A Greener Kind of Giving

Having children around during the festive season is a magic like no other; the excitement, the sparkle of lights, the joy of discovery. But mixed in with all that glitter and joy can be… well, a lot of stuff. Wrapping paper mounds. Plastic toys. Trinkets that last as long as a gingerbread cookie in toddler hands.

Somewhere between the gift-giving chaos and the sugar highs, we started wondering how we could make our celebrations feel a little kinder to the world. We both love nature, and as parents, we want our gifts to reflect the values we hope to pass on. We’ve begun choosing presents that carry meaning; items made from wood instead of plastic, or experiences that invite exploration over accumulation.

Here are a few simple, family-friendly ways to make the season feel a little greener without losing the magic:

Skip the wrapping paper. Lots of commercial wraps can’t be recycled due to the plastic coating and glitter. Fabric wraps, reusable bags, or old kid’s artworks make gifts look just as festive.
Choose wooden or natural toys. Brands like EverEarth make puzzles, animals, and building sets that are sturdy, tactile, and easy on the planet.
Gift memories. A zoo pass, national park membership, or wildlife tour are gifts that create memories and can be more enduring and meaningful than any item.
Choose where to shop. Organisations like WWF-Australia and WIRES offer symbolic adoptions and wildlife-friendly gifts. Eco brands such as Earth Greetings and One Kind Box make it fun to give something thoughtful.
Pass things on. Let kids help choose old toys or clothes to donate to shelters or op shops.
Give something that grows. Native plants, seed kits, even a little balcony-friendly tree can create gifts that keep on giving (and growing).
DIY ornaments and decorations. Turn pinecones, old fabric scraps, or fallen gum leaves into decorations. Kids love making them, and it avoids buying more plastic baubles.
Support local makers. Handmade wooden toys, textile dolls, craft kits, candles, or treats from local artisans cut down on shipping waste and support community businesses.
Choose edible gifts. Homemade cookies, decorated gingerbread, local honey, or little jars of hot-chocolate mix are fun for kids to help make.
Make a “holiday adventure box.” Fill a little box with things like a magnifying glass, small binoculars, a sketchbook, and pencils. It encourages outdoor play during the holidays.
Try a low-waste feast. Plan meals to reduce leftovers (or freeze what you can), choose local produce, and skip disposable plates and cutlery when hosting.

Kids notice what we choose to do. When they see us reusing, choosing well, and supporting conservation, it quietly teaches them that giving can also be caring for the world. By giving consciously, we’re nurturing the next generation of conservationists.