The holiday season often brings the challenge of finding just the right way to show love to those closest to you. Whether you’re scouring online deals or navigating aisles of shiny new gadgets, sometimes the most meaningful gifts can’t be wrapped up like a new Ninja Creami. Intangible gifts can create lasting memories, honor loved ones, and make the world a better place—all without the stress of wrapping paper.

Here are five ideas to make this holiday season truly special:

1. Give the Gift of Time

Time is the one thing we can never buy, and yet, it’s what everyone seems to need the most. Offer to babysit for that busy parent in your life, help your neighbor tackle their yard work, or spend an afternoon just being present with family. Bonus points if your gift of time involves sharing pie or cookies!

2. Invest in Experiences

Instead of buying more “stuff”, give the gift of experience. Salina has so many to offer, like tickets to a show at the Stiefel Theatre or admission tickets to visit Rolling Hills Zoo. Memberships can bring experiences and enjoyment all year round, gift them a Salina Art Center membership, or a Friends of the Library membership, with perks like no late fines on library books. Experiences spark joy, curiosity, and connection—and they don’t come with assembly instructions.

3. Honor a Loved One With a Donation

Some people are impossible to shop for. Instead of guessing, why not honor their spirit with a donation in their name? At Salina Public Library, we’re wrapping up an incredible $20,000 year-end matching challenge. A donation in your loved one’s name means their kindness will double in impact—funding programs, resources, and spaces that make Salina a better place for everyone.

A $100 donation to Re-Imagining Our Library reserves recognition for them on our donor wall—a lasting way to show the whole community their passion for learning and connection.

3. Plan an Act of Kindness

This one’s easy: find a way to spread joy in your community. Whether it’s delivering treats to neighbors, sending cards to seniors, or donating gently used items to a local shelter like Ashby House, small acts of kindness make a big impact. Better yet, make it a family affair. Gather your loved ones and volunteer together at Salina Public Library, the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, or another local nonprofit. It’s a great way to teach kids (and remind ourselves) that giving really is better than receiving.

5. Make a Family Tradition 

Take any of the ideas above and turn it into a yearly tradition. Whether it’s volunteering together every holiday season, seeing a holiday performance, or making an annual gift to a local nonprofit, traditions create memories that last long after the holidays are over. You can even add a little extra holiday flair by sporting matching holiday sweatshirts while you do it! Then grab some cocoa to celebrate your efforts and make your new tradition truly special. 

The holidays don’t have to be about what’s under the tree. This season, consider gifts that give back—not just to your loved ones, but to your community. And if supporting your library sounds like the perfect way to celebrate, we’d love your help reaching our $20,000 matching goal. Visit salinapubliclibrary.org/snowfall-of-support to learn more and make a gift that keeps on giving.

Happy holidays!

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