5 Christmas gift ideas that defy meaningless consumerism

It’s that time of year again when the shopping centre car parks are full to the gutter, and the last place you want to be is cued up in front of a department store counter with a bunch of plastic rubbish in your arms.

Rocking up to your in-laws house without gifts and an empty belly would make you feel more stingy than the christmas grinch, but you are determined not to ‘buy’ just for the sake of uncomfortably dodging social norms again this year.

To help you to stay in the good books with your closest Christmas die-hards, we’ve put together 5 ideas that will make you and your loved ones feel all warm and fuzzy at the dreaded ‘present’-ation.

Give a plant

Got some lovely succulents you can split and re-pot? Is there a nursery or market stall near you where you can purchase a bounty of botanicals? Not only are indoor plants ridiculously on trend right now (a perfect gift for any Pinterest fanatic) they have awesome air purifying properties which can actually make the environment inside your house healthier. A few good options might include Aloe Vera, Snake plant (mother-in-laws-tongue) or Golden pothos. Grab a little basket from an op shop for a cute pot covering.

Sew a set of cushion covers

“But I can’t sew” I hear you say? Honestly, this is in the kindergarten category of sewing skills and let’s face it, everyone loves a new cushion cover. There are so many DIY youtube videos on how to do this that you no longer have an excuse. You don’t even have to use a zip. Try going to op shops to find old sheets or fabric remnants that you can cut up, or just use an old dress that you no longer wear and be proud that you have repurposed something old to new!

Bake something

This old fashioned trick ticks every food lovers box. Get onto sites like The Minimalist Baker or another one of our favs This Rawesome Vegan Life for some no-nonsense inspiration. Go for things like cookies, slices or even try pickled fruit or vegetables. Just think of how nourished your family will feel with a tummy full of love on their insides. Try packaging your treats in mason jars or vintage recycled tins.

Print a gift card of service

Give yourself away, literally. Do you have the massage fingers of a fifth century Chinese Imperialist? Is taking someone for a coffee your favourite hobby? Maybe you love to clean ovens ? (please let yourself be known and come to my house if you do). A great way to show someone you care is to hand them a voucher for your services. Just draw it on a piece of paper with your coloured pencil set & best handwriting, and say something like “This voucher entitles you to a 30 minute neck and should massage at the time of your choosing”. It’s a gift that the recipient will never forget, and you can feel like you’ve done a good deed for your significant chum.

Buy a gift for those most in need

So your family is doing ok and don’t really need anything to keep them comfortable? A wonderful idea is to use your Christmas budget to donate to a charitable cause that will purchase a gift for someone in desperate need on your recipient’s behalf. There are many really great organisations that swing into full action this time of year. One we especially love is OXFAM. You choose the card, it get’s sent to your loved one with a personal message and the money you spend gets put towards your special cause. WIN-WIN!

OXFAM AUSTRALIA // OXFAM UK // OXFAM USA

Finally, don’t feel you need to “get” anything for anyone this Christmas. There is no law that states you have to. Take a moment to think about the real meaning of the day. Don’t get wrapped up in making lists of stuff you want. Remember that the most important thing is just spending quality time with whoever it is that’s most important to you. Open your heart and give some love instead.

“Your presence is their present”

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