've already communicated enough (the data consistently finds that our message has likely not landed nearly as clearly as we think it has).
Five minutes of transition time between meetings.
Even better, shortening meeting windows to 50 minutes and 25 minutes (from 60 minutes and 30 minutes).
Sending out an agenda for a meeting ahead of time.
Taking a moment at the beginning of the meeting to review why we are here and what we are hoping to accomplish, before diving into bullet points or meandering conversations.
Closing meetings with, “who will do what, by when?” and thanking people for attending.
Sending out meeting notes and action items afterward.
Having the honest conversations during the meeting, rather than during the “meeting after the meeting” in the break room.
Passing along no-longer-used items via your local Buy Nothing Group.
Donating books you've finished to a nearby Little Free Library.
Polishing plant leaves with a soft towel (a weirdly satisfying gift we can give to ourselves…).
Offering team events during, rather than after, business hours.
Checking with our team members about dietary preferences before we cater in team lunch.
Asking friends, family members, and team members, “how are you doing?” and really listening to their responses.
Sharing a favorite recipe with a friend who loves to cook, or a favorite book recommendation with a friend who loves to read.
Turning off the excessively bright side flood light at night that shines into our neighbor's window, or perhaps replacing the bulb with something a bit more subtle.
Celebrating a milestone or accomplishment with a friend or loved one, and sharing your genuine enthusiasm for what they're up to.
Holding confidential information with care.
Thanking the instructor after a class, and letting them know what we liked about it.
Prioritizing friendships, relationships, and connections as a part of everyday life.
What else would you add to the list?
