Let’s look at one way a lot of extra stuff can end up in our homes: we give it each other.
We can also find ourselves overbuying if we have guests or a celebration, worried about being the perfect host. This is relevant for birthdays, Diwali, and Eid - but now is a particularly topical time of year to tackle it (according to data & insight organisation Statista, 92% of the UK population are planning to celebrate Christmas this year).
It’s time to talk about presents.
Somewhere along the way, showing we care became associated with money and buying gifts. But time has always been our most precious resource. That’s what makes it the best type of gift you can give - and the most thoughtful.
Sobering stats from global packaging manufacturer GWP found that a staggering £42 million of unwanted Christmas presents go in the bin - mostly to landfill - every year. Add to that that we’re generating 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging during the festive season, and the weight of what isn’t recycled is equivalent to 650,000 Rudolphs and, well, it’s enough to make you want to say bah humbug to the whole thing. But let’s not just yet.
And it’s not just gifts, multibuy food, and Christmas lights we chuck away every year.
Did you know that about one in four Christmas jumpers only get worn once? If you’ve got a stash from past events or are looking for something different this year, get involved in Nottingham City Council’s Big Christmas Jumper Swap. It’s FREE and takes place at the Central Library on Saturday 7th December.
Here are some ideas and inspiration for gifts that don’t cost the earth, but do show you care:
- Imagine shiny shoes, dazzling trainers, buffed boots. A task few people enjoy but that often delivers a mini-boost and a wardrobe refresh is clean shoes. Sometimes my Dad does this for me, and it’s always delightfully received.
- Taking coffee and cake to an older or more isolated person every week in the run up to Christmas will likely mean much more than another pair of slippers.
- Car covered in grime? Get it cleaned up in no time! Doing the chores that take a load off for someone else, especially where you can see a tangible result, always brings a smile for both the person doing the work and the one receiving the end result!
- While we’re looking at cars, why not give it a general once over for them? Check their tyre pressure, top up their windscreen washer fluid, really go the extra mile to let them know they’re on your mind and you care about them.
- Did I hear you ask for something a bit more communal? Why not turn up at your loved one’s home, make their favourite meal, do the washing up and leave without a trace of leftover ingredients loitering in their cupboards? That way you get a tasty treat, too.
- Keen to give a gift that lasts longer? Buy an online course for someone so they can build their skills and knowledge or simply have some fun. You can find courses that won’t break the bank on absolutely any topic. The Centre of Excellence is almost guaranteed to have something to match their interests.
- Want to do something extra special? If making or taking someone out for dinner doesn’t feel enough, you could always look for an extra-special experience you can do together (such as Red Letter Days). It’s still worth remembering that life is already an experience, so definitely don’t get too hung up. It’s your presence that makes it special.
- Eager to impress and be the guest that makes the most effort? Take something homemade. Things like handmade wreaths and centrepieces can be composted when the season is over, or dried and kept for future use (if they will indeed be used). Lots of places run workshops on these now. My favourite in Nottingham is Staa, as it’s supporting a small charity and in a beautiful location too. Their workshop (with materials provided) for table decorations is coming up on 14th December.
- Last but not least - go for a walk with your loved one and just listen. Challenge yourself to let them speak without you waiting for your turn to do so. Turn down your inner voice, listen to what they’re saying and what they mean by it. Let them lead the agenda. You’ll learn so much if you do this, too!
All-in-all, a particularly thoughtful flair is to find a way to make your gift of time go further by doing something especially meaningful for your loved one’s life and needs.
These gifts truly make a difference to how we feel, and how our loved ones feel as well.
If you want to work on your mindset or do some physical space decluttering, whether you’re in Nottingham or further afield, get in touch and let’s discuss.