Statistics Canada reports that Canadians spent an average of $874 in December of 2007 (most recent data available). But with the economy still struggling this year, many are finding that their bank accounts are emptier than Tiny Tim’s stocking.
Is it necessary to spend all that money on stuff that will end up in landfills sooner or later? Do you have to shop 'til you drop, face your creditors in January, and contribute to the already dismal state of the environment? Following are some inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that will not only save you money, but helps save the planet too.
"Green" Gift Ideas
If you have a little time and want to go green this Christmas, you can make your own gifts for little to no money and next to no environmental impact. Following are some suggestions for make-it-yourself “green” gifts that are cheap, meaningful and fun to create:
- Scrapbooks : Scrapbooks are fun and inexpensive to make. You can find supplies at craft stores if desired, or you can make your own. Scrapbooks can include photos of you and your loved one, ticket stubs from events you attended together, birthday/Christmas cards you’ve exchanged, and so on.
- E-mail journals: If you and that special someone have an “e-mail history,” why not print all those e-mails you’ve exchanged and bind them in a journal? An e-mail journal will document your relationship and provide hours of reading pleasure for you and the recipient. Keep it green by using recycled paper.
- Cooking and Baking: Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Share your culinary creations with friends and family this holiday. Baked goods are typically a welcome gift, but so may be your signature spaghetti sauce or four-alarm chili. If there is someone on you gift list on a special diet, bake or cook to suit their needs. For a special touch, print or write the recipe on thick card stock, roll it up and tie with a festive ribbon.
- Knitting: Every knitter knows that beautiful yarn can be expensive, but you can be frugal and creative at the same time by collecting some of your old sweaters, scarves and mittens, unraveling them and knitting new creations from the wool. If you can’t bear to part with your own woolies, pick some up at your local thrift store.
- Offer a service: There is probably at least one person on your gift list who would like to have their car washed, their driveway shoveled, or their bathroom painted. Not into manual labour? Offer an hour or two (or more) of your professional services, be it tutoring, editing, or accounting. Go the extra mile and make a voucher book offering a year of services – one for each month.
- Charity gift cards: Give to your loved one so that they can give to others. CanadaHelps.org “sells” charity gift cards (for as little as $10) and the recipient then chooses which charity he or she would like to donate to.
- The gift of time: You may not know it, but there is someone on your gift list who values your company more than anything you could buy them in a store. Set dates to go to a movie or for a walk together, or simply to spend an afternoon at their house. Elderly people will particularly appreciate the company, but really, any loved one will consider this to be the most precious gift of all.
Regifiting: An Economical and Eco-Friendly Way to Give
Never cracked that hardcover that your sister-in-law gave you last year or so much as sniffed those soaps from Granny? Yes, you can regift. Regifting makes financial and environmental sense, but there are some rules to remember:
- The “regift” must be in excellent condition. New and in package is ideal, but anything that looks like it hasn’t been used at all is acceptable.
- The regift must be appropriate for the recipient. If your mother-in-law doesn’t know a nine iron from a curling iron, don’t give her the set of golf club cozies you won at last year’s office party raffle.
- Be absolutely certain that your “regift” doesn’t go back to its original gifter. If you are not sure who gave you that slow cooker that’s still in its box, hold on to it. You don’t want to ruin Christmas by insulting Great Aunt Edna.
Does your brother really need an iPhone? Do the kids need the umpteenth iteration of the Elmo doll? There are probably few people in your life (yourself included) who need more “stuff.“ If you feel uncomfortable about spending less on your friends and family this year, discuss a Christmas budget with them in advance. Then focus on sharing your time and creating memories with loved ones this season. January will seem brighter, your wallet will be fatter, and Mother Earth will breathe a sigh of relief.
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Kim Downey - Kim Downey graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2005. She is now a part time freelance and creative writer and a full time ...
