'Tis the season for giving, and while it’s natural to think about gifts for loved ones—children, grandchildren, family, and friends—some of the most meaningful gifts cost us nothing at all. In fact, they give something priceless back to us.
As we move into retirement or scale back to part-time work, our paychecks may shrink, but one thing we gain is time. The question is, how will we spend it? Sure, golf and pickleball are great, but there’s only so much of that we can play before we start craving something more fulfilling.
Time
Time is one of the greatest gifts we can share and giving it doesn’t mean giving up fun. Nonprofits like food pantries, libraries, and animal shelters often welcome volunteers for just a few hours a month. Want to make a bigger impact? Deliver meals for a weekly route, mentor kids, or teach a class at your local community center.
When we pair our talents with our time, we create connections and purpose. And research backs it up—having a sense of purpose not only makes us feel better but also lowers our risk of chronic disease. It’s a gift that benefits everyone.
Treasures
Then there’s the “stuff.” Remember those bumper stickers that said, “He who dies with the most toys wins?” Truth is, the one with the most toys leaves behind overwhelmed adult kids asking, “What do we do with all this?”
Less really is more. Less clutter means less cleaning and more space to live freely. A streamlined closet makes it easier to find what you love and skip what you don’t. And the things you’re not using? They could be treasures to someone else right now.
Donate gently used clothes, accessories, and household items to thrift stores, shelters, or veterans' organizations. Share books, magazines, or DVDs with libraries, prisons, or literacy programs. Even a pantry clean-out can provide meals for families in need if you donate food before it expires.
Got tech you no longer use? Donate to the Million Device Drive. They repurpose old phones and tablets to help train autistic adults for employment. Is old sports gear gathering dust? Pass those bats, balls, or gloves along to youth leagues or recreation programs.
If the thought of sorting, organizing, and donating feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to tackle it by yourself. Trusted professionals, like Caring Transitions of Manteca, can make the process seamless. From decluttering and donations to estate sales and online auctions through their CTBids platform, they take the pressure off. The result? Your items find new homes, your space feels lighter, and you experience the joy of giving while making life simpler for yourself.
This season, consider the gifts of time and treasures. They’re more than just meaningful—they’re transformative, for others and for you.