I found a blog the other day about a couple who live in Ann Arbor and have given up shopping. As of September 24th, they have made a commitment (or at least a really big effort), to not buy anything new. It is kind of interesting to read about how they have been handling this social experiment, especially at the most shoppingest time of the year. They recently posted a list of tips that could be really useful, especially if you have more gifts to buy but little money to do it with. There focus is on green eco-conscious ways to keep the holidays special. Here are the highlights:

Give a donation. Support an Art Institute for your cousin in graphic design. Contribute to a Children’s Soccer Fund in your brother the sports fanatic’s name. Finance an Afgan woman’s small business for your friend the entrepreneur. With the website globalgiving.org you can personalize a charitable gift and choose just how much to give.

Turn an old sweater into a stylish hat. If you have any sewing machine know-how, the directions here will help you give new life to a shrunken favorite sweater or transform last year’s present from Aunt Martha into something you can be proud to regift!

Make something. A favorite dish, a crafty project, home brewed beer, an ornament or wreath, a bottle of steeped vanilla, cookies and fudge, I can go on. Whatever you are good at, make it a gift!

Remember the coupon books you used to give as a kid? People really love those; they are thoughtful, and they oblige you to do something fun with the giftee. Some of the coupon could be for low cost things you enjoy doing together: a yoga class, a moonlit walk, a homecooked meal, a trip out for coffee (or ice cream, or a martini), night at the movies (going out or staying in), … the list is endless.

Wrapping it up. Brown paper packages tied up with string? Both can be easily found in reused. No need to buy wrapping paper to make the gift look as special as it is. Reuse a gift bag, use magazine or comic pages, re-use ribbon.

Freecycle. If you have never tried it, you are missing out. Have you ever gotten to the point of just wanting something out of your house? A chair, a never opened cappuccino maker, a slew of baby items, a pet? All of these things have been posted on Freecycle, an internet community of people who have things to give away. Some items are brand new. Some are worthless, but one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I once parted with a treadmill covered in dust and missing a piece --removed from my basement for a smile and a handshake. Freecycle has lots of holiday items, and you may even find a great gift. The shopping-free bloggers agree, “buying used doesn’t mean it is any less thoughtful (might argue more since we really had to put a lot of thought and planning into it), no less festive, and maybe even more fun!”

For more ideas:

Check out this How to Go Green for the Holidays guide from discovery.com. The article is chock full of ideas on being green, and let’s face it usually that also means saving green. Ann Arbor has been labeled Tree Town, so get in the spirit and check out the tree-huggers gift guide. Not all of these recommendations are easy on the pocketbook, but if you are looking to feel good about a splurge, these gift suggestions are planet friendly.

Reduce your stress level with this free little book from newdream.org called Simplify the Holidays.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com