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.
Do You Have a Toxic Relationship with the Phrase “Treat Yourself”?
The phrase “treat yourself” has become a modern mantra. It’s a great way to celebrate a milestone, reward a job well done, or break free from your everyday routine. However, when it comes to our bank accounts, treating yourself can sometimes cause more harm than good.
One small indulgence leads to another, and before you know it, the lines between self-care and overspending blur. You might walk away from the register with a bag in hand but a sinking feeling in your stomach. Sound familiar?
Scroogenomics at Christmas: Finding Joy Beyond ‘The Extravagance’
Gazing through the dimly lit windows of his modest office, Ebenezer Scrooge pondered the modern-day Christmas, “Ah, Christmas – each December, a tide of frivolity sweeps the world, with consumers collectively parting with an estimated $1 trillion globally on holiday spending.”
Reflecting on this, the Scroogenomist wonders, “What if Christmas were not marked by gaudy extravagance, but by acts of kindness? A season where gifts are not measured by their price tags, but by the care and thoughtfulness behind them. A handmade scarf, a heartfelt letter, or simply the gift of time – all these carry more value than gold. How uplifting it would be if people prioritized what truly matters: love, compassion, and the joy of giving.”