Even the poorest citizen in the United States can give. Giving has so little to do with money. Every person on earth has some gift worthy of being offered. Perhaps it is performing something as simple as changing a tire for someone broken down on the roadside. Maybe it is complimenting the outfit of a coworker.

Everyday gifts are not rare, they are not expensive, they are not hard to do, and they are not steeped in formality. However, they are priceless to the person on the receiving end. And, they can be priceless to you and your self-esteem.

Some of the simple, everyday gifts that you can offer may include:

• Write a note of “thank you” to someone once a week.

• Call a store manager and praise an employee who did well.

• Compliment a stranger.

• Go to yard sales and buy books to donate to prisons.

• Volunteer your pet for a “petting program” at a nursing home or hospital.

• Save all of your loose change all year and buy a child's Christmas presents.

• Spend time with an Alzheimer's victim to allow the family some free time.

• Start a phone book recycling program at work or in your neighborhood.

• Start a graffiti removal program in your neighborhood.

These acts of selfless giving cost very little, or nothing, but the returns for those who receive them are enormous.