10 Best Immaterial Gifts to Give this Christmas

Anyone who has ever watched a television Christmas special knows that it's wrong to value Christmas because of material gifts, but let's be honest: most of us would feel cheated if we were given a gift like "love" or "a hug" for Christmas. For the sake of the environment (and for the preservation of real Christmas spirit) it's important the we move away from an obsession with gizmos and gadgets and wrapping paper-- but it's also important that we give gifts that make our loved ones feel special and appreciated.

Immaterial gifts are central to a green Christmas, but you don't want to essentially give your loved ones nothing this year. Give an immaterial gift that actually serves a purpose, has a function, and will bring a new, special kind of joy to the lives of the people you love. Here are some of the best immaterial gifts you can give this year.

1. Wildlife Adoptions

These are my favorite gifts to give to the kiddos in my family. By adopting an endangered animal through an organization like Defenders of Wildlife or the World Wildlife Fund, you symbolically "give" a cherished animal to the child, while literally giving them a future that (with any luck) will include these rare creatures.

2. Personalized Charity Donations

Financial donations to organizations such as UNICEF, American Red Cross, World Vision, or your local animal shelter, made in your loved one's name, are great gifts for kids and adults alike. If you have a friend or relative who "has everything," it's likely that she'll feel good about sharing that "everything" with people in serious need. No boxes, no strings: just a from-the-heart, immaterial gift that will mean a lot.

3. Martial Arts Lessons

A great choice for adults but especially children, martial arts lessons are a great starting-point for what may become a lifelong passion-- and there's zero waste and zero packaging involved in this immaterial gift. Consider buying your loved one lessons in taekwando, karate, ninjitsu or a variety of other martial arts as an immaterial gift this Christmas.

4. Horseback Riding Lessons

I know very few little girls who wouldn't give their eye teeth for horseback riding lessons-- and lots of boys and adults would like them, too. Horseback riding lessons are green and immaterial, and they're one of the many gifts that will keep on giving.

5. Art Classes

Painting and drawing are just a start-- there are also exciting classes teaching hobbies like quilting and cake decorating, which your friends and family members might love to learn! If there's someone you know who has expressed an interest in learning an art, check around and look for art lessons as a great immaterial Christmas present.

6. Website

When I'm not writing, I do a little  web design on the side, and I've made many of my family members very happy by designing, building, and hosting websites for my loved ones' personal interests and cottage industries. If this is something you can do yourself, consider building and hosting a website as a Christmas gift this year. Aim for a green web host to make this gift as eco-friendly as possible!

7. Yoga Lessons

Yoga is one of the fastest-growing fitness and lifestyle choices for people of all ages. If you know someone who might be interested in yoga lessons-- or who is already enrolled in lessons but can't afford to keep taking them-- pick up the tab and pay for a few sessions. Your friend will appreciate it and the gift is waste-free.

8. House Cleaning

This one's free! Donate your time to thoroughly clean your loved one's house or apartment, either right after the holidays or at some point in the near future (make sure you follow through!). Or buy a gift card for service from a local house-cleaning company. Sometimes, the best gift is a relief from the daily burden of house work. This is one of the best immaterial gifts for parents!

9. Massage

This one can also be free, but make sure you're serious about it (none of those "coupon" deals that you never really cash out!). If you've got the talent and the comfort for it, a two-hour, full-body massage with aromatherapy oils and relaxing music can be an amazing green gift. Not up to doing it yourself? There are probably dozens of massage therapists in your area offering holiday specials.

10. Gift Card for MP3s or Ebooks

A gift card or gift certificate for ebooks and mp3 downloads can be an excellent immaterial gift for almost anyone, of any age! If you've got a friend whose nose is always stuck in a Nook, a gift certificate that will cover ebooks can be an ideal immaterial present. Since absolutely everyone likes music, a gift card for MP3 downloads is another great choice. No waste, no packaging, no paper, no throw-aways-- these are just good gifts that anyone will like.

Immaterial gifts don't have to be bad, cheesy, or empty. There are many ways to give your loved ones real, enjoyable presents around the holidays without hurting the environment or resorting to materialistic consumerism. No matter who your loved ones are or what their interests are, there's a great non-material present out there that each of them can truly enjoy.