Environment – Putting a gentle spin on gifting

Holidays can be a beautiful time of joy and connection, however they can also be stressful and full of overconsumption that costs both our wallets and the Earth. There is so much value in long-standing practices that make gift-giving more enjoyable, thoughtful, collaborative and cheaper, and that also have a more positive impact overall. Here are some low-cost, low-stress and local ideas to consider instead of traditional Christmas gifting.

A whānau wish list

Although this can feel uncomfortable at first, it prevents items being bought that end up unloved or unused. It also allows people to group together or contribute what they can. Want a specific book? Great. If someone can’t buy it outright, a Whitcoulls voucher is perfect. This way, your siblings know what will be genuinely appreciated instead of guessing.

Thrift or craft decorations

As a Christmas activity, why not upcycle, create, bake or stitch decorations? Bringing people together to make something meaningful and long-lasting can become a tradition in itself, and avoids buying more plastic that will just get tossed next year.

Local voucher exchange

Buying $20 vouchers to local cafés, restaurants or stores with the promise of an outing together means the gift becomes quality time rather than clutter. It supports local businesses and the makers, chefs and workers behind them over the holiday season.

Secret Santa

Growing up in a large blended family, this was how we did Christmas. Adding a budget means presents are of similar value, and keeping it local adds a fun challenge. Sitting on the couch together, giving riddles and guessing who bought for who was half the fun.

Second-hand treasures 

Thoughtful gifts don’t need to be new. Some friends have been collecting unique side plates for their upcoming wedding, each one individually chosen from op-shops to be a unique memento for guests.

Skills and time exchange 

Is there a task someone has been putting off or dreading? A gardening day, painting day, helping someone with their chores for a day followed by lunch out could mean far more than a trinket picked at random.

My hope is that these ideas spark inspiration. Putting a gentle spin on gifting and stepping back from the feeling of obligatory consumption not only lets the Earth breathe a little easier, but also creates more quality time beyond just Christmas Day. It also means that the physical gifts are meaningful treasures that will be loved for longer.