The Gift of Nothing
Patrick McDonnell released the heartwarming picture book The Gift of Nothing in October 2005. The story, which features beloved MUTTS duo Mooch and Earl, was quickly named a New York Times bestseller and has since become a perennial favorite. In 2014, the story was adapted as a musical for the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where it won a Helen Hayes Award. In 2016, it was adapted into a board book for preschool-age readers called The Little Gift of Nothing.
The book also inspired The Gift of Nothing Day, a holiday that was first celebrated in December 2017 and is recognized annually on or around December 15.
All About "Nothing"
- The Book and Story
- The Annual Holiday
- The Musical at the Kennedy Center
- Press, Reviews, and Resources
- Shop "The Gift of Nothing"
The Book
This perennial, bestselling favorite sends a heartfelt, timeless message about the priceless value of friendship.
In the story, Mooch the cat desperately wants to get his friend Earl the dog a gift for the holidays, but Earl already has everything he needs. "What do you give a guy who has everything?" Mooch wonders.
Mooch goes shopping, where he looks “up and down every aisle.” He finds many things — “The latest this, the newest that." Ultimately, he presents Earl with the perfect gift, something far more valuable than anything from a store shelf: Nothing. “Nothing,” says Mooch, “but me and you.”
What is the gift of nothing? It’s a gift of love and time shared. More than presents, it’s presence. It’s a wonderful, fun way to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays, and to bring out the child in all of us. I’m glad Mooch thought of it.
— Patrick McDonnell
The Annual Holiday
The Gift of Nothing Day
The Gift of Nothing Day is recognized annually on or around December 15. The exact date is up to you! It’s an occasion to gift someone — a friend, a family member, or a group of classmates or neighbors — the experience of spending quality time together.
We've heard from teachers, librarians, and parents around the country who say The Gift of Nothing Day has provided an opportunity to create memorable experiences and spark appreciation for the value of non-material gifts like kindness, gratitude, and connection, which are often overlooked in our busy lives.
Holiday Activities for Schools and Libraries
The Gift of Nothing Day offers an engaging way to foster a sense of appreciation and community among students! We love hearing from educators about the creative ways they celebrate the occasion with learners of all ages.
Elementary students in Greensburg, Pennsylvania participated in multiple Gift of Nothing themed evenings at their local Barnes & Noble. The students decorated over 200 boxes and bookmarks with messages of love and friendship.
At an elementary school in Franklinville, New York, students read The Gift of Nothing book in class and then blew kisses into gift bags to share with their loved ones.
Creative Tips for Celebrating the Holiday
Storytime and Discussion
Read The Gift of Nothing aloud and follow with an open discussion about the story’s message. Ask students how they might give the gift of nothing to others, encouraging them to think about ways to offer presence, understanding, or kindness. With older students, present a long-form writing prompt based around an experience in which the student received or gave a gift of presence.
Message in a Box
Provide each student with an empty box. Allow the students to decorate their boxes with art supplies, and encourage them to fill their boxes with messages for the recipient. They can present their boxes to family members or friends on any special day.
"No-Buy" Gift-Giving
Encourage students to create artwork or crafts using only recycled or natural materials to reflect the idea of giving without buying. This can spark conversations about sustainability and creativity, two enriching themes for students of all ages.
Gratitude Wall
Set up a “Gratitude Wall” where students can attach notes expressing appreciation for things that don’t cost money. This is a great visual reminder of the things they treasure and can revisit over time.
Reflection and Sharing Circles
Begin the day with a circle in which each student shares something they’re grateful for, such as a friendship or family tradition. Encourage students to give “gifts of words,” like a compliment or an offer of help, to their classmates throughout the day.
The Award-Winning Musical
In 2014, this bestselling story was adapted as a musical for the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. It was adapted for the stage by Aaron Posner and Erin Weaver, with music by songwriter Andy Mitton.
The adaptation received rave reviews from writers at The Washington Post, The Washingtonian, BroadwayWorld.com, and more. In 2015, the musical won a Helen Hayes Award for "Outstanding Play or Musical Adaptation."
“The show has retained the book’s themes of friendship and giving. Andy Mitton’s music is catchy and tuneful, while his simplistic lyrics are easy for children to follow. Additionally, the production is filled with wonderful moments of audience participation that will keep the most easily-distracted young theatergoer engaged and delighted.”
— Benjamin Tomchik, BroadwayWorld.com
Press, Reviews, and Resources
"McDonnell applies his spare style, sketching his cheeky characters with only a few deliberate lines. Each has a distinctive feature—Mooch's red ellipse-shaped nose, Earl's Princess Leia ears—that makes them instantly endearing. With plain backgrounds, a limited palette and a small square trim size, the book looks like a blown-up cartoon strip (even the pages have a newspaper-like grittiness). But the story has more depth than the minimalist visuals would suggest. ... Both Mutts fans and newcomers will appreciate McDonnell's clever wordplay and lovable characters, who prove that nothing can be everything."
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A perfect meditation on gift giving and friendship, this is a great present for the Type-A hoarder in your life. It will do double duty as a conversation starter for older kids at storytime."
— Kirkus Reviews
"The 56-page tome takes only a few minutes to read but will bring joy long throughout the season and beyond. ... Just know that this book is the spirit of Christmas, the kevanah (intent to fulfill the good deed) of Hanukkah, the warmth of Kwanza and anything else exalted this time of year."
— TODAY.com
"If you are feeling overwhelmed by the shallowness of our current culture and the callousness of companies who market so relentlessly to our children, I’ve got the perfect antidote for you. The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell is a delightful, witty, and poignant storybook for children which pokes fun at capitalism run amuck, while offering a sweet example of the gift of friendship."
— Rebecca CofiNo, Mamaguru
The Boston Globe: "Read all about it: How books can help your children grow"
Through interviews with librarians and other educators, Globe correspondent Brian O'Connor explores ways to instill a love for reading in young learners. The piece features a list of recommended books and includes The Gift of Nothing as a top choice.
READ THE ARTICLE
The Prindle Institute for Ethics: "The Gift of Nothing"
This resource explores the book’s philosophical themes, especially the ideas of friendship and the concept of "nothing." It includes a discussion guide to encourage young readers to think deeply about abstract ideas, such as the nature of gifts, the meaning of friendship, and the paradox of "nothing," making it a valuable resource for educators aiming to foster philosophical inquiry in students.
SEE THE DISCUSSION GUIDE
Innovation Kids Lab: "The Gift of Nothing"
The Innovation Kids Lab shares a fun craft inspired by The Gift of Nothing, where kids make “gift boxes of nothing” as a meaningful, non-material holiday gesture. Kids choose someone special, decorate a box, and add a drawing of a happy memory to gift—reinforcing the joy of giving thoughtful experiences over things.
READ ABOUT THE ACTIVITY