Six inexpensive ways to give back at Christmas

8 December 2022

Christmas is a time for kindness. Here are our top six ways to give back this Christmas, without breaking the bank - in your community and even around the world.

Inexpensive ways to give back at Christmas

There are lots of inexpensive ways to give back at Christmas, and get into the giving spirit. Photo: Unsplash

For many of us, Christmastime is all about getting into the spirit of kindness and giving. But with gifts to buy, food to prep and halls to deck, it can also be the most expensive time of the year. 

There are lots of great ways you can get into the spirit of the season without breaking the bank, though! Here are six inexpensive ways to give back and show kindness, this Christmas. 

  • Check in on a friend, relative or neighbour

    1 Check in on a friend, relative or neighbour

    Do you have a vulnerable neighbour you could enjoy a cup of tea with, or a relative you could call? Christmas can sometimes be a lonely time, and checking in on someone - even just for a quick ‘hello’ - can make all the difference to a friend, relative or neighbour.

  • snowy nightfall christmas card

    2 Choose a pack of charity Christmas cards

    Christmas cards are an inexpensive way to send festive wishes and, if you choose a pack of charity Christmas cards, you’ll be giving to a charity close to your heart.

    ActionAid’s collection includes packs of ten from just £3.99, and each purchase helps fund our life-changing work with women and girls in poverty around the world.

    See ActionAid's charity Christmas cards

  • Shop local this Christmas

    3 Shop local

    Choosing to buy from local businesses is a great way to support your community. It can also be more environmentally-friendly than shopping from the big brands online, because it means less excess packaging and fewer delivery vans on the road.

    Why not seek out local craftspeople at Christmas fairs, or small farmers and growers at a local market? You could even browse second-hand stores to find bargains that’ll make incredible Christmas gifts!

  • Gifts in action school materials

    4 Choose a charity gift (from just £11)

    Our charity gifts collection has something for everyone, this Christmas - from just £11. You could buy a school backpack gift, so that a child from a poor community can carry their books to school each day - and get the education they deserve.

    You can even add a personalised gift card of your choice, and delivery is absolutely free.

    See our charity Christmas gifts

  • Christmas bake sale

    5 Host a Christmas fundraising party

    Let’s face it, many of us are already planning to attend a Christmas do (or two)! So why not host a party in aid of a good cause?

    You could award prizes for the best Christmas outfit, organise a festive bake sale or host a Christmas quiz.

    See more Christmas fundraising ideas

  • Millicent, from Uganda, features in our charity Christmas appeal 2022.

    6 Give a small, monthly donation

    We’re so grateful for every penny given to ActionAid, but we recognise that giving a large charity donation might not feel affordable this year. If you’re still keen to support our work, you could donate a smaller, monthly amount - which still goes a very long way.

    This year, our Christmas appeal raises awareness of domestic violence and ActionAid women’s shelters, which help women who’ve survived violence. Even £2 a month can make an enormous difference so if you can support us, we’d be so thankful for your gift.

    See our Christmas appeal

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