So often we think first about going to the shops and spending money on someone, rather than spending time.

Admittedly, when we're pushed for time and haven't given a thought to a birthday present until the day of the birthday or party parting with money to quickly solve the present giving problem is easier, a rushed present purchase is probably the the type of pressie to end up uploaded onto eBay as soon as you're out the door.

The gift of time can be given to someone in many ways and for many reasons (wrapping it might be a bit tricky!).

Ideas on giving the gift of time to others (I'll discuss the gift of time for yourself another day).

• Sit down and write a letter to someone. Can be a friend you haven't seen in a while, someone overseas, or to a friend who lives down the road and you can drop the letter in their letter box during an afternoon walk. While a letter with pen and paper is nice, and a very unexpected surprise in the mailbox in modern times, when you are usually pulling out bills and junk mail, you can cheat a little and type it out, or write an email.
• Make someone a dinner for their freezer. Drop it off by surprise.
• Leave someone so groceries at their door when you know they are coming home from holiday or a business trip. The basics, eggs, milk, bread, certainly will raise a smile from a jetlagged friend.
• Put together a CD of your favourite (their favourite) music.
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