Roll out the recycled paper carpet and jingle those sustainably sourced bells, because we're about to unwrap the truth about Christmas in New Zealand.
The average New Zealander is expected to spend $1,467 on Christmas festivities this year. Despite the financial outlay, 49% of Kiwis will end up with gifts they didn't want. It's not just the thought that counts but the unwanted gifts that pile up faster than you can say "pass the pavlova!"
Additionally, during the festive season, New Zealand sees a 30% spike in rubbish production and disposal compared to other times of the year, and in the week following Christmas, there's a staggering surge as New Zealanders contribute an additional 50,000 tonnes of waste to landfills.
All hope is not lost, follow along as we share our top 13 sustainable gift ideas.
Before you saddle up your wallet for the annual spending spree, let's hit pause and ponder. What if Santa's sleigh was loaded with meaning rather than just 'stuff'? Let's talk turkey (or furkey for the plant-based peeps) about transforming our gift giving into something Mother Earth would put on her nice list.
1. Memory Makers over Dust Gatherers How about we trade those dust-collecting knick-knacks for memory-making escapades? Scoop up your best mate for a surf lesson, treat your mum to a spa day, or nab tickets to that must-see gig.
2. Budding Einsteins and Little Da Vincis Let's sculpt our little ones’ futures with gifts that spark joy and genius alike. Swimming lessons for the budding Olympian, art classes for the next Banksy, or a shiny new soccer ball for the mini Messi.
3. The Gift that Keeps on Giving Ever thought of gifting a zoo or museum membership? It's like a year-long pass to the Land of Cool Stuff. Families can monkey around or get artsy, all while learning a thing or two.
4. Wanderlust Wrapping Got friends with itchy feet? Give them a nudge towards their next adventure with a nifty airline or hotel gift card, or event petrol voucher. It's like saying, "Go fly, be free, just bring me back a souvenir.“
5. Binge-Watchers and Bookworms Unite TV and movie streaming subscriptions are like a warm blanket for the soul, while Kindle or Audible memberships are a nod to the bibliophiles who've likely run out of shelf space.
6. Snap Happy Gifting a photoshoot is like freezing time, minus the frostbite. It's a chance for families to say cheese and actually have everyone in the same frame for once.
7. Ode to Oxygen Plants: They're not just office decor. They're little green buddies that spruce up spaces and purify the air.
8. Crafting a Kinder Christmas If you can bake, sew, or brew like a wizard, whip up some homemade goodies. Your ecofriendly potions and lotions will be absolutely loved.
9. Beginner's Luck with Zero Waste A zero-waste starter kit says, "I care about you – and our planet." It's like a survival kit for the eco-conscious, minus the zombie apocalypse vibe. This practical gift can include items like reusable cloth produce bags, stainless steel containers, bamboo toothbrushes, and more.
10. The Taste of Kindness Coffee or restaurant gift cards are like a free pass to Flavor town, and home-cooked delights. Well, they're just a hug in a dish.
11. Date Night DIY Package up a home-date experience because nothing says 'I love you' like not having to find a parking spot. This could include a DIY meal kit, a movie night package, or even a board game set for some old-fashioned fun.
12. Local Love Local tour vouchers turn your backyard into an adventure park. It’s like being a tourist without the jet lag.
13. The Universal 'Yes, Please!' And if decision-making isn't your jam, there's always good old cash. It's the ultimate 'choose your own adventure' in gift form.
So there you have it. Let's say farewell to the season of excess and embrace a Christmas that's wrapped in love and tied with a bow of sustainability. Because at the end of the day, the best things in life aren't things. They're experiences, memories, and the joy of not stepping on wrapping paper for weeks after the big day
