The Ulitmate Guide To Giving Green And Socially Conscious Christmas Gifts

Garry Tranter from Price My House for Free Limited

Christmas Pinterest boards would have us decked out in festive aprons, effortlessly pulling star-shaped cookies from the oven while Mariah warbles in the background and scented candles flicker on our tastefully decorated mantelpieces.

In reality, the kids are driving you mad with their Christmas wish lists, the workload at the office has ramped up, everyone at the mall seems to have forgotten how to park/be polite/smile, you can’t find a ham that feeds less than 40, and the to-do list is out of control. Presents for the in-laws, your kids’ teachers, the babysitter, the neighbour who always gives you a gift, Secret Santa at work, Secret Santa at your partner’s work – presents, presents and more presents.

And… breathe.

If you’re starting to feel a little cranky about the rampant consumerism involved in Christmas, we’ve got some ideas on how to give and celebrate in ways that will continue to bring happiness long after the last of the ham has been devoured.

Buy from a business on a mission

If you want to buy gifts for your friends, family or colleagues, why not look for something that allows you to share the love at the same time? It goes without saying that supporting a local business will make a local family do a happy dance, but there are also businesses that support good causes, which means your purchase in turn supports someone in need. Hurray for win-win outcomes!

Star for Starship

There’s always room for one more decoration on the tree. These hanging stars are perfect for Secret Santas, teachers or even as a finishing touch to a wrapped parcel for someone special. They’re just $3 and all proceeds go to the Starship Foundation. Grab one from New World.

Trade Aid

Not only do they have a great range of pressie ideas for everyone (coffee, chocolate, cushions, musical instruments, clothing, accessories, games), but any time you buy from Trade Aid you’re making a difference to a maker or artisan overseas. tradeaid.co.nz

Food for Good

Books are always a sure-fire winner, especially when they’re 192-page books filled with amazing recipes and beautiful photography like this one is. The cherry on top: for every book sold, a kid who would normally go without is given a lunch. How’s that for a warm fuzzy? Food for Good is $39.99 from Eat My Lunch.

Smartass

We promise this toilet talk is for a good cause. Smartass is plastic- and tree-free TP (toilet paper) made from sugar cane and bamboo fibres. It’s not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for New Zealand: for every carton of Smartass sold, a tree is planted by Million Metres to improve water quality and enhance fresh water biodiversity. Give 48 rolls for $48 from smartass.co.nz.

Mr Four Eyes

If your special someone is hinting at a new pair of sunnies for summer, check out Mr Four Eyes. For every pair of sunnies or prescription glasses sold, this clever lot gift a pair of glasses to a Kiwi kid who needs them. You can’t beat helping create a bright future for a little.
mrfoureyes.co.nz

Texan Art Schools

As well as a range of goodies made by clever local makers, including art, ceramics, jewellery and accessories, Texan Art Schools also stocks work by artisans with a social arm to their business. The Loyal Workshop produces divine, ethically made, hand-stitched leather wallets, satchels, bags and belts made by women in Kolkata – for these women, this job is the means for them to escape the sex trade. If you’re after something for a little person you know, check out Kat Merewether’s books and children’s dinner sets. Kat donates to the Kiwis for Kiwis charity from every book sold.
texanartschools.co.nz

Don’t buy gifts – give

If you’re feeling worn out and slightly hollow after all the Christmas consumerism, take it down a notch and donate directly to those who need it: either money, gifts or time. Here are a few ideas on how you can be a Christmas angel for someone this season:

Buy extra during your family shop for the food bank (Countdown has bins) or Women’s Refuge – nice shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser or face cream may be the only gift these ladies receive this year.

Donate your time to a cause – see if any local charities need help sorting products, washing clothes, making food, delivering parcels or carrying out other practical tasks.

Go to a rest home and visit the elderly – you can sing, hand out cookies or just sit down, have a cuppa and make conversation with those who would love a set of ears and some warm companionship.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collects gifts for those in need. You simply leave your present (wrapped and brand new) under the tree with a tag to indicate which age group and gender would most appreciate your gift.

Already donated a goat? Now you can also donate honey bees, a vegie garden or school supplies to those less fortunate through Oxfam Unwrapped or various other charities working overseas. (Goats are still available, FYI.)