Get into the spirit of giving with these six thoughtful Christmas gift ideas that give back to causes and others in need
This December choose these thoughtful Christmas gifts that give back to others
If you want to buy gifts for your friends, family or colleagues, why not look for something that allows you to share the love at the same time? It goes without saying that supporting a local business will make a local family do a happy dance, but there are also businesses that support good causes, which means your purchase, in turn, supports someone in need. Hurray for win-win outcomes! Here are some options to consider:
Star for Starship
There’s always room for one more decoration on the tree. These hanging stars are perfect for Secret Santas, teachers or even as a finishing touch to a wrapped parcel for someone special. They’re just $3 and all proceeds go to the Starship Foundation. Grab one from New World.
Trade Aid
(Clockwise from top left): Organic 40% rich milk chocolate, $6.99; Cat mini planter, $14.99; Holga star basket with handles, $69.99; Large leopard notebook, $24.99; Moon mini planter, $14.99; Blue stripe cup, $13.99; Grey ceramic teacup, $14.99.
Not only do they have a great range of pressie ideas for everyone (coffee, chocolate, cushions, musical instruments, clothing, accessories, games), but any time you buy from Trade Aid you’re making a difference to a maker or artisan overseas. tradeaid.co.nz
Food for Good
Books are always a sure-fire winner, especially when they’re 192-page books filled with amazing recipes and beautiful photography like this one is. The cherry on top: for every book sold, a kid who would normally go without is given a lunch. How’s that for a warm fuzzy? Food for Good is $39.99 from Eat My Lunch.
Smartass
We promise this toilet talk is for a good cause. Smartass is plastic- and tree-free TP (toilet paper) made from sugar cane and bamboo fibres. It’s not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for New Zealand: for every carton of Smartass sold, a tree is planted by Million Metres to improve water quality and enhance freshwater biodiversity. Give 48 rolls for $48 from smartass.co.nz.
Mr Four Eyes
(Clockwise from top left): Braxton frames in Grape, $250; Riley Frames, $250; Romano, $250; Cody in Maroon, $250; Luca Frames in Cream, $250; Olivia Frames in Moss, $300.
If your special someone is hinting at a new pair of sunnies for summer, check out Mr Four Eyes. For every pair of sunnies or prescription glasses sold, this clever lot gift a pair of glasses to a Kiwi kid who needs them. You can’t beat helping create a bright future for a little.
mrfoureyes.co.nz
Creative & Brave
(Clockwise from top left): Coaster Mt Cook Lily, $7.50; Porcelean Manuka Branch Butterfly Bowl large, $50; Art print Apres Ski, $49; Pink Sands strokes mug, $29.90; Dishes tea towel, Dick Frizzell, $21.90; Daisy Dream-Catcher earrings, $138.
As well as a range of goodies made by clever local makers, including art, ceramics, jewellery and accessories, Creative & Brave (formerly the Texan Art School) also stocks work by artisans with a social arm to their business. The Loyal Workshop produces divine, ethically made, hand-stitched leather wallets, satchels, bags and belts made by women in Kolkata – for these women, this job is the means for them to escape the sex trade. If you’re after something for a little person you know, check out Kat Merewether’s books and children’s dinner sets. Kat donates to the Kiwis for Kiwis charity from every book sold. creativeandbrave.co.nz.
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