Last-minute gift shopping on your mind?
We all know how holiday stress can lead to overspending and indulgence. This year in particular, we may be feeling like releasing the reigns on our wallets and gift buying habits in hopes of relieving the pressure valve of 2020. If we pause just long enough, however, we may be able to seek out more satisfying forms of holiday cheer.
Steering clear of wasteful gag gifts is a good start. The groan or eye roll response to your punniest gift lasts seconds, while the object may be around for hundreds of years. If you’re going for a gag, consider choosing gifts that are funny but edible or made of natural materials such as paper, rocks, wool or feathers.
Many of us are at that stage in life when accumulating more stuff really isn’t all that appealing. What we really crave is time with loved ones. Now more than ever, we value a shared meal, walk along a favourite trail, or afternoon spent playing card games.
How about offering friends and family your presence instead of presents, even if it’s in the form of a video chat or carol sing?
Experiences are great gifts. Ski passes, gift cards to a local restaurant, or tickets to an online concert are all ways to extend the smiles of the holiday season. They offer something to look forward to and often share with others, while being gentler on the planet.
We can also gift knowledge. Music lessons, climbing gym membership, online courses and books all open our world and add a richness to life.
If you have mad skills, you may offer to pass them along; it can be anything from teaching someone to use a chainsaw to baking the perfect loaf of sourdough. You may be introducing someone to their next hobby or even making a lifetime wish come true. Knowledge really is empowering, giving us confidence in our capacity and expanding our worldview.
No time to go to the store? No problem. What about putting together some items from your garden pantry or using your crafty skills to make something from scratch? You could gift coupons for household chores to be redeemed throughout the year. Include things like a car wash, foot rub, garbage run or dinner out. Your imagination is your only limit.
If you go the route of gift cards, consider local businesses and ones that offer services and experiences rather than things. Food, massages, or recreation passes could be a great place to start.
If you decide to buy physical gifts, go for ones that reduce waste rather than create it. Refillable to-go coffee mugs, reusable cutlery sets, stainless steel straws or a basket for grocery shopping are popular choices.
It can be easy to fall prey to the notion that flashy or expensive gifts are somehow better, when most of us are really looking for things that credit cards can’t buy.
This year, let’s aim to create memories, rather than garbage.
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste reduction education program. Find its Holiday Green Guide at LetsTalkTrash.ca.
