16 The Most Useful Gift Ideas For Families In Need To Express Your Support And Care

Have you decided to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program to support a family in need during Christmas and now looking for meaningful gift ideas? Or maybe you know some needy families in your community and want to help but unsure what gifts and gestures will be appropriate?

I prepared various ideas on how you can support families in need during holidays or any other day in the year.

There are many great ways to support families in need that include helpful things and thoughtful gestures. Kitchen appliances, children's clothes, school supplies, and food baskets are just a few practical gifts for families in need. Other options are to help with a job search or paying bills. 

Gift ideas for families in need are slightly different from those we tend to choose for our loved ones. It's, actually, a quite unusual gift guide that you are unlikely to find on popular websites that advise you to buy exquisite gifts for your friends and families. 

Below some of the best thoughtful things you can do for families struggling to make ends meet. I encourage you to browse our list and realize at least one idea to support a needy family in your community. Any help is welcome!

• Ways You Can Support A Family In Need
• Food Gift Ideas
• Gift Ideas For Home Comfort
• Gifts For Children
• Financial Gift Ideas

Ways You Can Support A Family In Need

Offer Your Help And Time

To show your care to a family in need much easier than you think.

And even if you can't in any way support them financially, it doesn't mean that you can't help them with their needs.

It's important to remember that sometimes, the most valuable gifts you can give won't cost you anything. Giving a little bit of your time is all that it takes. 

Indeed, it’s so easy to give a helping hand! Offer to look after kids for a few hours or help parents with cleaning or laundry. If you have a car, you can give parents a lift to work or pick up children from school. 

You may seem that these simple things don't matter, but actually, such small deeds are what families sometimes feel uncomfortable asking for, but what they need most. So, don't hesitate to offer your help and support to families in need because there are so many small things you can help with!

Help Find A Job

Nowadays, many low-income families face hardship in finding permanent work. And probably a stable job is one of the more desired things for a needy family.

So, if you have the opportunity to help the unemployed parent(s) to find a new job, it would be a great contribution to their financial stability. 

If you know that some company or organization is hiring now and you are sure that this person will be a good match for an open position, recommend them for this job.

Or, if you happen to see a job ad, don't pass by even if you're not interested in it. This position may be ideal for your friends or acquaintances who need a new job.

Maybe you know someone who needs some help at the home, garden, or for small repairs? If parents are ready for such part-time work, it'll be an excellent opportunity to earn some money while looking for a full-time position. 

If parents are native English speakers, you can offer them to register on language exchange websites where English learners pay some amount of money for speaking practice. So, it's a great way to earn extra money that doesn't require a lot of time and effort.

Help Gain New Skills And Knowledge

One of the famous proverbs says: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime".

And it's difficult to disagree with the meaning of this saying. Indeed, it can be much more beneficial, in the long run, to give a person the necessary knowledge and skills how to do something than provisionally fill the needs.

Help the members of the needy family to gain new knowledge and useful competencies and, in such a way, contribute to their future. You can sign up her or him for the classes, give a subscription to online courses, or find a mentor to help with learning.

Besides, there are many training programs for vulnerable and under-represented groups conducted by government institutions and NGOs. And, unfortunately, often families in need don't know about such possibilities. Find the info and assist them in applying for programs that provide skills training or employment support.

I hope you understand that learning something new is a long and challenging way, and success depends on many factors. But it‘s also a great possibility for a needy family to change a life. So, it's worth trying!

Help Turn Their Hobby Into A Small Business

If anyone from the family has a hobby, they can try to monetize it. It’s not so difficult, but it requires some time and effort.

There are a few ways to help a family in need to start their small home business. 

Knitting, baking, sewing, gardening, DIY crafts are just some hobbies that can make money. But often, members from a needy family don't have enough knowledge or/and tools to turn their hobbies into a lucrative home business. 

You can assist them in starting their own store on Etsy or help to create a brand name and logo for their business. Creating and maintaining a website and social channels are other important parts where your support may need. 

Turning a hobby into a small business is not a quick process, but it's a perfect opportunity for a family in need to make extra money in the long run. After all, who doesn't dream of making money by doing what they love?

Food Gift Ideas

Fruits & Veggies Basket For Balanced Nutrition

According to the CDC State Indicator Report, only 1 in 10 American adults eat the recommended amount of fruits or vegetables each day.

And it's not unexpected that consumption was lower among low-income people. 

Fruits and vegetables provide a lot of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it, in turn, helps decrease the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

So, undoubtedly, giving a needy family a basket full of fresh fruits and veggies is a great way to contribute to their health.  

It’s common to believe that fruits and veggies are more expensive than other food, but it's not true. Besides, you don't need to buy something exotic. Fill your gift basket with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, plums, carrots, tomatoes, or lettuce. Help a family in need to have balanced nutrition with such a healthy food gift.

Food Box To Replenish Food Supplies

Many families face food insecurity every year, so helping families in need with some food gift is always a good idea.

Although a needy family can receive products in local food banks, sometimes it isn't enough to cover their needs. If you noticed that the family needs to replenish food supplies, please help them. 

Almost all families have the same food needs. So, you can pack the box with different cereals, pasta, flour, oil, canned and dairy products.

It's the necessary things that can cover some basic needs. But if you are unsure what to put into your food gift box, ask the family what products they exactly need.

Sometimes families in need are embarrassed to ask for help with groceries. Although these families are not starving, it doesn't mean they don't need this kind of support. After all, helping a needy family with such basics as food provides them an opportunity to cover other expenses.

Sweets & Snacks

Although sweets and snacks are not the first necessity for the family in need, it’s still one of the best ways to delight children from these families.

Kids from a needy family, like any other children, would like to eat some candies, chocolate, and snacks, especially during holidays.  

If you know a needy family with kids, at least sometimes please them with some tasty sweets. It can be anything, from crackers, cereal bars to chocolate candies and cupcakes.

By the way, you can also bake cookies or cake, and such homemade sweets undoubtedly will bring a lot of joy to both children and their parents. 

Of course, the pack of cookies or chocolate bars can't change a life, but it definitely can change a mood. A little bit of happiness and a smile on children's faces is worth giving them some delicious sweets and snacks.

Gift Ideas For Home Comfort

Helpful Kitchen Appliances To Make Life Easier

Each year, the cost of products increases, so it's no surprise that food is one of any family's largest expense items.

In this situation, homemade meals are a better way to save money.

And thanks to useful kitchen appliances, families in need can save not only money but also time.  

Small kitchen appliances like pressure cookers, microwaves, toasters, blenders, etc., will help cook delicious meals without spending too much time and energy.

These devices are real helpers for any busy parents. That is why such electronic appliances make it to the top of many needy families' wish lists. Functional kitchen appliances make cooking a bit easier, which definitely will make a needy family's life more comfortable.

Such gadgets often can be unaffordable for a family in need, but undoubtedly, they will come in handy in their kitchen. So, if you are still wondering what gift to choose, small appliances are a perfect option.

Personal Care Items To Cover Basic Needs

It's difficult for many people to believe that some families in developed countries cannot afford the necessary personal care products.

But, unfortunately, it's true. The study released by Feeding America found that more than 30% of low-income families struggle to obtain basic household necessities, including personal care products. 

If you think that a personal care gift basket may seem an inappropriate idea, put aside your doubts and give a needy family such a useful gift. All families have the same needs, so you don't need to think much about what items to put inside a gift box. 

Fill the basket with body wash, soap, shampoos, deodorants, shaving creams, feminine hygiene products, toilet papers,  toothpaste, and toothbrushes. If the family has a small baby, include diapers, wipes, baby lotions, and creams. Personal care necessities, undoubtedly, will be a significant help for the needy family.

Warm Blankets For A Comfortable Sleep

Everyone knows how much good sleep means for health and well-being, but not everyone can afford a comfortable rest.

Such ordinary things like sheets, warm blankets, and comforters sometimes are much-needed items for many families in need. So they definitely will be grateful for such a useful gift.

Many families have to turn down the heat during the winter period to lower their monthly bills. That's why blankets are always a welcome gift. They shouldn't be luxurious or super stylish; more importantly, they need to be warm and comfy. 

And even if you don't have an opportunity to buy a new blanket, you can donate a lightly used and freshly laundered one. In some cases, it's better than nothing. Believe it or not, but such a simple thing as a cozy, warm blanket can significantly improve the level of comfort during sleep.

Gifts For Children

Clothes And Shoes For Kids

All children grow very fast, and usually almost every season they need new clothes and shoes.

So, a family in need is always very grateful for clothing gifts for their kids.

From winter coats and boots, outerwear, and pants to gloves, underwear, socks, and slippers - all these things will come in handy. 

All parents want the best for their children, but sometimes financial struggles make it impossible to buy a new pair of sneakers or jackets. And it causes huge emotional stress both for parents and children. 

But it's so easy to help them! A warm coat, shoes, or just a few pairs of socks can make their lives a bit easier, so they don't have to worry about where to get money for kids' necessary clothing.

And even if you can't buy new winter outwear because they are quite expensive clothing items, you can find used but still good and quality coats in some thrift and children’s consignment stores. Any help is welcome.

Necessary School Supplies

Each year school supplies are costing more and more. According to The National Retail Federation survey, in 2020, families with children attending K-12 planned to spend almost $800 on back-to-school shopping.

But for low-income families, it’s quite a significant amount, and usually, they can't afford to buy every item on the list.

That's why quality school supplies are always a welcome gift for needy families with children. From durable, comfy backpacks and gym bags to exercise books and graph papers to pens and pencils - all these essential items make a huge difference for children from families in need. 

Believe it or not, but such basic school supplies are tools for their successful learning. Having the necessary school materials helps children focus on the learning process rather than worrying whether they have a pen, eraser, or ruler.

Exciting Toys And Games

Which kid doesn't love toys?

All children like to spend time playing with toys because it's exciting and fun.

But, unfortunately, families in need often can't afford to give their children new toys.

So if you want to please a child from a needy family during the holidays, there is no better way than cool toys and games. 

Toys, besides, play an important role in children's development and help them develop various skills such as hand-eye coordination,  problem-solving, creativity, etc. So, choosing a toy for a gift, pay attention to their educational part. 

Exciting board games, different construction toys, science kits, or classic dolls and cars are just a few ideas that would be a good gift for kids from families in need. And even some small toy can bring a lot of joy for a child who has long dreamed of a new toy.

Financial Gift Ideas

Help With Paying Bills

If you feel a bit uncomfortable giving money, there is one more way on how you can help a needy family financially.

Monthly bills for rent or mortgage, utility bills, and bills for phone and internet are always a significant expense for the family budget.

So, if you have the opportunity to cover some of them, at least in part, it will be a great help.

Gift Cards

If you’re not sure what to give to a family in need, gift cards are always a great idea. It can be a gift card to a department or grocery store or even a gift card for gas. Families who are struggling financially will highly appreciate such a useful gift that helps them meet at least some of their needs.

Money

Sometimes one of the better ways to support a family in need is to give them a money gift.

Cash is a perfect option, especially if you know that a family struggles to pay some bills or try to save money for something necessary.

Even if you have just a small amount to put into an envelope, it still can make a huge difference for them.

I hope our guide with gift ideas for families in need was useful for you, and you've found the perfect way to help them and make their holiday time a little bit more special.

But it’s also important to remember that such families need our support not only during Christmas or other holidays but every day. So, if you have the opportunity to help, please, choose something from our list and make a truly thoughtful gift for those who desperately need it.