If like me, you are a little behind with your Christmas shopping and you are starting to feel a little anxious and overwhelmed – this gift guide is for you! I have put together this guide for everyone who wants to celebrate a mindful and sustainable Christmas, and not be swept up in the consumerism of what can become the silly season. I love all these gift ideas because, not only are they sustainable, but also thoughtful and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
WWF BELLA-HANDBAG AND T-SHIRTS
How cute is this handbag from WWF? Their Bella Handbag is made from recycled PET bottles that are converted into non-woven felt. The Bella-handbag should put a smile on any handbag-lovers face this Christmas. The WWF also have a stunning range of comfortable t-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. Visit their online shop to see the full range. The Bella-handbag is on sale for R150 at the moment.
A REUSABLE COFFEE CUP FROM Ecoffee cup
A reusable coffee cup is the perfect gift for the coffee-addict in your life. Ecoffeecup cups are made from the fastest growing, most sustainable crop – bamboo fiber. They are light, relatively strong and come in the funkiest colours and designs. Prices range from R203,99.
DISH AND BOWL COVERS FROM HALO DISH COVERS
These cloth covers are a great alternative to cling wrap and make a wonderful gift for anyone wanting to live a little more sustainably. They come in a range of designs, sizes and colours and are proudly South African. Halo is not only saving the planet one dish cover at a time, but also creating much needed jobs in and around Cape Town. Prices range from R125 for one cover up to R459 for a set.
SUBSCRIPE TO AN E-PUBLICATION
Spoil that special person with a gift that will keep on giving for a whole year. Treat them to an e-publication subscription of their favourite magazine or newspaper.
HOMEMADE GIFTS
Whether it is jam, pickles, rusks, or cookies – there is no better gift than a homemade gift. I love making homemade cookies or sweets for my loved ones. One of my favourite homemade gifts is my White Chocolate Rocky Road – super yummy and very easy to make. Watch this space for the recipe. Vegan cookies also make great gifts – get a easy vegan cookie recipe here.
A GIFT CARD FROM THE REFILLERY
A gift card from The Refillery is the ideal way to help a loved one on their zero-waste journey. The Refillery is a planet-friendly grocer offering a convenient, plastic-free, ‘weigh-and-pay’ experience. Their online store is great. You can restock your pantry with quality, ethically sourced products without the wasteful plastic packaging that is normally associated with a trip to the grocery store. They also have very cute gift boxes and DIY cookie kits available.
PLANTS
Plants make wonderful gifts. I will be treating my green-fingered family and friends to mini herb-gardens this year. Old cake and coffee tins make for interesting pots. Punch a few holes in the bottom, fill them with potting mixture and plant a variety of herbs in them.
RECIPE BOX
I love treating the foodies in my life to a recipe box for Christmas (or their birthdays). Get your hands on an interesting recipe and fill a box with all (or some) of the ingredients. Remember to add the recipe. My Mung bean Curry recipe makes for a great recipe box.
UPCYCLED GIFTS
The Upcycle shop has the most wonderful up-cycled gifts available. I love their reusable shopping bags and plant pots made from advertisement bill-boards. They also have beautiful up-cycled candles.
GIFT CERTIFICATES, COUPONS AND VOUCHERS
Here are a few great ideas for those family members and friends that fall into the ‘impossible to buy for’ category.
Gift certificates for services and/or experiences (manicure, movie or theater tickets) make great gifts and can be very personal if you put some thought into it. If you are really looking for a killer gift for that special someone I can recommend buying them a voucher for a Hot air balloon flight from Bill Harrops Original Balloon Safaris.
Why not give your partner a book of coupons for dinners out and undivided time with you? I guarantee it will be the best gift they receive this year.
A voucher for a workshop is a wonderful green alternative to traditional Christmas gifts. You won’t be burdening someone with ‘stuff’ they may not want or need, and you are giving them the opportunity to learn a new skill. Why not buy yourself a voucher as well, tag along and make some memories? This foodie wouldn’t mind getting a sourdough bread course from Babette’s Bread, or a voucher to attend a Korean cooking class at Umami food studio [nudge-nudge, wink-wink Peet 😉 ].
Please share your sustainable gift ideas. I would love to hear from you.
Here’s to easy shopping and a wonderful green(er) Christmas!
xxx
