Reader: I love my family. I usually spend a lot for presents during the holiday season, but I don’t think I can do it this year. I don’t want my friends and family to think that I care about them any less, but I can’t get any more into debt. Are there any cheap deals this year?

Yep! The holiday season is upon us and according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $704 million on holiday gifts. That amount of holiday spending is considered “average,” but many of us are concerned about how the future of our income, not to mention our savings, and many people are making the decision not to spend a penny this holiday. Let’s take a look at some of the best holiday gifts available that will be good for your loved ones and your pocketbook.

Time Doing Nothing
The best gift this year is definitely Time Doing Nothing with loved ones. Think back over your life. Haven’t some of the happiest memories been sitting around the house with your friends and family laughing about things that only your group finds funny. Don’t be quick to dismiss this gift out of hand. This may be the hottest gift of the season.

Playing Together
Another hot item this year is Playing Together. It doesn’t matter if it’s playing a card game or playing a physical game — friendly competition is all the rage this season. We all like to tell the story of the time we finally beat our father-in-law at dominoes or the one about all the cousins having a footrace in the street. Playing Together will bring memories of this holiday season for years to come.

Encouraging Each Other
This one is sure to be the one everyone is talking about. One of the best gifts is the gift of Encouraging Each Other. The seeds of confidence this gift provides will last long after the wrapping paper has been picked up and the tree is out on the curb. Haven’t we all benefited from this gift from time to time? It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge bag of “You’re great at ________” or a small box of, “’I really appreciate you ________.” Make an effort this holiday season to give this gift to everyone you meet.

Group Photos
The last gift on your list should definitely be Group Photos. Nothing puts people in a better mood than seeing themselves with their loved ones. Take photos during the season and after January 1, send an email with the photos attached and a cheery note.

I know you expected me to talk about the latest gadget or coolest toy, but these are gifts that will your loved ones will enjoy and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The spirit of Christmas is about appreciating each other and sharing that feeling.

May you truly enjoy your Christmas this year.

Do you have a question you’d like Shay to answer? Email Shay at [email protected].

About Shay Olivarria
Shay Olivarria is a financial education speaker and the author of three books on personal finance. She has written articles for Bankrate.com, FoxBusiness.com and The Credit Union Times, among others. To find out more about her work, visit her at www.BiggerThanYourBlock.com