Dear Heather,

I have friends saving up for a house so they don’t want to exchange gifts this Christmas. We still want to do something that includes them can you suggest an alternative?

Friends Saving For a House

Dear Friends Saving For a House,

First of all, well done for being considerate of your friends’ goals.

The best gift you can give a wannabe homeowner or a financially stressed property owner is to stop them from spending hard-earned cash or incurring credit card debt to buy you a gift you probably don’t need.

Debt reduces the borrowing power of home buyers and puts unnecessary financial pressure on already struggling owners. Intercept friends and family before they hit stores or go online. Suggest that, instead of buying gifts, you exchange no-cost promises or experiences.

• Sharing promises

Enlist their help in achieving a goal that you’re struggling with and offer to do the same for them.

For instance, if you’re trying to stop smoking or want to start visiting the gym and they are attempting to cut back on eating out, make written promises to each other for a two-week stretch.

Zero in on one thing that you really believe will make a difference in 2017 and do it! During the two weeks, you can keep in touch in any way that would help you both stick to your promise and develop a good habit to carry through 2017.

Sharing a step towards achievement of a goal is a wonderful gift to give and to receive, and can help the giver feel valued and increase their self-esteem.

Use your imagination to apply this idea to a situation that would suit your family and friends.

• Sharing experiences

Suggest they accompany you somewhere you or they have always wanted to go, preferably a free event or local natural wonder.

Select a time that makes sense in December or January, and exchange cards or calendar posts to confirm. Time is the most precious gift you can give anybody.

• Homemade gift exchange

Spend time together making cookies or crafts to exchange not only with each other but also friends and family.

Media continue with spend-spend-spend hype, but put your personal goals and finance realities ahead of someone else’s marketing.

DIY gifts — kitchen specialities, photos, wood art, fabric treats — are on trend, so get creative. Shared experiences, or traded skills, are also great gifts. Offer to show a friend how to do something they’ve always been fascinated by.

Donate your time or skills to a local charity in the name of someone you’d like to gift.

Give a family member something special of yours that they have always loved.

What else can you think of that takes thought, caring, and sincerity but is not simply more debt?

Listen to the chat about unappreciated gift cards and “must-be-returned” presents to inspire your new gifting style.

Have fun with your new, low-cost gift giving ideas in December and decide on some amazing actions so you’re cheerfully ready to jump in and make 2017 dynamite for yourself and your friends and family!

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty’s leading sales representatives. She has been working in real estate for 27 years. If you have a question for Heather, please contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332-1793. All questions will be treated in confidence. Read this article on Facebook: Ask Heather Real Estate