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Overview
End of year gift giving requires a lot of mental energy. You've got to write your list, set your budget, make time for doing the actual buying — not to mention deciding what you're actually going to get your loved ones. And, if you're buying for someone who's trying to make the world a better place, finding a guilt-free gift can be hard.
To help you sort out your shopping list, we've done some digging to find excellent gifts that give back. Whether you're buying for a family member who wants you to spend your money on anything other than them or a friend who's trying to reduce how much plastic they use, use this list to help you find gifts that keep on giving.
FOR YOUR RELATIVE WHO SAYS THEY HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED
We all have that one family member who claims they don't want any gifts this year. And while we want to respect their wishes, it can be hard to get them nothing if gift giving is your love language. If that's you, consider redirecting the generosity somewhere else.
One way you can do that is by purchasing something from the World Vision Smiles catalogue. Gift prices start from $10 to help immunise a child or purchase fast growing seeds for a family. You can help fund a family vegetable garden for $25; purchase a goat for a family for $50; and support a woman to start her own business for $160. Plus, you'll get to give your loved one a limited-edition printed or digital card — one of which was designed by Karen Walker — which is ideal for last minute shoppers or for getting your gift to that special someone abroad.
FOR YOUR OUTDOORSY HOUSEMATE WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO RECYCLE
Got a mate whose idea of a perfect holiday consists of sleeping outside and not showering for days? Despite camping seeming like human regression, we get the appeal of taking things back to basics. So, if you've got a pal who'll be spending summer in a swag, consider getting them a hammock from Nakie to elevate their outdoor adventures, literally. These hammocks are made from 100-percent recycled materials, and the company plants four trees for every purchase made on a reserve in Madagascar for every purchase made.
FOR YOUR WORK BESTIE WHO LOVES FOOD AND HATES WASTE
Typically, your favourite colleague ends up being the person you share the majority of your lunch breaks with. So, if you've reached the stage of gift giving with your coworker, there's a good chance you're ready to graduate from lunch hangs to dinner dates.
Take your work bestie to Everybody Eats for a chef-prepared meal at a pay-as-you-feel price. This place rescues food that is headed for landfill and serves incredible dishes to the community at whatever price they can afford.
FOR YOUR SKIN CARE-OBSESSED SIBLING WHO HAS QUIT USING PLASTIC
For some families, beauty products can be a pretty safe bet when it comes to stocking stuffers. But, if you've got a relative who has recently decided to ditch plastic, finding skin care goodies that aren't covered in pesky wrapping can be tough.
Thankfully, Ethique makes lush treats that are free from plastic packaging. And, if that's not impressive enough, there's no plastic in the company's shipping process either. We've got our eyes on the sugarplum lip balm ($12) and the the guardian hair conditioning bar ($25).
FOR YOUR PLANT PARENT HOUSEMATE WHO WANTS A BIODIVERSE BACKYARD
Got a housemate who is forever returning from the weekend market with a new plant? Then chances are getting them another green baby will be greatly appreciated. Skip the overly popular monstera, devil's ivy and rubber plant and switch things up with something native from NZ Native Plant Nursery instead. New Zealand plants will help improve biodiversity in the garden, attract native wildlife and the best part, they are low maintenance.
Bruno Brognar
FOR YOUR CAFFEINE FIEND FRIEND WHO LOVES AN ETHICAL BREW
A bag of good quality coffee beans is a go-to gift for any caffeine fiend. When the coffee addict in your life only drinks the sustainably sourced variety, you'll find beans that fit the brief at Common Good Coffee. These beans are sourced through ethical supply chains which means the coffee producers get paid properly. Plus, profits are redistributed back into communities in need. And, you have seven blends to choose from, starting at $13.90 for 250 grams.
FOR YOUR FRIEND WHO HAS MOVED HOUSE AND WANTS TO DECORATE WITH CARE
Moving house is always stressful. So, help your friend rest easy at their new digs with a fresh set of sheets. If your recently moved mate has declared they want to decorate using responsibly made products, go no further than the soft sheets at Heart Ethical Homewares. These linen threads are made by a small-batch hand loomer in southern India and finishing touches are done in Hawke's Bay.
Want to find out more about World Vision Smiles? For more information, visit the website.