Lemondrop

With a full-blown economic crisis on our hands, charitable giving isn't always an option -- and U.S. troop support programs like Project Santa are suffering. But, being the clever and resourceful Americans we are, we've figured out a plan B that involves fewer overpriced Shoprite groceries and more chocolate chips and elbow grease.

Residents of Hyde Park, NY saw a thriftier alternative in homemade care packages. They got together a little flour, a little sugar, 50 ovens and voila!, baked 6,600 oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies in one day for American soldiers serving overseas. In addition to the freshly baked treats, their inexpensive care packages included letters from volunteers and disposable cameras to document their moments of cookie bliss.

But not all troop service projects can organize such a large-scale bake-a-thon -- some opt to make more minimal requests. In addition to cookies, nonprofit SEND is requesting free stuff like used DVDs, old books, and DIY stuff (knitted helmet liners!). American Canyon Troop Support is also asking people to get crafty for the season ahead, calling for homemade Christmas ornaments and and home-style holiday treats.

Since it's so doable on the cheap, you have no excuse not to pitch in and get baking. Bonus: Knowing that the cookie dough is going to a good cause will make you much less likely to shove half of it in your mouth.