10 Sustainable Gift Ideas
For many, Christmas creates pressure to bow to consumeristic, materialistic expectations. This can hurt both our pockets and the environment. We've curated a handy list of 10 sustainable gift ideas, some that are low-to-no cost, with a focus on financial and environmental sustainability. And remember, the best present you can give is to be present.
10 Sustainable Gift Ideas
1. Homemade Jam / Fruit Preserve
Got a decent fruit tree in your yard? Get picking and make a sweet treat to be enjoyed.
2. Knitted Water Balloons
Simply dunk these little cuties in water and make a splash! No mess, no fuss, all the fun.
3. Cotton Shopping Bag
We all need a good range of shopping bags these days, why not make a statement with a funky design.
4. Electronics-Free Picnic
Ditch the phone and grab a blanket, give the gift of your true presence, interruption free.
5. Metal/Silicone Straws
Cold drinks taste even better through a metal straw, and kids will love the bendy, colourful silicone options.
5. Insulated Water Bottle
We all probably need to hydrate a little more. An insulated metal water bottle is great to keep that water fresh and cold all day long.
6. Coffee Keep Cup
We all know a coffee lover, and many cafes give a discount if you bring your own cup.
7. Top Up Their KiwiSaver
A great idea for the grandparents out there, small contributions add up and grow in time.
8. Tickets To A Local Show
Take someone to an art exhibition, festival, theatre show or even the movies.
9. Beeswax Wraps
There’s always left overs after Christmas lunch and dinner, keep it fresh with nifty reusable beeswax wraps.
10. Money Tree
Sure it’s not quite a managed fund, but it’ll grow like one and is sure to look great in your home or office.
Don’t forget to think about the wrapping and card, get creative and reuse / recycle.
Lifetime Book Club: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
It’s an old idea. But Morgan Housel brings it to life in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and surprisingly practical.
In a world obsessed with what’s next, new technology, market shifts, global uncertainty, Same as Ever flips the script.
Instead of asking “what will change?”, it asks a better question:
What won’t?
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If you’re in your 40s, 50s or even 60s, chances are you’re juggling more than just your own goals right now. Maybe your kids still need your help financially – while at the same time, your parents are beginning to lean on you too.
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation – where you're caught between two sets of responsibilities, and still trying to plan for your own future. It’s not easy, but it is manageable. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone.

