Composting is Definitely a Christmas Present... and other eco-friendly gift ideas.

My unofficial Father in Law laughs at my presents every year. The first year I spent Christmas with them he roared with laughter when I opened the knife set my Mum got me. And then even harder when I opened the saucepan I had asked for. He thinks I’m the most practical person he’s ever met.

You see I needed a new pan, if I was to go and out buy one myself I’d probably end up buying a middle of the road priced one because I can’t always spend the extra even when I know it will last longer and save me money in the long run. But if its on my Christmas list Mum will buy me a really decent one. Like the La Cruste one she got before I was born and is still going strong now. And I would never buy myself a decent knife set and block but the one Mum got me looks beautiful in our kitchen.

Needless to say I didn’t tell my Father in law about the compost bin I asked for and got the year before last. It might have broken him 😂… I had wanted to start composting forever so you know I thought that was a great Christmas present.

What I’m saying is it’s not a bad thing to ask for what you want and need even if it may be deemed a bit boring.

If your still stuck for present ideas and deem a compost bin unfit for either yourself or someone your buying for heres a list of my top Christmas presents any ethically conscious minimalist would love.

House Plants.

Oh I love a house plant and if your not looking on Pinterest at beautiful homes filled with huge cheese plants I really don’t know what you do with your spare time 😂. If your a renter or like me, just love a white wall, a house plant is the easiest and most air friendly way to make you home look beautiful. And if like me you are constantly buying little plants because the big ones are far to expensive, ask for one for Christmas. Or ask for some pretty bigger pots. That way you can re-pot your existing plants and they will grow bigger in no time.

Some of my favourite accounts for house plant envy is @onrshop and @ leafandlolo

Simple Days outs.

If someone said to me my present was a day together, they would buy me a coffee, maybe lunch, browse some shops together, go for a walk. I’d think that was pretty lovely.

Something homemade.

This takes a little more time and thought but in the past I’ve been given homemade strawberry vodka (which is the easiest thing ever. Literally put a strawberry in a little bottle, pour vodka over the top, leave to infuse) and bottle of homemade sloe gin. And literally I was soooo pleased.

A book you loved. With a message in the front.

There’s nothing more personal and special than a message in a book and a book that someone is so excited for you to read because they loved it so much.

Some indulgence.

Often for Christmas and birthdays Mat has brought me a voucher for a massage and it’s a favourite present. I would never spend the money on myself, even though when I have one I think it’s so amazing I’m going to put some money aside to make it a monthly thing (I never do) . Or it could be a facial, manicure, whatever you or the person your buying for love.

Your favourite cosmetics.

Again something you may not indulge for yourself but let people know if they want to get you something what they could treat you with. Weather it’s a lush bath bomb or a fancy hair oil, Santa wants to bring you what you want.

Meal vouchers.

There’s so many places I would like to have a meal but we often end up going back to our favourite restaurant. Mainly because we don’t get to go out that often so when we do we want to go somewhere we know we will love rather than risk something new. Buy a voucher for a new place, it will force you to go.

Movie tickets.

Treat your friends and family to something you can enjoy together. Or if your budget allowed go with theatre tickets.

Build a hamper.

If your looking for a present to give build a hamper. Build your own rather than buying a ready made one so you know whoever your buying for will love everything in it. I normal build food hampers. So a favourite drink, yummy cheese and pickles, homemade jam, some luxury chocolates. Nothing that will expire too soon as odds are everyone will have their fridges full of food that needs eating now, such is the nature of the holidays, and last thing we want is anything to be wasted.

If you have any ideas that you’ve patted yourself on the back for thinking off I always love to hear them.

Hannah x