We all love Christmas but Christmas shopping can be a nightmare when we’re green. Wendy Montrose finds some sustainable gifts to suit every appetite and budget this Christmas.
What to get that motorhomers will love, won’t languish at the back of a cupboard and isn’t a blight on the planet can keep us awake at night. Finding the perfect gift for your favourite RVers can be tricky; throw in the added complication of limited space and maybe it’s time to implement some minimalist principles.
1. Make the wrapping a gift
Instead of wrapping paper and plastic tape, try the furoshiki method. The art of Japanese gift wrapping, furoshiki uses cloth not paper. YouTube has endless videos showing you how, and you can use all kinds of pretty items as wrapping paper. A beautiful scarf, teatowel, napkins; anything made of cotton, silk, canvas, even a quick-dry towel. Many Japanese shops carry fabrics specifically for this purpose, and the wrapper can be used for years afterwards. This is a great one if you’re giving something you’ve made, like a jam or chutney.
2. It’s a happening thing
Whether they’re a fan of theatre, music or sports, tickets to an event will always be a winner. Now that the borders are open and some semblance of normal has returned to Aotearoa, we’re seeing the return of overseas acts. The musical Kinky Boots hits our shores mid year and Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Lorde and Jackson Browne are all bringing live shows to the stage. We’re spoilt for choice on the sporting scene too, with Women’s World Cup football, the International Rugby Sevens and test cricket events all happening early in the year. There really is something for everyone.
3. Back to school
It’s never too late to try something new. Lifelong learning keeps the grey matter nimble and gives campers something new to talk about at rallies. Masterclass offers online courses on everything from arts and entertainment to science and technology. An added bonus is they’re taught by celebrities and experts at the top of their game. A basic annual subscription will set you back $300 but gives access to over 150 classes like Indian cooking with Madhur Jaffrey, dog training with Brandon McMillan or story telling with Neil Gaiman. Most New Zealand training organisations also offer online courses. Photography is a popular one and so is cooking and everyone benefits.
4. Crafted with love
We all love homemade gifts from the heart and if they’re useful, even better. Knit or crochet a cotton dishcloth. They’re quick and easy enough for beginners and kids and you can pick up a ball of cotton yarn at most fabric and knitting shops. The internet is packed with ideas and patterns. Add a wooden dish brush, wrap it up in a pretty tea towel furoshiki style and you’ve got a thoughtful gift that they’ll actually use.
5. Membership fees & subscriptions
With the cost of living rising ever higher, something has to give and often it’s those annual membership fees. I buy a boatie’s Coastguard membership every year. His priority is more often fuel for the boat. There are ways you can help ease the financial burden and add to the camping experience. AA membership, a Top10 Club card and of course NZMCA membership would all earn brownie points. The coffee addict might appreciate a Coffee Club VIP Card or a Robert Harris Gift Card and for the off grid camper, DOC Campsite Passes can be used for stays at most DOC conservation campsites. What about a streaming subscription like Netflix or Spotify (you might have to show them how) or, of course, you can give them the gift of a fab magazine; Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations is crammed full of information they’ll love! Visit nzmcd.co.nz/subscribe for details.
6. Memories are made of this
Tick all the sustainability boxes and give a memorable experience. No trees cut down, no plastic wrapping and no deliveries involved. The sky’s the limit and you can tailor your gift to your recipient’s destination and personal interest. Here’s a tiny taste of what’s out there; an e-bike winery tour on Waiheke Island or an hour learning all about whiskey and gin in Reefton; a day trip to an eco sanctuary like Kapiti Island or Tiritiri Matangi; an art exhibition, an alpaca farm tour, how about a tandem sky dive, a balloon ride or a drive in a race car for the thrill seekers. Check out redballoon.co.nz for ideas.
7. For the book worm
For the avid reader who goes through a stack of books on holiday and doesn’t want to carry a mini library, an e-reader could become their best friend. Small, thin and lightweight, with a charge that will last for days, they come in a range of prices and options. The e-ink screen, designed to be easier on the eyes than a computer or tablet means even reading at the beach is easy and without glare. Kindle and Kobo are the most common brands. They’re easy to use and have similar features but Kobo is compatible with libraries allowing readers to borrow as long as they have a library card. It’s true, electronic devices add to e-waste, but an e-reader will last for years and when it dies it’s readily recycled. If reading from a screen isn’t their thing, 2nd hand bookshops have plenty of travel books.
8. Greens on the go
For good food on the go, why not give a sprouting kit? All you need is a 500ml jar and a lid with a gauze insert (I got mine from Bin Inn) or a square of muslin and a rubber band. Make sure you get sprouting seeds that haven’t been coated with chemicals. Like the garden variety, they come in all sizes and flavours. A tablespoonful of seeds will yield a jar full of crunchy sprouts in less than a week. They make a tasty addition to sandwiches, salads and stir fries.
