22 Oct Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Whole Family
As we gear up for the festive season, most of us are keeping our eyes peeled and ears perked for a hint about the perfect gift to give our loved ones. The year is ending, and as we plan to attend office parties, Secret Santa’s are being assigned accordingly. My own brother is a December baby, so every year our family weighs the option of either getting him one big present or splitting up the gifts respectively.
Finding the perfect token to show someone you care is something we can all admit to struggling with. Here are some eco-friendly suggestions you can consider as we enter the most generous time of the year:
AROMATHERAPY BUNDLE FOR THE SELF CARE FUNDI
Aromatherapy has proven to be effective in relieving pain, improving sleep patterns, and reducing stress and anxiety. If you’re not buying this for a loved one who practises mindfulness on a regular basis, someone you think might need to would definitely benefit from this gift. The bundle includes an oil burner, beeswax tealight candles and a few indigenous essential oils. Depending on what oils you get in the pack, you’ll want to top up on lavender, rosemary, as well as clary sage. Lavender treats anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. Rosemary can improve brain function and increase circulation, while sage works as a natural antidepressant.
GET SET GROW SET FOR THE SOMEONE WITH GREEN FINGERS
Gardening is such a relaxing pastime. Not only are you reconnecting with the earth in a very intimate way, but you also get a healthy amount of Vitamin D through exposure to direct sunlight (that doesn’t mind you wearing a protective layer of sunscreen by the way). This would be a thoughtful gift for someone who is passionate about their health and nutrition. It can be incredibly rewarding preparing a meal consisting of ingredients you have grown yourself. Because you’ve tended to it, you can ensure that non-toxic pesticides were incorporated into the gardening process. Give this to a friend or family member that is serious about avoiding GMOs. If your little ones are curious about growing their own treats too, My Eco Sprout has a strawberry popcorn set they will adore.
KOMBUCHA BREWING STARTER KIT FOR THE HEALTH NUT
All you need to brew your own booch in one convenient craft box. The starter kit comes complete with a brewing bottle, the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), and comprehensive instructions. Safe enough for the whole family to drink, kombucha gets to work on your gut to promote healthy digestion and liver detoxification. If you have a restless teen who is looking for a cool project to dive into, brewing this fermented probiotic will keep them occupied.
REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS FOR THE FORGETFUL SHOPPER
You’ve done your week’s shopping and you’re wheeling your trolley towards the till. While the cashier rings up your groceries, you reach down for your FTN hemp bag and then you realise you left it on the kitchen counter as you grabbed your keys and ran out the door. DOH! How about buying a few reusable grocery bags to stuff into each Christmas stocking this year? You’ll have to remind everyone to put them in their cars or handbags, of course, so they’re never forced to resort to buying plastic bags ever again
COOKING/YOGA/SELF DEFENSE CLASSES FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS IT ALL
We all have someone in our circle who is a bit of an enigma. They seem to have it all so you’re stumped as to what to get them. That person is my father; a practical man who only has what he needs. If you ever ask him what he wants and he’ll tell you he wants to be able to get what he needs when he needs it. It can be impossible shopping for people like that. So don’t. Gift them with experiences like helicopter pilot lessons or an all-access card to the aquarium. Since they seem to have acquired their fill in physical things, give them something they will remember forever – a memory.
Robyn’s top picks: The eco gifts I’m most excited about this year
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