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The Ulitmate Guide To Giving Green And Socially Conscious Christmas Gifts
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.)
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Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
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56.4% Yes!
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43.6% No, it's always been smooth flying
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ALEXANDER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Alexander Road in Trentham-Wallaceville of which 50% separates a golf course from a military encampment enclosure and the rest has mostly high fenced off industrial and residential areas on both sides, should have a 70km speed restriction.
Only a short time ago the road had a 80km restriction and was reduced to a pedestrian 50km much to the frustration of many. It has never been an accident prone stretch of road.
The several round-abouts ensure speed is reduced to 30-40km when these things occur.
I recently stayed a few days in Feilding - often given the title of the best town in NZ - and one of the lengthy main streets has a 70km speed restriction despite a predominance of unfenced residential properties on both sides.
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LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
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