Photo credit from Flickr by Shopbub
The holidays are upon us, it seems no matter where you turn during the holiday season consumerism is being thrust in our faces at every opportunity. Whether in stores, on TV, newspapers, magazines or the radio we are being told that “we have the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season”. Guess what? They don’t. Most of us are the recipients of this ‘perfect gifts’ and usually they are far from what we really want. How many pairs of socks or sweaters does Dad really need? And how many beauty/cosmetic sets can one woman realistically need? Time to start thinking fresh and come up with some new gift idea’s, so here are a few of our favorite and eco-friendly suggestions:
1 – Make a wish list! I know it takes some of the surprise and fun out of the gift giving, but I’m sure Mom would rather receive something she WANTS rather than another body lotion set. It’s always tough buying for loved ones, and at this time of year we are all short on time, so having a wish list means that everyone’s lives are made that little bit easier. Plus all children do this and are still surprised and happy when they open their gifts! Why not recapture that joy? Heck you can even address the list to Santa, c/o North Pole if you want!
2 – Buy handmade gifts. There are many ways to get original one of a kind handmade gifts now whether at your local markets and craft fairs or online. Handmade gifts really show a person that you cared enough to scout out the perfect gift for them. When buying at local craft fairs etc you eliminate packaging and shipping etc. Plus the materials are usually repurposed or upcycled items so they tend to be totally eco-friendly. Handmade is usually better quality too!
3 – Make something. Whether you are a greeting card maker, scrapbooker, chef, mechanic or seamstress put those skills to work and make something. It’s great to say “we bought you a handmade gift” but a whole different thing entirely to say “we MADE you this handmade gift”. Many people appreciate handmade card bundles, scrapbooks of children/grandchildren, personalized towels, or boxes of cookies more than store bought gifts. When you make a gift you are giving something of yourself in that gift, the gift of your time and your love!
4 – Donate! Let’s face it we already have enough stuff anyway so why clutter up our lives with more junk! Instead of receiving gifts why not ask that friends and family members to donate to a charity instead? Holidays are always tough for charities as people focus on family gift giving and money gets tight, so they really need the boost. On a similar vein to donating to charities many shelters and churches
do a sponsor program where you can sponsor a family in need this
holiday season. The gift you give can be food, toys for children or
clothing, whatever they family needs. These families are those in need
in your area whether they be on a low income or a battered wives hostel. There are many programs nationwide, check out the shelters and churches in your area for more details.
5 – Give the gift of time. Most people just don’t have time anymore to reconnect with each other or other people. For these people how about instead of gifts you write them a time IOU. Whether for baby sitting, dog sitting, for a home made dinner IOU or something similar. We all have skills that make us invaluable to others. Maybe you are a mechanic that could offer your time to help with a friends classic car? Or a seamstress that could help with Halloween outfits or school play costumes? We all need more time, why not give that gift this holiday season?
Change your gift giving this holiday season, you’ll enjoy it more!
