When we’re inundated with advertisements, commercials, sponsored posts, and endless gift guides, it’s easy to get swept up in the commercialism of it all. And while giving and receiving gifts can be joyful, they’re ultimately just supporting characters to the lead: community, connection, and quality time. These human experiences linger far longer than any expensive purchase ever could.

Here are a few gifts that cost little, if anything at all, but offer far more value than any luxury item:

1. A coffee date

There’s something deeply comforting about catching up with a friend over coffee. After you grab your drinks, walk to a local park, soak up a little vitamin D, and let the conversation unfold naturally.

2. Go for a walk

Time spent in nature, paired with light movement and meaningful conversation, does wonders for the soul.

3. A book

The right book at the right time can change a life. Some stories stay with us forever, shaping how we see the world. Consider gifting a book that’s meaningful to you, or buy two copies and read it together, creating your own private book club. If you’re unsure where to begin, a bookstore gift card can be a passport to someone’s next chapter.

4. An errand day

Those returns you’ve been avoiding? The dry cleaning that’s been living in the backseat? Turn them into an errand day together. Even the most ordinary tasks feel lighter (and even enjoyable!) when shared.

5. Get crafty

Create something by hand: a piece of jewelry (friendship bracelets aren’t just for kids), a painting, or a ceramic. One of Micaela’s most cherished gifts is a flower her grandmother picked from her garden, pressed, and framed.

6. Host a girls’ night

Invite friends over for an evening of lighthearted fun. Serve simple snacks, watch a favorite movie, and indulge in a full-body self-care ritual you don’t often make time for.

7. Take a class together

Any class: a fitness class, art workshop, cooking class, language lesson, or even improv. Learning something new side-by-side, especially as beginners, creates a unique bond and memories that last.

The best things in life are often the least tangible.

This holiday season, don’t get caught up in the minutiae of perfection. Be present. Savor the moment. Thoughtful gestures, offered with intention and love, will always mean more than physical goods.