Christmas = responsible, is it possible?
I'm lucky to be part of a large family that is also generous for birthdays and holidays like Saint Nicholas (a Belgian family, of course ^^) and Christmas.
My little rabbit is more than spoiled during the holidays, and we quickly end up with boxes full of wrapping paper and plastic packaging; not great for the planet!
So, for some time now, I've been wondering how to reduce, on my scale, all this unnecessary packaging and paper.
After some research, here are some ideas that might inspire you.
1) Replace wrapping paper with furoshiki
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese technique of folding and tying fabric used for gift wrapping and carrying various everyday objects. 100% zero waste.
It takes a little practice at first, but it will make your gifts much more beautiful, and most importantly, goodbye to wrapping paper.
2) Replace wrapping paper with a Santa's sack
For children, Fusoshiki might not be the ideal solution (I can just imagine my little rabbit grumbling because the knot is too tight ^^) so why not put all the gifts in a nice Santa's sack, a large personalized pouch where he will find all his Christmas gifts, a bit like a stocking ^^
In the same vein, you can buy or make pouches of all sizes, personalized with the child's name and to fit the gift. Children can then look for their name on the pouches at the foot of the tree.
3) Buy responsibly: second-hand
To go further, I also thought about what I buy.
Now, I favor cardboard, wood, and other biodegradable materials, and for children, I no longer buy plastic toys or only second-hand ones to limit my environmental impact.
Sites like Vinted and le bon coin are full of great deals. Besides saving money, you can also find new items there.
You can also find beautiful treasures in local resource centers, at flea markets or garage sales for vintage lovers.
I'm not going so far as to forbid myself from buying Playmobil or Lego if my son asks for them; it's a good investment because they resell very well on second-hand sites or at flea markets. I actually buy most of them through these channels.
4) Buy responsibly: I favor local
I have always been sensitive to local creation. Since I was little, I've loved trying new techniques, using new materials...
My passion for textiles and the children's world led me to create Carotte & Cie
I take advantage of designer markets such as the Marché des Modes, Hôtel bohème, or the Mons Christmas Market (Belgium) organized by Maison du design, which I participate in every year to buy a large part of my Christmas gifts.
Clothes, games, decoration, accessories, jewelry, gastronomy... Christmas and designer markets are ideal for finding THE original, even unique, gift.
Most designers create their own products with raw materials that are usually ethical; for me, you can't get more local and responsible than that.
5) Buy your gifts all year round
Your mom literally falls in love with that pretty designer leather wallet, and it's July? Even if she only receives it a few months later, buy it and put it aside. It might be her birthday or Christmas soon, and instead of buying yet another book or a bouquet of flowers (even if those are nice too ^^), you're sure she'll love it ^^
If you have the possibility to store things at home, take advantage of it and buy little by little throughout the year.
I have a large box that I keep in a discreet place, and I store gifts as I buy them. However, to stay consistent and avoid buying too much for the same people, I keep a list of my purchases with the associated name for each gift.
6) My Christmas wish list
I'm quite a fan of board games and/or educational games. Yes, you can learn while having fun, and it's even better!
- For a baby aged 0 to 2: Rather a useful gift: bib, teething ring, musical cushion for their daily life. I avoid battery-operated toys that flash; they're not very stimulating for them, and they end up annoying parents (speaking from experience ^^). You can also buy a small wooden wheeled toy or a pretty fabric night light.
- For a child aged 2 to 5: a HABA or Bioviva board game, a costume, wooden Kapla,... The brands Djeco or Janod also have great cooperative games (be careful where they are produced, though). I also have a huge soft spot for the Lunii story box. Elliot has had it for two years now, and it's really this year (at age 5); it's even become his bedtime ritual; a story and off to bed ^^ This year, Elliot will also get an alarm clock. Essential to avoid his too many nighttime awakenings.
- For an older child: Intangible gifts are a good alternative; like a concert ticket, a day at an amusement park, a subscription to a magazine or their favorite video game, ... There's no shortage of ideas ^^
The older my son gets, the more I realize that the only thing he truly needs is for his dad and mom to spend time with him. Whenever I have the opportunity, I prioritize gifts that allow for this: a day at the fair, a movie with popcorn, a year's swimming pass, a new story for his Lunii...
It's unfortunately getting harder and harder, and we all have busy lives today, but I assure you that making a little room in your schedule is the best gift ^^
I hope these little tips and ideas will help you navigate the end-of-year festivities.
Feel free to enrich the content of this article with all your ideas in the comments.
All that's left is to wish you all the best for the holiday season.