Presents

Depending on who you’re speaking to, this could be the most important part of Christmas (not to be cynical – this could be a child’s opinion, or a fraught parent on the hunt for the only gift on a Santa list). And of course, in these tricky times, presents may be one of the biggest concerns. So with this in mind, here are my tips…

1. Plastic Tat
No. No no no. If you’re giving it to a child that’s not your own, the parents will not be too happy. Plastic toys break, they choke, they don’t do that much, and, inevitably, they end up as landfill. If it’s your own child, then…think it through is the only advice. If your kid reeeeally wants it, then it’s difficult to be a scrooge. But think long term.

2. Foodie Gifts
Now, here is the best plan. For all your well to do foodie friends, get in the kitchen. Everyone appreciates an edible present, and trite as it sounds, homemade gifts are always met with wonder. So get your Rachel Allen recipes out, put on the apron and work away. (Not to put you off, but an attempt at this was made two years ago in the house, with Rachel Allen’s fudge. Now, when I’ve made this, it’s come out beautifully. Another attempt resulted in Sludge, which was then kept in the freezer. But I liked it)

3. Oxfam Gifts
I’m always a big fan of these. You know the ones, goats, trees, toilets, etc etc. Now, there are some cynics out there, who say you don’t get exactly what you pay for, and in some cases, a truckload of goats are delivered to a community where they are more of a hindrance than anything else. But I’d still insist that it’s much better to give to this sort of charity than to Penneys. The only downside for me is the realisation that you’re not actually getting ten chickens. But hey, someone is. And I’d say it’s a lot more likely they need them.
One quick aside: if you’re concerned about where the gifts are going, stick to ones that you know will be useful anywhere. Goats and chickens are always popular, but I favour the water, medical or school based gifts.

4. Vouchers
And no, I’m not just promoting our superbly excellent Gift Vouchers (although they are the perfect gift this Christmas). I mean those quaint handmade vouchers, for doing the washing up for a week, or good for one hug, or any of the like. Lame as they sound, they actually are appreciated.

Read the Original Article at Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat Blog