There’s a shift in the air this year when it comes to gift giving. The awareness of consumerism is more prevalent than ever and it’s something we’re looking into more and more here at The Food Medic HQ. So, we thought we’d share our thoughts and findings as an alternative to the traditional ‘gift guides’ flooding our inboxes this month. We hope, even if it’s just for one person this year, that you can give give a gift that keeps giving.
The gift of experience
Tickets to show, or a play, or the cinema ?
When was the last time you visited the theatre or a show? It’s a wonderful excuse for an evening out and to spend time with someone you love! It also means you’ll have something to look forward to when Christmas is over.
The gift of calm
A year subscription to a music or meditation app ??
A subscription really is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving! Try a subscription to a music app (like Spotify) or even a meditation app (like Calm or Headspace).
The gift of reading
Your favourite book ?
They say that sharing is caring, so share your favourite book with someone you love and we can all be encouraged to put down the blue light and pick up some pages. You could even inscribe it to make it even more thoughtful! Goodreads is often a great place to get some inspiration for book ideas as it’s full of lots of reviews. And if you can, why not shop local at an independent bookstore.
The gift of giving
A donation to a charity on their behalf ?
If you’re struggling to think of a worthwhile gift for that one last person on your list, this is a lovely alternative to another pair of socks (although I think socks are always welcome!). Donating the money you would otherwise spend on another gift is a lovely way of reaching someone who perhaps doesn’t have all they need this Christmas. And who knows – it could go towards buying someone, somewhere a pair of socks…
The gift of re-giving
Purchasing presents from second hand charity shops ?
Not only will you do your bit to help the environment by minimising consumerism, you can extend the lives of loved items and give them a new lease of life. The British Heart Foundation are running a campaign this year called ‘Green Christmas’ to encourage us all to shop green this Christmas. If you do, you can use #BoughtatBHF to spread the word and show your support!
The gift of practicality
A keep cup or lunchbox or set of travel cutlery ?
There are a lot of great options when it comes to lunch boxes, and I feel like they’re having a resurgence – they’re not just for school days anymore! (This one also means they can join in with our Lunch Box Club in the new year!)
The gift of food
Homemade baked goods ?
Not only is this a great excuse to get in the kitchen, but there’s something about homemade food that is so thoughtful – whether it’s box of cookies, a family size cake, or even a homemade loaf of bread! If you needed a recipe or a little bit of inspiration have a look through our selection of recipes, we’ve got lots to choose from!
The gift of nature
Planting a tree on their behalf ?
There a quite a few organisations around that allow you to donate money to enable them to plant a tree (or 2) on your behalf. With the fires that have devastated the Amazon rainforest and Australia’s bushland, it seems this kind of action is needed more than ever. Somewhere like treesforlife.org.uk or nationalforest.org are a good place to start!
