An Alternative Gift Guide for Christmas

We've become increasingly uncomfortable with the over-commercialisation of this time of year. With Black Friday promising the usual feeding frenzy of people (quite understandably) looking for reduced prices, and many of us thinking about Christmas shopping, it felt like the time was ripe for an alternative gift guide.

So, here's a selection of sustainable presents you can buy or make that won't add to landfill once they've finished their lives, or that won't add clutter to your loved ones'  homes. We fully recognise that not everyone loves these kind of gifts, and we know that sometimes tearing the wrapping paper off a thoughtfully-purchased surprise can be the best feeling. But as we try to reduce our carbon footprint, embrace a more sustainable way of living and be more mindful about consumption, we'll definitely be asking for these kind of gifts. And giving them to our friends and family who also get what we're doing. 

Some people will always love a big heap of presents, and we don't judge them for that. For others trying to make different choices, here are some ideas and inspiration for gifts over the festive season:

Source second-hand, pre-loved gifts

There are so many places selling great quality pre-love (sometime  new but unused) furniture,  books, clothes, bikes, tech and sports equipment. Your local area may have a Freecycle or Buy Nothing group or a Facebook selling page. Buying something second hand means you're not creating more waste or using more precious resources to produce it. And you can give it a lovely new future too. 

One friend of ours emailed around to see if anyone had any Sylvanian Families characters they wanted to pass on. Her goddaughter comes from a family who have committed to not buying any new things this Christmas, so she was hunting for a pre-loved gift. She received a bag of sweet little hedgehogs and mice, and then spent a very happy hour gently cleaning them with a toothbrush! If you like the upcycling aspect of buying second hand you can get creative with repainting or repurposing and create something truly unique.

Give something edible 

Rummage in thrift stores and flea markets for a pretty hamper or picnic basket, line with a linen tea towel, and fill with delicious food. From whole cheeses to chocolate truffles, you can create the perfect festive treat. It's fun sourcing this kind of present as you get to taste samples from farmer's markets and choose something that's just right for your loved one. 

Give an experience

Instead of buying someone the latest video game or yet another Christmas sweater, why not book an experience, either to do as a family or on their own? Consider a voucher for a day at a climbing wall, a cookery lesson, a day's art-making activity, a camping trip, a kayaking lesson, a facial treatment or a ticket to the local cinema with popcorn money. 

Give a subscription

Depending on your budget there are some brilliant subscription services out there. From a monthly book delivery to their favourite comic or magazine, this really is a gift that keeps on giving. Long after the tinsel has been packed away and Christmas dinner is a distant memory, these treats will bring regular joy throughout the year. And a book can be passed on for someone else to love after it's been read. 

Take a break

We sometimes think about what kind of vacation we could have afforded if we'd just bypassed Christmas altogether and gone on holiday instead. A week in a forest cabin or a cottage by the sea would recharge your batteries and give you happy memories that will outlive most presents. 

Re-gift unwanted presents

Yes, this can be controversial and you do need to be careful not to re-gift something to the person who originally gave it to you, but this gets around the problem off having to store things you know you'll never use. We all give gifts with good intentions – we think the people receiving them will love them and be delighted. But in reality we often get it wrong. If you receive gifts that are well-intentioned but not right for you, have a think about whether there's anyone else who might love them instead. 

Have you got any tips for sustainable Christmas gifts or ways to reduce the amount of stuff we accumulate over this season? Share them in the comments below, and you could help someone else make positive changes and have a happier Christmas.