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Christmas gift guide: 9 circular options for your loved ones
Traditional gift-giving, after all, often involves exchanging stuff that isn’t always necessary or useful (but still has an environmental impact), , is excessively packed, and creates clutter. Fear not – there are plenty of options out there that will help make this Christmas more sustainable, waste-free, budget-friendly, and even a little bit more special. Here’s some of our favourite recommendations.
1: Tickets or Event Vouchers
Instead of a physical item, can you gift someone a memorable experience such as a show, event or day trip? You can choose tickets to a one-off occasion, or vouchers that allow the recipient to book the experience whenever is convenient for them. And there are so many options to choose from: music gigs, sports events, the theatre, spa days, massages, museums, restaurants, hotel breaks, and rock-climbing centres are some of our favourites.
2: Media Subscriptions
Whether it’s the website of a well-established publication, or an independent podcast or newsletter, many media outlets provide the option of purchasing a one-year subscription as a gift. Some will have their own membership system in place, while others publish through platforms such as Patreon and Substack. Finding something niche is a particularly good way of showing a friend or relative that you’re in-tune with their interests. It’s a gift that will keep on giving all the way to next Christmas.
3: Vintage
Do you have a friend desperately in need of a winter coat? Buying vintage clothes centres on circular living: it breathes new life into an old item. There are plenty of shops that stock vintage wares such as jewellery, accessories, books, vinyl records, and video games, but you can also find great pieces in charity shops and through various online markets. Happy hunting!
4: Embroidery
If you’re hesitant to buy new accessories, why not have old pieces spruced up? Having a loved one’s favourite scarf, handkerchief, or apron embroidered with their name, initials, or a symbol with meaning can give the item extra personality. If your needle work is up to scratch, you might feel confident in doing the embroidery work yourself. If not, there are plenty of businesses that can do the job for you, or repair cafe’s to show you how – just be sure to have a plan in place to sneak the accessory away from its owner…
5: Self-Improvement Courses
A self-improvement course can inspire a new passion, develop existing skills, or, down the road, even lead to a career change. Many of these courses run over several weeks and can be compatible with a typical nine-to-five work schedule. As with vouchers, the possibilities are many: new languages, wine-tasting, willow-weaving, dance classes, and furniture repair are just some of the options available. Some great options include:
6: Reusable Hampers and Edibles
If you’ve already received a Christmas hamper in a wicker basket or any other reusable container, simply refill it with fresh food items to give to somebody else. As well as the sustainable practice of reusing the basket, you’re free to add all your favourite eco-friendly products. On a smaller scale, edibles, such as chocolates and other treats, are always a thoughtful gift too – just make sure the packaging is recyclable.
7: Repairs
You can be sure that there are plenty of belongings around your family and friends’ homes that are out of action because they are in need of repair. Getting an item fixed or serviced is more eco-friendly than simply replacing it with something new. Plus, you know the owner has a use for it.
Electronics, furniture, bikes, jewellery and clothes are often repairable. And here’s a tip: There are companies that can even restore a favourite pair of shoes to appear brand new for less than the cost of replacing them. Find out more about repairing cherished items here.
8: Items Made From Waste Materials
Upcycling is the process of turning waste into brand new items. You’d be surprised by the breadth of bespoke products available that have been made from discarded materials. Innovative companies are trailblazing initiatives such as creating backpacks and tablet cases from discarded textile that would otherwise be destined for landfill; a range of wallets has been designed by using repurposed tyres. Go online and check out the many options for yourself.
9: Regifting
What could be more circular than regifting? If you’ve recently received a present that might better suit someone else, keep it in its packaging so you can pass it on. And don’t forget that wrapping paper can also be reused if removed with enough care.