Christmas shopping can be expensive (understatement of the year), but it doesn't have to be! We polled the Parenting Place office and gathered up the team's top ideas for great gifts that don't cost the earth.
1. Vouchers
Create a handmade voucher booklet of special treats that can be ‘cashed in’ at any time. Vouchers can be designed for adults or kids, and redeemable for things like household chores, breakfast in bed, one-on-one time, a batch of pikelets, a walk to the dairy for an ice cream, a game of basketball at the park...)
2. Thrifting!
You can often find good quality clothes, books and homeware at second hand shops – get a great gift for a good price, save the planet by shopping sustainably AND support a good cause by shopping at a charity shop!
3. Shop local
There are likely some artists and small businesses in your community making lovely things for comparable (or even lower) prices to big brands or chain stores. Source some beautiful and unique gifts and feel really awesome as you support small businesses.
4. A great deal!
Check GrabOne and similar sites for experience vouchers at discounted prices, e.g. restaurant vouchers, escape rooms, horse riding… There are so many great options on there, usually heavily discounted. Giving a voucher like this can encourage friends and whānau to try new places or experiences, with the added bonus that gifting experiences creates awesome shared memories (and is also a great sustainable option if you’re worried about unwanted toys ending up in landfill).