Are you familiar with this? You received the tenth sweater from aunt Inge, that you don’t like and you don’t need the golden cookie box from grandma? Asking for the receipt to exchange the gift is not only unpleasant but often hurtful. So what to do? Here you will find five sustainable ideas for recycling gifts.
For free store or give-boxes
For free stores are meanwhile available in many cities. You can hand in things that you no longer need yourself, but maybe someone else does – without any costs. These stores are not intended for a specific group of people but are open to everyone. The best way is to look online where you can find a for free store near you. There are also similar concepts in a smaller format: so-called give-boxes. These are weather-protected places in public where everyone can give or take something. This concept is well known from public bookcases. Of course, you can also put a box of give-away items in front of your door, but the street should not turn into a waste dump.
Recycling gifts: Donations
Donating is the most Christmassy way to recycle a gift. Many charity organizations also accept donations in kind. Here you can be sure that your gift is really used and that someone is very happy about it. Donations in kind are accepted by Oxfam, for example, or by many church organizations. You will surely find a suitable organization in your area.
Recycling and reselling them
Unwelcome gifts can be resold. This is especially profitable with originally packed items. No matter if eBay or the next flea market. It’s fun to see who becomes the new owner of your things.
Secret Santa with crappy gifts
Meeting your friends and raffling your presents at Secret Santa with crappy gifts. Strange or funny presents are always very popular. Currently, it is difficult to meet with friends in a larger group. Maybe you can catch up with the Secret Santa or you can organize a contactless gift-giving with a video-giving ceremony afterward.
Re-functional gifts
Think about what else the item can be used for. Can you build something with it? Or can the item be separated and the pieces be reused? Maybe you don’t like the color of the sweater you got as a gift, then you could re-color it. Please pay attention to ecologically sensible solutions, such as dyeing with natural products. Be creative and give the gift a (second) chance.
So you won’t be disappointed next year, write down specific wishes for Christmas. It’s best to collect your ideas on a wish list as early as possible. A nice alternative to material gifts are group activities, because not only the person receiving the gift benefits from this.
Read more: SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO THE MINIBAR
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