How can I thank my parents with zero money?

[Sessilia]

Hi all!

My parents have done a lot for us lately. We're struggling financially, and they've really been helping out. I would like to give them something in return. Normally I'd think something along the lines of giving them a nice night out, taking them somewhere fun or fancy, or a spa day, but obviously we don't have any money. There are no real chores we can do for them either. How can we let them know we appreciate what they're doing without spending money? I keep saying it, but it doesn't feel like enough.

Could you host a small afternoon tea at home for them? Potentially the cost of baking a cake, scones and some sandwiches would be less than going out and you can involve any DC with the baking and making thank you cards.

Telling them is absolutely enough! Parents help because they love you, they don't expect anything in return.

I will tell you what I would like, firstly saying that the words " thank you" go a long way, and can often be forgotten. Invite them to your house for a meal,or afternoon tea, make it look nice. Everyone has to eat. Shouldn't cost you anymore than your food shop.

A heartfelt card???

Could you cook them a meal??? I know this has cost involved but not always much more if you're cooking for yourselves anyway. A themed meal/ evening eg Italian (quite reasonable with bruschetta, pasta and a tiramisu).

Write a nice letter from the heart.

If you have DC get them to make crafty things/cards.

They are your parents, their reward is seeing you happy and not struggling so much.

If you really feel like you need to do something then maybe just a simple meal and a night in watching their favourite films, or playing card games or going through old photo albums and talking about all your childhood memories. I love having those sorts of nights with my older kids. It's doesn't have to be a big massive thank you, just thought and time is enough.

Choose a thoughtful card …it will mean so much to them and maybe a pretty plant,shrub to go in their garden.

If you have younger dc, get them to make a thank you card, it will mean far more than expensive presents.

With family we help each other out at different times, one day the tables will turn and they will be able to accept your help knowing they helped you

Tell them how grateful you are. Spend time with them, invite them for tea!

We have adult children and we've helped them out financially at various times. The last thing we would want is their spending money they don't have on a thank you gift. Saying thank you really is enough. If they have helped you buy something specific, send photos saying how much you are enjoying the whatever it is.

What we appreciate more than anything is thei DCs' time as they are so busy with work/kids/house etc. As others have said, have them over for a meal - lunch or afternoon tea with sandwiches and cake would suffice. If you are on such a strict budget that that would be difficult, ask when you can next get together. I'm more than happy to feed my kids as often as they are free to come over.

I would make a posh meal at home, based on some of their favorites or maybe from a posh/fancy restaurant menu ideas inc the printed menu on their special day/anniversary

You say "we", do you have DC? If so I'd make a card with them and then you write a heartfelt message inside.

If they're helping you financially, then they really don't want you spending a lot of money on them.

A nice card with thanks written in. Or invite them round for a meal. Anything you're good at making/doing?

I think once your children grow up and leave home , the best thing is spending time with them as it becomes more precious. So the idea of cooking them a meal and spending the evening chatting , playing a game or whatever works for your family would be perfect . To be honest though it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive , and if all you can stretch to is a cup of tea and a biscuit then I’m sure they would love that too .

Invite them round and book them a meal. Spend quality time with them.

Definitely a card with a heartfelt message.

How about a family quiz? DD did this as a surprise for us one Christmas. She found old photos and remembered old family stories and made them into a quiz using PowerPoint. It was funny and nostalgic (and totally free - although I expect you should probably provide snacks!)

I meant cook them a meal not book them a meal