Tick tock, fill the sock! The pressure of the gift-giving season may have led you to join the ranks of the last-minute shoppers.
You may even be procrastinating by reading this column. If so, you’re in luck, as we’re here to lend a little moral support while gifting mortal support to the planet.
As much as it may be tempting, avoid the gag gift, at least the ones laden in plastic that will just see their way to the landfill when their pun has worn thin. Personalized gifts are great, though, and need not cost much.
How about gifting a favourite novel you are finished with to a reader in your life? Wrapping up something from your house a friend has always admired could be a sweet and even amusing way to show you care. And while we’re on this topic, regifting really isn’t the worst idea.
You may have received presents over the years that aren’t the best match for you, but would be a perfect fit for a loved one. Just do your research to make sure you aren’t regifting to the original giver or someone they know, unless that is part of the fun of the gift.
Gift cards for local cafés and restaurants are sure to please, and you may even be invited to enjoy in the indulgence. Homemade coupons can also be a hit for close family and friends, including such offers as dog walking, babysitting, eaves cleaning, a car tuneup, closet organizing, or dropping off a meal a month for the calendar year.
Stockings are easily filled with someone’s favourite in-season fruit (apple, pear), local handmade jewellery, and art made from carved wood, paper, metal or glass. Reusable utensil kits made of bamboo, coconut or other wood are a hot item these days as well. Throw in a metal straw, and you’re topping Santa’s nice list.
Edible treats are often well received, and you can skip the packaging by buying in bulk and making personalized mason jar mixes.
Bring a table centre for a holiday party made from local evergreen, sculptural twigs, pine cones and beeswax tapers. Or if you’re a musician, offer to bring your guitar and some songs to share with those gathered. Children can get involved with shakers, bells and hand drums.
A holiday family talent show can also replace the focus on presents by celebrating all the skills people are gifted with. To keep it simple, have everyone come with one thing to share, like a Christmas joke, meaningful poem about giving, researched facts about the history of the holidays, or a hilarious Christmas YouTube video or song recording.
This year, may we gift the earth while sharing with each other.
Happy holidays from the Let’s Talk Trash team, qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.
