celebrations
Nov 18, 2009
Julie
3 Comments

So soon?

istock_xmas::ahem:: I don’t want to scare you, but… Christmas is coming up soon! I saw decorations and wrapping paper for sale in the shops over a month ago, as is traditional for the Church of Retail Spending. But now I’m thinking that it’s really time to get planning for the holidays.

Of course, if the last-minute rush gives you a thrill, then all I can do is wish you luck! I’m already writing my lists, and planning lovely eco-friendly gifts for the people I draw in our family “Secret Santa” rounds. We haven’t worked out where we’re having Christmas this year, but it will most likely be my sister’s place because she has a pool and a bbq her husband made from a recycled 44-gallon drum (he’s innovative like that).

If you need a little help getting started, you might want to look at the series I wrote a while back “I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas”. I still use it to get myself organised.

Some new gift ideas for this year:

Men’s business shirts: from New Internationalist, organic and Fair Trade.

Keep Cup: reusable coffee cup, designed and manufactured in Australia.

A range of eco-jewellery at Biome.com.au.

MadeIt.com.au is an online store for handcrafted Australian goods, with quite a few eco-friendly options, including…

FlannelFings, a range of reusable nappies, bibs and other babies’ accessories, handmade from reclaimed fabrics.

And there are a few new options for the little accessories that make Christmas feel festive:

AMCS Christmas cards: We wish you a jelly-fish-mas! Lovely under-sea photography, funds raised to protect our oceans.

LED Christmas lights are much easier to find nowadays.

Treasure Bags is a range of reuseable gift bags suitable for kids and families.

3 Comments

  • Vanessa November 25, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Thanks for these great ideas…I love using cloth nappies! I love it when I get new ones to try as gifts too (hint to family and friends) ;-)

  • vicki !atten November 25, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Very excited about the treasure bags-will look into it-we are a community organisation passionate about our environment

  • Barbara November 25, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Treasure Bags!!! What a brilliant idea. Christmas is here but checked out their website and they also have birthday ones…will get a set for the kids and start a family tradition.