26 Nov Buy Less, Give More: Top Gifting Tips for a More Meaningful Christmas

Make this festive season all about less stuff, more love! It’s kinder to the planet and your wallet – and you’ll be surprised how many wonderfully meaningful gifts you can give without spending a small fortune.

Gifts that Grow

For a gift that really does keep on giving, choose a pack of edible herb or vegetable seeds – something your loved ones can grow and enjoy in the year to come. Clean up or paint an old flower pot and write out some top tips on how best to grow the seeds, or even a recipe to add them to once they’re grown. Packaged all together it will make the perfect gardener’s DIY kit.

Share a Secret

That family brownie recipe that’s been a hit at every dinner party? The home face mask formula that makes your fresh complexion the envy of your friends? Your best-kept secrets are the perfect gifts to share this festive season. Write out your chosen recipe beautifully by hand, personalise and seal it in an envelope for your nearest and dearest – it costs you nothing but a little bit of trust! If you’ve got some extra spending money, you can even include one of the more affordable ingredients in your gift – think cocoa, cookie cutters or a jar of honey.

DIY

Think of the natural gifts you’ve been given, and use those talents to give back to your loved ones. Are you a skilled painter, baker or crafter? Then a special handmade gift is the affordable and meaningful alternative to buying something mass-produced from a gift shop. A personalised notebook, photo album or a basket of fresh-baked goodies will make a useful and memorable present.

Give your Time

More often than not, you’ll find your loved ones value quality time over material things; time is a very precious gift that’s often undervalued or overlooked. There are many ways you can give the gift of time. Offer an evening of babysitting for the busy new parents in your life, or put aside a day to enjoy an uninterrupted cup of tea and catch-up with that friend you haven’t seen in too long.

Donate

Make a donation to a local charity in your loved one’s name – or ask them to do the same for you. This is a wonderfully selfless act that will help the planet and those in need, while helping you cut down on Christmas clutter and expense.

Start a New Tradition

More and more families are looking for affordable Christmas shopping alternatives; and this has seen the start of some really cool and thoughtful family traditions. Some will sponsor an endangered animal or impoverished child for a year, others will volunteer at a soup kitchen, others will organise a “make or bake” event and exchange homemade goodies with their friends and neighbours. There are so many cool ideas out there, you’re sure to find one your family will enjoy.

Go Fair Trade

If you are going to spend money on gifts this festive season, be sure to make more sustainable choices – fair traded coffee or organic chocolate are both real treats that are people-friendly and planet-friendly.

Share your ideas and inspiration for DIY gifts with Faithful to Nature – we’d love to hear about the crafty creations and green gift alternatives you’re spoiling your loved ones with this festive season!