Who’s up for some more ideas for zero waste Christmas gifts? In this time of climate change and plastic waste everywhere, now is the time to become more conscious in every part of your life, and certainly at Christmas. It is time to think outside the gift box! Not all gifts have to be expensive or new. If your loved ones know you and the way you feel about zero waste and conscious gifts, they will be grateful for the thought and effort you have put into finding or crafting something especially for them.
Feel good & Guilt-free
You can be creative, make things yourself, buy second-hand or pass things on you no longer need and would make a great gift to someone who would appreciate it. And certainly don’t forget the non-material presents such as time spent together and vouchers for a day out. It may not help our economy much if you keep your purse shut, but you’ll save the planet and create a fabulous feel-good factor.
First of all, here is the ethical gift giving triangle!
Here are my suggestions for zero waste Christmas gifts:
For the reader
A book from your shelf
Have you read some amazing novels or biographies this past year? Pass them on! Share the joy with your dad, your neighbour, your auntie, your best friend. Books are adventures, journeys in the mind and snuggled up me-time all in one. Tie them with a ribbon and add a box of their favourite tea.
For the young parent
A baby-sitting voucher
Did someone in your family or circle of friends have a baby this year? Or are in the middle of the crazy busy toddler years? I bet they are dying for a date-night or just a little bit of time away from their cherubs. To feel normal again and have some adult conversation. Trust me, I’ve been there. A baby-sitting voucher will come as a very thoughtful gift. If you feel even more generous, add tickets to the cinema. They will love you for it.
For the children
A board game or a bag of toys from the second-hand store
Skip the Toys r Us and other plastic horror stores and head straight for the charity shop for zero waste christmas gifts. Sure, not everything is plastic-free, but at least it is second-hand. Jigsaw puzzles, giant diggers, dinosaurs, dolls houses, wooden toys, they may have a little scratch here and there but small children will see those gifts as brand spanking new and get just as excited. If slightly older children have not yet been tarnished by computer games and Xbox sets, they may appreciate a board or family game (and otherwise, maybe convert them!). Do they know how to play chess or monopoly?
For the sweet tooth
A tin of homemade cookies
If you are a baker, everyone will love your eatable gifts. Zero waste Christmas gifts for sure, as I bet not a crumb is left. Find some lovely vintage tins to put your biscuits, fudge, cakes or other homebakes in, or make paper gift bags. Another idea is to get the kids involved and get them to do the baking. Sure grannie or their teacher will appreciate that!
For your loved ones
A quality time voucher
In the same category as the babysitting voucher, gift quality time. Design a lovely voucher for a day out with a special friend, family member or your children. Or a voucher for a spa day, a dinner or a trip to the museum. Possibilities are endless and quality time beats and shop bought gift.
Nina's Apartment 