I’m not one for the usual gift guide. I find that although it can sometimes be helpful, it often means getting someone some more “stuff”. So rather than follow the trend, here is my last-minute gift guide for the eco minded. I reckon that we all have that little panic at the end when Christmas Day is looming and you realise you’re a present short, so here are some things you can do or buy last-minute that will last a lot longer!
Last minute gift guide for the eco minded
So, you have suddenly realised that you’re missing that final present and don’t have time to get something shipped. Or the inclination to run out into the crowds doing panic buying. Or you just want something a bit more personal for that eco minded friend or family member. Well, there are plenty of things that you can give that will bring more joy and meaning than a box of chocolates from the service station on your way over.
Time Tokens
Rather than your standard vouchers, time tokens are a lot more personal. You take the time to make the token and offer your valuable time to the recipient. I have been gifting these to my family and friends for years and they love them. I love giving them too.
Over the years, the vouchers that I have given have been exchanged for the likes of decorating, pet sitting, flat pack furniture building, gardening, car washing and more. The recipient can also request things like a home-baked cake, afternoon tea or even me to take them on a fun walk. When I first gift a time token, I like to include some examples and instructions so that the person receiving it knows what to do and has an idea about what they can request.
The reason that mine are laminated is because I use the same ones year after year, after year, after year (the last ones lasted for 20 years!)
Campsite Vouchers
For anyone who loves a holidaying under canvas (or in a van) buying them a couple of nights to get them going is a fantastic present. If you know of a great site, but don’t know whether they do vouchers, ring them. I have found that even the most unassuming campsite will sort you out. I love the idea of gifting a friend or neighbour with some time away and I know that they will enjoy the experience too. Rather than more things that they probably already have or don’t need.
Subscription to Go Jauntly app
Well, you have to buy an Apple gift card, but you can use it to subscribe to the Go Jauntly iPhone app. The reason that I include this one is that it is a great way to start getting outdoors, learning about your local area and sharing your own walks. I am going to be adding loads of Manchester and North West based walks for all levels in the next few months. So if that’s not enough of a reason to treat yourself and friends, I don’t know what is!
Personally, I am looking forward to using my subscription to get to know London a bit better as there are loads of walks around there.
Plants
Being a gardener myself, I love to get new plants to either brighten up my indoors or to add to my garden. If you have plants yourself, you could gift a baby from them. Or if you’re not so green fingered, then buy something nice and plant it into a decorative pot. A decorated or interesting tin can be a great way to upcycle for a gift.
Baked goodies
Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you can quickly and easily rustle up some treats to gift a friend or neighbour. Edible presents are another favourite of mine as it is usually my chance to treat myself to something I wouldn’t normally have and won’t take us space in my house afterwards. Yet, I still have the fond memory of the gift and experience.
If you have some time (maybe while you’re wrapping?) then you could rustle up some Dutch buns or with a shorter time some chocolate cookies or some vegan banana bread.
So there you have it! The last-minute gift guide for the eco minded. Whether it is the gift of time, sharing an experience or making something from scratch, I am sure the recipient will love it. There’s nothing quite like receiving something that isn’t going to gather dust on the shelf, but will bring experience, growth and joy for a longer time.
Are you a fan of eco gifts? Homemade presents? What would your tips be to add to my last-minute gift guide for the eco minded?
Let me know in the comments below 🙂