Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas

That time of the year is almost upon us again! We have some words of wisdom for you this year: don’t get caught up in the consumerism of it all!

So, before you start to stress out about what presents you’re going to get from crowded shopping centres for your family and friends this silly season, check out our list of noteworthy Christmas gift ideas that are ethical, green and kind to the environment.

Why Not Make Your Own?

Feeling creative this year? You could make your own gifts, such as biscuits or soaps. They’re fun to make with an unlimited number of recipes and ideas available online. You will have total control over the ingredients too, so you can choose from products that are organic, natural or Fair Trade.

Making your own gifts are also a great activity you can do with your children, to get them involved in making thoughtful gifts for their grandparents, uncles and aunts this festive season.

Look At Gifts That Keep On Giving

There are many charities around today which offer gifting options, including Oxfam with their unwrapped gift cards which aim to help transform the lives of people who are living in poverty by providing food, clean water and other-life changing essentials. By shopping ethically with Oxfam, you and your loved ones will be helping to tackle the serious global issue of poverty this Christmas.

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, Bush Heritage Australia have a number of virtual gift cards that act as donations to support their good work conserving our magnificent natural landscapes and native species.

The Secret Santa Approach

Sometimes the gift of less can make a bold statement amongst the Christmas festivities. If you are a large family or you’ve fallen into the habit of buying gifts for your extended family or a large group of friends; then Secret Santa may be a cost-saving alternative.

If you pop the names of everyone in a hat, and draw one each, then making the promise to buy presents for that one person instead of gifts for everyone in the group, then you’re minimising your buying budget, as well as Christmas wastage within your circle of family and friends.

Repurposed Gifts

Ever received a Christmas jumper that won’t fit? Or a book that you’ve already read? Well, save up these presents and give them away to someone who would really appreciate them this year!

This idea particularly works regarding children’s presents, as they are more likely to have a constant stream of birthday parties that require gifts.

Giving Gifts That Last

Occasionally your loved ones may just need a little nudge in the right direction to avoid buying disposable receptacles. For example, you could buy them a good quality reusable water bottler or flask, or a reusable coffee cup, such as a KeepCup.

Maybe there’s an ethical clothing brand you’d think they might love?

The great thing about gifts that will last is that your loved one will hopefully steer clear of single-use items, and if you gift a couple of products that they might value more, they are more likely to put them to better use.

It Feels Good To Be Ethical

At UniBank, social responsibility is built into our very foundations. In fact, it drives who we are, what we do and why we do it. Take a look at our approach to operating ethically and sustainably.  

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