Published: December 01. 2009 2:00AM

By Susan Schwartzkopf

This holiday season we’re swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. At the same time, many families are trying to find ways to make ends meet during difficult economic times. It’s a perfect time to think outside the gift-giving box. With a little planning and creativity, we can actually give more by giving less. When doing so, we not only give thoughtful, original gifts, but we are also preserving our environment. Unlike many typical gifts, the gift ideas below don’t require excess transportation, packaging and materials that are harmful to our planet.

• Buy a used book and in the inside cover explain why you chose the book for that person.

• Collect quotes that make you think of someone, print and frame them or cut them apart and place them in a decorative container.

• For the elderly people in your life, research newspaper and magazine articles from their youth and present them in a creative fashion.

• Use your computer to make a calendar with pictures of family members or local scenery. (Binding is available at most local office supply stores.)

• Visit TreesGreenville.org and have a tree planted in honor of someone special.

• Fill an old trunk or suitcase with fun clothing, hats and gaudy jewelry for your children to play dress-up.

• Give away a valued possession.

• Frame a piece of your artwork.

• Fill a basket or recycled tin with homemade goodies.

• Write a poem, tell a story, or take a photograph and present it in a creative way.

• Do something exciting and challenging with someone special like taking a long walk, bike ride, hike, or art course.

• Knit a scarf — there are several Internet sites with easy beginner instructions.

• Collect meaningful photos for the gift recipient and create a collage.

• Create a handmade recipe book including recipes from your family and friends.

• Shrink the distance by making a video of your or your kids’ exploits in the past year for long-distance family members.

• Adopt a polar bear, snow leopard or giant panda in the name of your friends or family members from World Wildlife Fund.

• Help your children make and paint salt dough ornaments to give to teachers and other adult friends.

• Make books with old pictures (color copies work great) and memories to give to extended family members.

• For your husband or wife, go to your favorite market or second-hand shop and get a nice frame. Then, with your most creative writing, write your wedding vows.

• Visit Heifer.org and choose a meaningful gift to give in honor of a loved one and help children and families around the world become self-reliant.

• Give Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate made in people-friendly and earth-friendly ways.

• Wrap attractive cloth around pots of basil, oregano, rosemary or other favorite herbs.

• Paint a room in someone’s favorite color, or refurbish a cherished table.

• Start a tradition. Take a day to volunteer at a soup kitchen, shelter or senior center. Then come together over a shared meal to talk about the experiences.

• For gift wrap, use newspaper, maps or other interesting papers or fabrics that can later be recycled or reused instead of commercial wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, which are not recyclable.