5 Ways to Give Back on Giving Tuesday (That Don’t Cost a Thing)

November 29 marks the tenth annual Giving Tuesday, and while every day is a great day to give back, today is an opportunity to start off the holiday season on a charitable note. Because while you might’ve scored big on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, nothing feels quite as good as donating to those in need.

Donating to organizations and charities whose efforts you believe in is, of course, the most obvious way to give (check out some ideas here), but this holiday is about more than money. If you’re unable to give financially right now, you can’t give as much as you’d like, or you just feel like doing a little bit more, we’ve got five Giving Tuesday ideas for getting involved that are easy and free. Let the kindness begin!

1. Volunteer Your Time

Your time is one of the most valuable donations you can make. Whether you visit a senior center, help out at an animal shelter, serve or prepare meals for the hungry, or just check in on a needy neighbor, taking some time out of your day to enrich someone else’s life can enrich yours just as much.  You’ll meet people, reduce stress, and just feel so darn good after. Not sure where to start? Check out VolunteerMatch.com for opportunities in your area.

2. Collect Goods

A donation drive is a great way to inspire others–and make it easy for them to get in on the giving! Food banks need canned goods, animal shelters often need bedding, pillows, or towels, and shelters for people experiencing homelessness need basic hygiene items and socks (one of the most requested items!).  Of course, you’ll want to check with the organization you’re collecting for before you start, but if everyone in your office, class, apartment complex, etc. gives just one item, imagine the difference you can make!

Nonprofits with smaller budgets and staffs can often use the help of skilled volunteers. Are you a marketing or social media whiz? A tech guru? A graphic designer, photographer, or writer? Reach out to an organization you admire and see how you can help–often from home–by offering your talents.

4. Fundraise on Social Media

Don’t have as much to give as you’d like? Enlist your social network–we’re always stronger together, right? Flip the #linkinbio script by linking your Instagram or TikTok bio to the donation page of a nonprofit or organization you love (make sure to post about it or mention in Stories, too!). Or use your Facebook or Insta to start a fundraiser–there are tons of nonprofits to choose from if you don’t have one in mind already.

5. Use Your Voice

Giving back can be as simple as raising awareness of a cause you care about. Share an adoptable dog on social media, sign a petition on Change.org, call your local or national representatives to advocate for change, or head to DoSomething.org for Giving Tuesday ideas.

We want to hear your Giving Tuesday ideas! Tell us how you’re giving in the comments–or show us on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus!