As the year comes to a close, you might be looking for ways to be more generous. Maybe your empty wallet says that giving financially isn’t the right move, but there are other ways to give. You can give your time, energy, expertise, and most importantly, the gift of yourself.

1. Offer to babysit for the stressed-out parent at church.

Talk to parents at church and ask if they need any help. Chances are they might! Offer to babysit one night while they go out. If you’re unable to babysit, bring them a meal or shop for groceries for that meal.

2. Cook for an elderly neighbor. 

If you have an elderly neighbor, consider bringing them a home-cooked meal. You never know how much a home-cooked meal (or takeout, it’s OK to be honest) would mean to them. The companionship alone will make their day.

3. Hang out with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.

The best gift you can give is yourself and your time. Hang out with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Even if it’s just hanging out and doing nothing.

4. When payday hits, give first.

Maybe you’re working your first part-time job. That first paycheck feels so good. But if you want to be more generous this month, train yourself and find a way to donate a fraction of that money. Give to an organization, a shelter, or at church.

5. Shop for an Angel Tree gift.

It’s November, so it’s Angel Tree season! Contact your local Salvation Army or head to a store near you that has an Angel Tree and pick a card off the tree and shop for a child this season.

6. Ring the bell at the Red Kettle.

What’s more generous than spreading some Christmas cheer? Ring the bell at your local grocery store and be the light that God calls you to be.

Photos: cokada/Getty, imgorthand/Getty, stockplanets/Getty, canart7/Getty, Angel Tree and Kettle/Red Shield tool kit. This article was originally titled “How Can You Be Generous?” in the November 2026 issue of Peer.