Happy Black Friday!
Once again we’ve reached that time of year where I post my list of places to get unusual or special gifts. I’ve been doing this for so many years I’m not sure that my picks are a surprise or out of the norm any more. I point to the usual places every year. This year I’m going to start off with something different. I’m starting with NOTHING. Very appropriate for Black Friday

My original idea was to give nothing but still give something. Give of your time, your heart, but not necessarily your wallet. With researching this theme of “Nothing” I came up with some things that are something more than nothing, yet still may be nothing to your wallet or only a little something, or may cost something but really be from the heart…..

First up, let’s talk about Nothing with Wikipedia and then for entertainment value you can visit the Nothing Blog.

Now, Let’s get creative with your nothing. Put together a playlist, a mix CD or DVD around Nothing:
Nothing Compares
Nothing Else Matters
Nothing to Give
Nothing to Give (Cunninlyguists)
The Gift of Nothing
Better yet, make a mix out of the songs or videos that your giftee loves. I’ve not met anyone that doesn’t like a well thought out and put together mix CD or DVD.

Fun Nothing ideas. These may cost something but they still have a laughable or sweet sentiment:
The Gift of Nothing (a book)
DIY yourself a Jar of Nothing
Nothing is worth more than today
Lots of nothing to give
Nothing at all

More ideas from another source to give “nothing” for the holidays
Buy Nothing Christmas

Something that is something to someone and maybe something to the giftee but may be nothing tangible like a toy….Charitable gifts or donations. You can make these at anytime but to combat a little of that consumerism, you can buy a gift of charity in your giftee’s honor. Some of my favorite places:
Heifer International This is a favorite of many fiberists. If you don’t know about them yet, check them out. As with any charity I post here, I do recommend you don’t take my word for it and you check them out to see if they meet your charitable criteria..

The Humane Society. Both of our dogs are rescues. I usually choose to give to the local shelters but giving to the Humane Society is a good thing too.

Susan G Komen for the Cure. There are a couple of different Breast cancer foundations out there. This is usually the one we prefer to give to. Though its usually when someone is doing a race or walk for the cure.

UNICEF and many other places (often local to you) organizations are out there to help kids.

If you don’t have your own favorites or want to do something that may suit your giftee better, check out the Charity Navigator

There are some fabulous ideas out there. I know some of you probably already do them. I want to hear them and so do others that read this. I know there are still some of you that read. I’ve been slack about posting but I’m sure there are people that come here to read. And who doesn’t love the gift guide and all the helpful hints that you guys post. You all were so creative last year with the recycling projects. Let’s see what you come up with for the “Nothing” theme.

ok people. There is no reason to send me angry emails about this post. For those that know me, you all know I support buying local or from Indie business and less consumerism. If those that emailed me actually clicked on some of the links, you would see that some of them are about spending money. I understand how the economy works and would appreciate no more emails about how I’m actually fostering the recession. For those that have bored wallets, the next couple of weeks will have more spendy ideas.