So many gifts end up donated (with limited need for them, if they can't sell its just clutter in an opshop) or in landfill after Christmas that I try to give thoughtful wasteless gifts that won't hurt the earths resources or the fun won't tire out minutes after opening them. Here is my list of what we are gifting this year.
1. Diy bon bons; I finally found a creative solution for those odd small ends of wrapping paper, fill up an empty toilet roll with an activity sheet or sweet, a paper crown & a handwritten joke/fun fact by Kobe (the joke made no sense but hey that's 5 year olds for you lol) then wrap paper around it & tie with wool/string. I'm making these for family & neighbours as it was so easy!
2. Strapped for cash, offer a coupon for babysitting or cooking dinner or any chore. Who doesn't want a hand?
3. Vouchers or tickets are always a winner. Instead of stuff, offer an experience. We gave Kobes swim teacher some homemade (bakeswap) fudge & a voucher for Gelare ice cream. She was so shocked & grateful. She did such a wonderful job of getting a scared Kobe to put his head under water this term. I'm also going in with a handful of parents to give a joint kindy voucher for the teachers. Teachers get gifted with so much boxed chocolate, shower gel or trinkets (which I heard gets mostly donated or regifted thus letting them choose what they actually want/need).
4. Who gives a crap toilet paper. Toilet paper is an essential, plus this brand (sadly isn't easy to find/buy in a shop for me) comes wrapped in pretty paper which can be used for craft & the empty toilet rolls for Christmas bon bons. A portion of profits help build toilets in developing countries.
5. I have had my keepcup for years. It's a must have to take to movies or fairs/festivals to get my coffee fix. Disposable cardboard coffee cups are the second most littered item after plastic bottles & as they are lined with plastic they hang around for a long time. I have been caught out a few times & wanted my coffee fix so I kept the cup, cleaned out & used to plant seedlings & the disposable coffee cup is still going strong 6 months later. They have released a Star Wars range perfect for kidlets/fans. Another idea is stainless steel straws or lunchbox tiffin tins.
6. Homemade treats are my favourite. I received some yummy cookies from my neighbour & it made my day. Luke's family give out bulk box chocolate to adult family members so we are making some gingerbread men, coconut balls, diy cookie jars & lamington to gift out instead. I started hoarding glass jars months ago to gift them in.
7. For the person who has everything; why not gift a goodie box like Jodie did of deodorant, sanitary products, soap, skincare products to the less fortunate. The Kmart wishing tree is a charity we support every year with multiple gifts & we will be including a few gifts for teenage girls (teenagers & the elderly get the less gifts) this Christmas. I asked a couple friends & sister to buy some sanitary products to add to a gift which they were happy to do. Kobe & Dylan did their gifts to children.
8. Lush hair soap. Shampoo without the plastic bottle, hooray! It smells good & cleanses. Win win.
Happy Wednesday friends!
Grace
