It is that time of the year with the appearance of decorations in the shops makes you think about gift giving for your friends and loved ones. Looking for gifts that won’t break the bank as well as be good for the planet, we have tapped into our Better Business Partnership local network and come up with a bunch of suggestions.
1. Opt for Experiences Over Material Gifts
Gifting experiences—like a workshop, cooking class, museum membership, concert tickets, or a weekend getaway—creates lasting memories without the waste of physical goods. Bonus: many experiences can be delivered digitally, reducing wrapping and packaging! Sydney by Kayak offers amazing Sydney based experience, kayaking at sunrise or sunset. Creative Sounds Music School in Willoughby has great workshops and music band classes for young people. Take your family out to see a family movie at the Roseville Cinema. Have a look out for sustainable local events on the platform Envirotivity. If you love cats go visit Jiji Cat Rescue Cafe in Middle Cove.
2. Support Local Artisans and Small Businesses
Shopping locally not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping but also supports your community. Look for handmade, unique gifts crafted by local artists, which are often more thoughtfully produced and of higher quality. Neo Australia for delicious herbal tea and skin care products, Philosophy Australia for 100% Australian designed and locally manufactured women’s fashion. Looking for personal training up north – try GoForFitor Sterling Results Fitness.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly and Reusable Items
If you’re going for physical gifts, look for items that are eco-friendly or serve a sustainable purpose. Try to avoid single use items where possible. Reusable items could include reusable water bottles or coffee cups, stylish shopping totes or tea towels, local designed vases or tableware. These items reduce waste in the long term and encourage more sustainable habits. Candlexchangemakes Australian made soy candles with the return and swap model to save candle holders from landfill. Ku-ring-gai local lend-your-stuff start-upLENDECON has a Xmas special on gift vouchers for you to rent items that you need occasionally from locals so you do not have to own and store yourself.
4. Give DIY or Upcycled Gifts
Homemade gifts, like baked goods, candles, or DIY beauty products, add a personal touch and can be made with natural, sustainable ingredients. Upcycling is another great option—consider refreshing an item, or creating a custom item with repurposed materials. Look at Shed Eleven for ideas on upcycling furniture and home wares and watch out for 2nd Shine Eco Design upcycling coffee grounds and dried flowers into beautiful products.
5. Use Sustainable Wrapping Options
Instead of conventional wrapping paper, try eco-friendly options like fabric wrapping (Furoshiki), recycled paper, or reusable gift bags. You can also repurpose newspapers, old maps, or even scarves as wrapping, reducing the waste from disposable paper and plastic.
6. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Focusing on one or two high-quality, durable items rather than multiple cheaper gifts means your present is likely to last longer and be cherished more. Look for products with good reviews or those that offer warranties, so they don’t end up in a landfill after a short time. For quality homewares and outdoor furniture sustainably sourced go to Olan Living in Gordon.
7. Gift Plants or Seeds
Plants make beautiful, long-lasting gifts that benefit both people and the environment. You can even give seeds for herbs, vegetables, or wildflowers, which encourage gardening and create a lasting impact on the recipient’s home or yard. Gatherahas a range of sustainable indoor hydroponic systems that will fill your house with light, plants and give you edible food quickly all year round.
8. Consider Secondhand, Vintage or Charity focused
Vintage or secondhand items can be unique and beautiful gifts! From classic books (Try Lifeline Bookstore in Lindfield), vinyl records to vintage jewelry and furniture, pre-loved items can add character and reduce the demand for new, resource-intensive production. Alternatively visit your local charity shops that nowadays curate great gifts showcases in store.
9. Opt for Digital or Donation-Based Gifts
For the person who has everything, consider digital alternatives like an e-book, online class, or even a streaming service subscription. Alternatively, donate to a charity or cause they care about in their name—it’s meaningful and waste-free.
10. Avoid single-use plastic!
Choose items with little to no single-use plastic for gifts, wrapping, packaging and decoration!
By combining choosing sustainable business and using the above ideas, you can give gifts this Christmas that not only show thoughtfulness but care for both the recipient and the planet!
We have 8 fantastic gift offers by BBP members:
CANDLEXCHANGE– Free shipping on online orders until Christmas
BBP is excited to announce a new partnership and offer with NetNada. A climate tech company that helps business track, reduce and certify its carbon emissions.
The Better Business Partnership has been awarded grant funding of $198,000 under the Business Food Waste Partnerships program by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
It is that time of the year with the appearance of decorations in the shops makes you think about gift giving for your friends and loved ones. Looking for gifts that won’t break the bank as well as be good for the planet, we have tapped into our Better Business Partnership local network and come up with a bunch of suggestions.
