Our Sustainable Guide to Giving

As much as the holidays are a wonderful time to show the ones around you how much you care, we can often go a little crazy when it comes to buying gifts. We’re challenging the status quo and have come up with a few solutions that are better options for the planet, whilst also keeping your holiday spending in check.

1. Homemade Gifts

   SO underrated! Making homemade presents means much more to the recipient, as it comes from the heart. Knowing your time, thought and creativity has gone into their gift makes it all the more special.

   There are tons of DIY Tutorials on YouTube if you’re stuck for ideas. Some of our favourite DIY projects are:
   

   1. Macrame Plant Hangers - Surprisingly easy to do. They usually comprise of about 2-4 different knotting techniques, and all you need is some cotton yarn. Put a gorgeous plant from your local shop in it, and we can guarantee it will be very well received. Plus they can nurture it for life, and think of you every time they water it. Cute.
      

   2. Unleash Your Picasso - Abstract drawings, line drawings and Watercolour Art are some of the most popular styles of artwork these days. And there are so many videos out there that guide you in the right direction to creating beautiful bespoke art, straight from the heart. Pick a frame out from your local Charity shop and wrap the gift in old newspaper. Super hipster, but more importantly a very thoughtful and affordable way of showing someone you care.
      

   3. Yoga Mat Cleaner & Aromatherapy Spray - This one’s a goodun. You may have seen our Yoga Mat Anti-Bacterial Cleaner Spray Recipe we posted last week. It makes such a great wee gift, and actually has a multitude of uses other than cleaning your yoga mat.

2. Thrift Flips

   These are some of our favourite activities. Head to your local Charity Shop and project some life into a second-hand find. This is your time to get creative. Some ideas we’ve seen are:
   

   1. Repurposed Plant Hangers - Turn woven baskets, pots or tins into plant hangers. Just add the macrame hanger and viola!
      

   2. Ceramic Face Lifts - Paint ceramic trinkets and give them a more modern touch. Your local charity shops will have shelves of all this good stuff including mugs, pots, picture frames. They’re all waiting for you to give them a little TLC.
      

   3. Give life to old fabrics - Digging through fabric piles to create new uses for them is super fun. All you need is a needle and thread! Why not have a go at creating fragrant eye-pillows (perfect for Savasanna and meditation) by simply filling them with flaxseed, lavender, chamomile and other divine herbs.
      

      Not only do these things unleash the inner-thrifter in you, but you’ll be supporting your local charities that are doing good in the world. Karma loves karma.
      

3. Shop Local

   Supporting local businesses is one of the best ways to keep the little guys going. Head to your local fruit & veg shop and pick out some homemade jams and chutneys.
   
   They’ll taste amazing, and more importantly, you’re supporting independent businesses who make up the very backbone of this country.