Kids are practicing their Christmas songs, leaves are barely clinging to trees, it is getting dark by teatime – the festive season is undeniably here! We have some ideas for last minute gift giving. Small disclaimer; many of us don’t have much time or capacity for handcrafting gifts, or hunting around for the perfect item, and resources of all kinds are scarce so before all else, be kind to yourself. Hopefully these handy tips can make the load a little lighter:
1. Give Memories
Plan a day out together, or give memberships, tickets, and vouchers for workshops or experience days. Memories don’t wear out, learning a new skill can bring endless joy, and you haven’t had to wrap anything!
2. Give your time
Share your skills and make your own decorating/babysitting/car valeting/gardening vouchers, or else take time to volunteer in your local community.
3. Upcycle & Mend
Repurpose what you already own – mend, repaint, refresh, and refinish small furnishings, old toys, musical instruments or clothes. A mend can be more beautiful than the original article – perhaps try some Japanese ‘Kintsugi’ pottery repairs or ‘Sashiko’ visible clothes mending!
4. Buy Second Hand and Swap
Charity shops, jumble sales, toy swaps and clothes swaps are a great way to get hold of treasures for little or no cash. Facebook marketplace, Vinted, Ebay, World of books and Abe are similarly wonderful places to look for gifts – just factor in the longer delivery times.
5. Make
Edible gifts always go down well, or drinkable ones! Treats such as bath bombs and bath salts, or jewellery can feel like a luxury treat. Decorate a little pot and give away your houseplant babies. If you enjoy it – treat yourself to some time drawing or painting or baking or brewing, weaving, sewing, spinning or dying. For kids, make craft kits - and they can have the fun of doing the making too!
6. Ethical buy
Think about the power of your ‘£’ and spend it in shops that are pulling the world in a direction you believe in. Think about spending on long-lasting items that can be repaired and maintained, or on consumables and essentials that people need in their life anyway. Think local, independent or larger ethical brands. Secret Santa is one way to reduce the number of presents you buy, and means you can invest in one really special gift.
Written by Lizzie, FFFF member
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