Cut the clutter this Christmas

Stuff. Most of us simply have too much of it. We’re all aware of that.

It’s that time of year again . . . when millions of dollars are spent on items that the recipients simply don’t want.  Unwanted gifts often end up cluttering up homes for years to come and sadly will eventually end up in landfill. But with relatives and kids and dear friends in need of thanks… how can you get through Christmas without buying small mountains of not-really-needed things?

Do your friends, family and Mother Earth a favour this year and give planet friendly, clutter-free gifts.  Here are some ideas:

• Edibles and drinkables

Delicious gourmet baskets, fine liqueurs or a rare delicacy as a treat, yummy gifts like this won’t stay around long enough to clutter up your Christmas.  This year I have some jars (recycled of course) of vodka infused with candy canes – tied up with a Christmas ribbon, they look and taste great.

• Experiences

Theatre tickets, dance or cooking classes.  Create your own certificate for babysitting so your neighbours can go out for the night.  My favourite this year is Gold Class Cinema vouchers and Season passes to Wet n Wild.  What about GOLD GRASS vouchers for Moonlight Cinema Events?

• Charitable Donations

Buy a clean drinking water for a village or a farm animal.  Donate to a cancer charity in memory of a loved one who has passed.  Remember those who have so little in our world of so much.  More on this on Gifts the Give Back post coming soon.

Love the ideas of gift vouchers for experiences or donations but don’t like the idea of there being nothing under the tree for them to open.

For a bit of a misdirection you can wrap a large recycled box, and fill with shredded paper with the envelope in the bottom.

Or how about a bunch of festive balloons filled with notes of good will, only one will have the voucher in it – the recipient will have to burst them all to find their gift.

Happy Shopping

Mara