Gift Guide for a more Conscious Christmas

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Christmas and consumption

It probably sounds weird to introduce a gift guide with reflecting first the impact of the gift and consumption culture during Christmas time justified by the love and magic that is supposed to create.

Receiving as well as giving gifts – we all know it – gives us a feeling of fulfilment and acknowledgement somehow. Year by year we are trying to imagine what our family members and friends would like to receive. It is a nice thought process for strengthening a relationship – there are not a lot of situations in our friendships and relationships in which we are actively challenging empathy. However, if we are honest with ourselves, a lot of gifts that we received are not exactly what we would buy for ourselves if the decision was on us, right? And also the promised love and magic during the Christmas days usually turn out to rather result in stress, discussion and food coma. 

The economic impact of Christmas is giant due to the unlimited and rediculous consumption during the Christmas season. And along comes the environmental impact.

• Think of the amount of wrapping up paper that must be used around the world on that one Christmas day and that eventually ends up being burned or in landfills or our oceans since most of the wrapping-up paper is non-recyclable 2 layered paper.
• Think of 1.9 billion Christmas cards that are only sent in the US every year.
• Think of the 20.8 million Christmas trees that are cut for “using” them not longer than one month – again: in the US only as well.
• Think of the amount of Christmas ducks, turkeys, lambs and what not that land on our plates during our Christmas days feasts. 

Road to a more conscious Christmas

Like the Christmas carol, this story must not have a depressing ending though. Let’s see what we can do to make it a happy ending. 

Food aka “the Christmas feast”

1. Why is it all about food on Christmas? Why don’t we put the focus on something else? Sure food brings people together and makes you happy – but so does sports, games or projects. This Christmas, make a project like the renovation of your treehouse, the next holiday planning or a family basketball tournament the centre of your celebrations.
2. Surprise your family with a vegan or vegetarian Christmas menu. Yes, you will get some hater comments from your cousin and brothers and yes, Christmas is a lot about traditions and meat is usually one that is very much anchored for most of the families. But isn’t Christmas also the event during which we should think about others? Animals, our nature and the people suffering from the meat industry count, right? Also, it is good food for the usual discussions at the table. Try for example these delicious Vegan recipes by Jamie Oliver with Christmas dinner potential

What about Christmas decorations?

1. Do you need a tree? Or can it maybe be this awesome recycled cardboard Christmas tree from Studio Roof? If you get one, make sure that you get it recycled properly. The best way to do it is to shred it and then use it in the garden or in parks or even better: keep it in a pot and use it next year again.
2. Don’t buy plastic trees! They produce double the number of greenhouse emissions during their lifecycle compared to a real tree.
3. Use real candles instead of electric fairy lights. It’s much cosier anyways!
4. DIY! Ideally, you use waste products and upcycle them to something beautiful like these orange peel hangers. Just check Pinterest for Zero Waste or Upcycling Christmas Decorations and you will get some amazing inspirations.

A healthy relationship to gifts

1. Only buy things that you are sure, will be used! “Listen” is the keyword. It has the positive side effect that it profits your relationship. 
2. Make an inventory of things that you have at home and don’t use it anymore. Upcycle. It is not only very helpful for the environment but also gives a personal touch to your gift. Nothing will be more appreciated than effort – trust me!
3. No ideas for gifts? Decide on investing the money that you usually spend on gifts into projects that support people you really need a gift – to survive. Your family will understand for sure! Btw: you also save a lot of time when you decide to not go for Christmas shopping that you can also invest in supporting activities with purpose. Have you ever thought about supporting your local kebab shop that is slowly but steadily on its way to bankruptcy? Maybe you can offer your support or knowledge? 
4. Check our gift guide for sustainable Christmas shopping
5. Get active. Again, the effort usually is valued the most when it comes to gifts. Prepare some special foodie treats to show off your cooking skills or mix up a natural washing powder or cake base. 
6. Wrap consciously! Get creative and wrap your gifts in used newspapers or old book pages. Or get your kitchen towels or clothes and use them to wrap your gifts for a zero waste solution. Check this technique for wrapping in towels.

Gift Guide for conscious shoppers or family members

• Affordable luxury highlights
• Medium-priced treats
• Small gifts with a big heart
• Books & similar

Affordable luxury gifts

Quality has its price! The products in this section are special picks that are a small investment but serve your beloved ones for the rest of their life.

Medium-priced gifts

Starting this section with what we have to offer, we want to remind you that fit and taste can be very difficult to evaluate. If you are unsure if your boyfriend/ girlfriend likes the gift you selected, ask his/ her best friends. They might be able to help you with the choice.

Or you go for the WONDA voucher. With that, you can’t do anything wrong. We offer a lot of different options and sizes AND with every voucher there comes a 15-minute advice session with our experts on what model would be the best fit.

Small gifts with a big heart

Offer a story

Go to your local book store and ask for these must-reads for conscious consumers, entrepreneurs or adventurers: