Presents

A Kalashnikov
One of the best presents we have ever been given is a Kalashnikov automatic rifle.....that was turned in to farming tools for people who needed them in Africa so they can grow their own food.  This is one example of alternative gifts available from a number of companies such as www.goodgifts.org, www.greatgifts.org, www.gifts4life.org and www.oxfamunwrapped.com. How many times do you get a present and it is something you don't really like or really want - what a waste!  These gifts are great.

Wrapping Paper (Gift Wrap)
We find recycled wrapping paper really hard to find but there are some places on the web if you search.  The World Wildlife Fund sell it on their website as do Natural Collection who even sell recycled Christmas wrapping paper!

We (and other readers) also use tissue paper for wrapping presents which is more environmentally friendly.  If you use white as a base layer then it promotes the outer colour and also prevents it being see-through.  You can then decorate it in any way you wish. One reader (thank you Mel Francis!) cuts up magazines and uses this as wrapping paper. When you explain why then people will understand and you can also often find fun and relevant pictures for the receiver. 

Make your own wrapping paper!
I have in the past made my own using www.xpapr.com great Flickr.com (free photo sharing/organisation/storage/community site) tool for making wrapping paper from your photos.  Great for small presents as long as your printer ink is not too expensive!

Sending Presents
We recently learnt that although we use the term 'jiffy bag' universally it is like the term hoover - Jiffy is the name of one make of padded bags.  Real Jiffy bags (branded Jiffy) are filled with shredded cardboard rather than bubble wrap found in most padded envelopes so are 100% recyclable and biodegradable/compostable. 

Creative Presents for Children
I have found that a lot of young children don't seem to care whether the gift is comes in a big box, is made of plastic, takes batteries and makes a lot of noise (I guess they do when they are older!). I think they like things that capture their imagination, which is quite often the box!!  How about giving them lots of different clothes from a charity shop for dressing up?  Good condition books from charity shops (do they know/care if they are not new?). You can be creative with slightly older ones as well - our godson once got given some wood, nails and a small hammer - he loved it!  Check with the parents first before you get too creative. He was old enough and careful enough not to go nailing things to the coffee table!!

Vouchers or Promises
We find that other people like us do not want more 'stuff' and presents that they do not really want or would use.  Vouchers are good option as it gives the reciever the opportunity to get something they would really like or use.  You don't have to get the same old book tokens or CD tokens you can be more creative like cinema, theatre or garden centre vouchers.  Even better, how about giving a personal voucher or promise of your own time or talents e.g. babysitting, gardening, manicures, massages.  The list is as endless as your imagination.