Gifts For a Recession

If you're avoiding the Black Friday crowds by starting your Christmas shopping online, remember that more overpriced stuff people don't need is even more ludicrously inappropriate than usual in these hard economic times.

Even if you can afford to keep giving everyone on your list the latest hyped gadget, consider that many of them may not be able to reciprocate.

One group of my friends decided this year to forego even small token gifts in favor of a holiday get-together at one home, with everyone contributing a dish.

Another group of friends started, at the suggestion of one of us, to make donations to charity in the name of each friend, trading an unappreciated thing for deeply appreciated help. Most large nonprofits with online donation forms allow you to donate in someone's name, and will send an acknowledgement to that person.

Yet a third group of friends includes someone who has been unemployed for more than six months and has cut spending to the bone. That group is exchanging "coupons" for expert time - home repairs, computer help, yard work, baby- house- or pet-sitting, almost anything one person needs done and another can do.

"Time coupons" that can be redeemed for chauffering to errands, appointments and shopping; or household organizing, or just a few hours of pleasant company are particularly appreciated by the elderly, disabled or housebound. And their caretakers.

Here are more ideas.