Do your sustainable habits go out the window when Christmas comes around? We’ve put together some gift ideas and other eco-friendly tips that can help you reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ generated at this time of year. They might help you save some money too.

Re-think Kris Kringle

If you’re buying presents for a workplace or family Kris Kringle, why not give it a ‘buy nothing new’ theme? Search for one-off presents in one of Boroondara’s op shops, second-hand shops, preloved fashion boutiques, at garage sales or online. 

Choose an experience

Give cinema tickets or a restaurant or salon pamper voucher. Or go in with others for a shared gift like concert tickets. 

Give toys a second life

Take a cue from the growing number of second-hand toy ‘adoption’ sites by re-gifting a preloved toy to a younger child. Spruce up a soft toy, add a fresh ribbon and a gift-tag note from the original owner. Or tidy up, repackage and pass down a train or race-car set.

Shop in your neighbourhood

Buying local is a sustainable head start on your shopping. It beats driving to a far-off shopping centre and navigating multiple levels to get a parking space. Find a local treasure in Boroondara instead. Try boutique shops or local markets for unique gifts and quality meal ingredients. Make your trip more sustainable by walking, riding, or taking a tram or train to the shops.

Buy a subscription or membership

Give a present that will last well beyond the festive season. Sign them up for a video or music streaming service. Or buy a zoo or gym membership. 

Give the gift of learning ...

Does your loved one talk about trying something new? You could give them art, language, diving or driving lessons. 

... or a helping-hand voucher

This is a nice idea for cash-strapped teens. They can make a home-made voucher that can be redeemed for a babysitting session, washing the car, mowing the lawn or cooking dinner.

Donate to a charity

Giving to a cause or charity has the benefit of making someone else’s life better. Look for one that has meaning to the recipient.

Pot it up

Go green literally by potting up seedlings from a local nursery or your garden. Try warm-weather favourites like basil and summer flowers. Or help a loved-one kickstart a kitchen garden by gifting a rosemary plant, or a small bay or lemon tree. You could clean up or paint an unused pot to plant them in.

And what about the Christmas tree?

Real Christmas trees are considered a more sustainable choice than non-biodegradable metal or plastic ones. They absorb carbon as they grow, don’t generate carbon emissions when they’re made, and can be recycled. Do this through our Christmas tree collection service and we’ll turn it into mulch. Better still, decorate a potted tree or plant you already have at home. Or search online for dozens of quirky home-made tree alternatives.

Other eco-friendly Christmas tips

Ditch the wrapping paper: Australians use more than 150,000 km of wrapping paper each Christmas! A beautiful pillowcase or reusable box or bag can work nicely.

Donate your unwanted gifts: Op shops will put your donations to good use.

Use second-hand decorations: Look for pre-loved Christmas decorations at second-hand or op shops.

Use natural decorations: Twist strands of ivy into a pretty wreath for the front door, then dispose of it in your FOGO bin.