Section 80C encourages investments in savings schemes and offers tax relief on some of your expenses up to Rs.1,50,000. 

*** 

How to reach the Rs.1,50,000 limit without investments?

1. Check your PF balance. Your provident fund contribution accumulated over the years itself might add up to a sizable amount. This is covered under the Rs.1,50,000 limit.
2. Did you/ are you about to buy a house between April 2016 - March 2017? Expenses related to stamp duty and registration charges can be deducted under Section 80C.
3. Are you paying off home loan? Check your home loan interest certificate for EMI payment details. Your principal repayment for this year can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80C.
4. Do you have children who go to school or college? Get their fee receipts and add them. (This also includes play school, preschool)
5. Are you making life insurance premium payments? Claim the premium payments too. The only condition is the premium must be less than 10% of the sum assured.

If you still haven't reached the limit, then consider investments such as tax-saving mutual funds, tax-savings FDS, PPF, Sukanya Samridhi Account etc.

Also read: https://blog.cleartax.in/why-exhausting-rs-150000-under-section-80c-makes-for-a-good-idea/