Ideas for ethical Christmas gifts

Check out our list of noteworthy Christmas gift ideas that are ethical, green and kind to the environment.

  • 15 December 2020

    Christmas time is here again, and with it brings the strain of working out what presents you’re going to get for your family and friends!

    Before you start to stress, we have some words of wisdom to impart: don’t get caught up in consumerism!

    In fact, to avoid it entirely we’ve put together some ideas for noteworthy Christmas gifts that are ethical, green and kind to the environment.

    Feeling creative this year?

    Then why not make your own ethical gifts? It’s a fun activity to do on your own, or to get your children involved with making thoughtful gifts for their relatives and friends.

    You can try your hand at anything from biscuits to soaps. These gifts in particular are easy to make with many recipes and ideas available online. You will have total control over the ingredients too, so you can locate products that are organic, natural or Fair Trade.

    Gift cards for worthwhile causes

    A lot of charities are now offering gifting options, such as Oxfam with their unwrapped gift card initiative which aims to help transform the lives of those affected by 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 a cause that is a little closer to home, Bush Heritage Australia offer a number of virtual gift cards that support their amazing work protecting our precious native species and natural landscapes.

    Look at cost saving alternatives

    Secret Santa is a popular solution for families at Christmas as it encourages the “less is more” approach. Not only will you be minimising your buying budget, you will also be cutting down on Christmas wastage within your circle of family and friends.

    It involves putting the names of everyone in your family circle in a hat and everyone drawing one name each. Everyone then has to make the promise to buy presents for one person instead of gifts for everyone in the group.

    Repurposing your old gifts

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

    The “give back” idea works particularly well with children’s presents, as they are more likely to have a constant stream of birthday parties that require gifts.

    Give gifts that will last the distance

    You may want to give your loved ones a nudge in the right direction so that they avoid buying disposable receptacles. You could, for example, look at buying them a good quality reusable water bottler or flask, or a reusable coffee cup, such as a KeepCup.

    You could also research ethical clothing brands, if you think that there is an item they might love?

    The great thing about gifts that will last is that you are steering clear of items that are single-use only, and they will hopefully value these products more and put them to better use.

    Looking to the future

    At Firefighters Mutual Bank, we believe in doing business ethically and sustainably. Why not take a look at how we operate responsibly.

    Looking to enter your new year with your finances in better shape?

    Why not open an Everyday Direct account1, which provides flexibility, security and hassle-free online transactions.

    1. Conditions of use—Accounts and access document and Fees and charges brochures are available online or from any of our offices. You should read both of these documents before deciding to open accounts and access facilities issued by the Bank. Any advice provided here does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation, or needs, which you should consider before acting on any recommendations. For further information call 1800 800 225.

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