Six Tips for the Best Christmas Gifts That Won't Cost the Earth

Everyone can relate to receiving a Christmas gift that didn't quite hit the mark. Studies suggest clothing and accessories, beauty products, homewares, and decor top the list of the most unwanted gifts.

Sometimes it can be hard to choose the right gift for someone, but we've put together some of our best tips to help you nail the perfect idea while reducing your impact on the planet.

1. Go for experiences

Unless it holds some significant meaning to us, we tend to lose value or interest over time in most of the things we buy. Experiences, on the other hand, can create memories that last a lifetime.

Experience-based gifts can also generate less waste, reduce anxiety around unwanted presents, and help support local businesses. They make excellent last-minute ideas, as gift certificates are usually readily available online or instore.

The ideas are endless, but our top picks include:

• A nature-based activity such as a harbour cruise, kayaking adventure or whale watching tour
• A class or course, such as cooking, pottery, candle-making or learning a new language
• Spa and beauty treatments, such as massage, facials and waxing services
• A membership or seasonal pass to sporting matches or the ballet
• Food and wine tours
• An adrenaline experience like jet boating or paragliding
• An escape room activity
• Local restaurant or café vouchers
• An amusement or adventure park pass
• Ten-pin bowling, indoor climbing or play centre vouchers
• Event, theatre or movie tickets.

2. Less is more when buying for kids

Single-use plastic toys can quickly end up in the bin through breakage or boredom, which isn’t a good outcome for the child or the planet. Whether you're buying for your own kids or other people's children, you can make more sustainable choices by:

• Applying the ‘five gift rule’: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something they don't know they want.
• Picking an experience over toys. We covered this in more detail above, but children will often grow up and forget the toys they received but long cherish the memories you created together. A trip to the footy, a visit to the museum or a day out at an adventure park will be fondly remembered for years to come.
• Gifting a membership to the Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library where children can enjoy different toys all year round. A 12-month membership will set you back $35, or $45 for a family.
• If buying a physical item, giving preference to open-ended toys that can be played with in a variety of ways and that spark creativity and imagination. Examples include magnetic tiles, wooden blocks, and art and craft supplies.
• Giving the lifelong gift of learning. Some parents have been forced to scale back their children's extra-curricular activities due to the rising costs of living. Providing financial support towards tuition fees, sporting and music lessons can help to keep kids enrolled in the activities they love.

Need more inspiration? Newy with Kids has a terrific list of gift ideas for children that aren't toys.

3. Start a Secret Santa tradition

Also known as a 'Kris Kringle', a Secret Santa arrangement can reduce unnecessary consumerism and slash time wandering aimlessly around the shops. It is particularly useful when there are lots of people to buy for, such as extended families and workplaces. It works like this:

• Instead of buying everyone a small gift, each person is secretly assigned one person to buy for. This can be done by simply drawing names out of a bowl or by using a website generator or app to randomly pick names. Some online generators also let you enter things you’d like to receive to give your Secret Santa some tips.
• A gift price range is agreed. This can be slightly less than everybody would have spent on all the small gifts combined, but enough to buy the recipient a lovely present. Alternatively, you can set the budget low and challenge everybody to come up with the most fun or creative gift.

There are lots of ideas online to make your Secret Santa even more interesting, such as the White Elephant gift exchange game.

4. Give the gift of your time

An 'IOU' voucher may seem like a low-effort present, but there are many situations where it is more cherished than a physical gift. It's also a great option if you’re watching your spending this festive season. You could consider:

• Child-minding: Parents can put off going out due to the hassle and cost of arranging for someone to mind the kids. Why not take the pressure off with a babysitting voucher? You could combine this with an experience-based gift (see our ideas above) for the ultimate day out!
• Cooking: Home-made meals are delicious, but for some there’s nothing fun about a shift in the kitchen. A stash of ready-made freezer meals or treats is also bound to be appreciated by new parents, busy families, seniors (particularly those living on their own) and young adults that have recently left the nest.
• Cleaning, gardening and home repairs: Home maintenance is a necessary evil in the eyes of some. If you fancy your skills in these departments, why not gift your time to help get someone's place in tip-top shape or take the load off those that are strapped for time or cash?
• Pet-sitting or dog walking: It can be hard for those with limited mobility or busy work schedules to exercise their furry friends as much as they'd like. If you love animals and getting out and about, this could be a gift that you get to enjoy too. An 'IOU' voucher to mind pets can allow loved ones to plan a holiday without the financial strain or angst of kennelling arrangements.

5. Opt for consumables

There’s nothing worse than a gift that sits in the back of the cupboard, only to be discovered and discarded sometime later. 'Consumable' gifts are those with a limited shelf-life that are intended to be used within a year or so. They're the perfect choice for minimalists, those that have everything, or that one relative that is hard to buy for.

They can be homemade, or you can hit up your local farmers or handmade markets and help support small business. If budget allows, the gift can be made extra-special by choosing a more gourmet option that the recipient wouldn't ordinarily treat themselves to. Tried and true favourites include:

• Artisanal products such as soap and candles
• Locally handmade chocolates
• Premium tea or coffee
• Gourmet foods such as flavoured oils and vinegars, infused salt and spice mixes
• Bath soaks, magnesium salts or natural beauty products
• A healthy food basket, such as organic, gluten-free or vegan treats tailored to specific dietary requirements
• Pet treats for dog and cat lovers
• Homemade jams, sauces and chutneys
• Wine and cheese
• Homemade fudge, cookies or vanilla extract
• A custom hamper of their favourite foods.

6. Choose thoughtfully for eco-conscious loved ones

More and more people are trying to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. A practical present that replaces plastic or single-use items can really be the gift that keeps on giving. Our top picks include:

• Reusable takeaway coffee cups or drink bottles
• Eco self-care products, such as washable facial wipes, reusable 'cotton' buds, compostable make up blenders, or a stainless steel safety razor
• Stainless steel tea strainers and loose-leaf tea, or reusable coffee capsules
• Beeswax wraps, washable 'paper' towel and silicone food storage pouches
• Rechargeable batteries
• Silicone baking tray liners and muffin cups
• Reusable lunch box items, such as sandwich and snack bags, drinking straws and cutlery
• Stainless steel clothes pegs
• Reusable grocery or produce bags
• Gifts made from recycled products.