Five ways to give over the holiday season without spending a dime

Matthew Pizzuti Out Front Colorado's former managing editor.

The best things in life really ARE free!

Clean the house
Surprise your love or roommate with a squeaky-clean home or apartment when she or he comes home from work. Don’t cut corners: put on some music and dedicate an entire afternoon to it. Living in an organized space can lift some of the stress of preparing from the holidays, putting both of you in a better mood.

Host a potluck for your friends
Groceries cost money but they’re cheaper than eating out, so if you cook the main dish at home you’ve achieved a net saving. Round up your friends for a dinner party and assign them side dishes and adult refreshments. Start with a time-tested recipe, and get creative by replacing a couple ingredients with something fancier or adding some fresh herbs and garnish.

Volunteer
Times are tough for everyone, and many poor families are going hungry for the holidays. It’s a good time to put in a few hours at a shelter or soup kitchen. Fact: the average period of homelessness is six months. Over 2.5 million Americans cycle through that tough experience each year. With the future as uncertain as ever, you or somebody you love might someday need a return favor.

Make a coupon book of favors
Speaking of cleaning the house – that’s just one of many favors you can offer your significant other for free. Make a whole coupon book of favors you’re willing to do; include cleaning, doing dishes, being designated-driver for a night, yard work, or get *ahem* creative if you will.

Give life: donate sperm
Out Front Colorado‘s assistant art director Sara Decker became a mother this fall; she and her partner Alicia turned to a sperm bank 11 months ago and in September got a gift of life. Decker was joking when she suggested sperm donations for our list of ways to give for free, but we highly recommend it, guys. Not only can you help a lesbian couple become parents, but you also get a little spending-cash for something you’re already doing 3-4 times a week anyway. (For women: it’s a bigger commitment, but there are many gay couples who need surrogates!)