Eight locally-sourced gift ideas that give back
Image via @foodforeveryone.aus/instagram
Words by Nicholene Canisius
Spread the joy to those who need it most.
As much as I look forward to the holidays and the gift-giving season, it can be hard not to get wrapped up (excuse the pun) in the materialism of Christmas. For many, this time of year can be particularly difficult both financially and emotionally. I know I’m guilty of forgetting how fortunate I am to have supportive loved ones and a gift list in the first place.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Australians spend an average of $468 on gifts alone, an eye-watering statistic, which isn’t the best news for local charities that have already been negatively impacted by the rising cost-of-living.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
So to help you spread the joy this season to places that need it the most, I’ve curated a list of feel-good gifts, ranging from flower subscriptions to cooking classes that support Australian charities, businesses and social enterprises doing incredible work for those less fortunate.
Staples Bundle from Homie
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The Staples Bundle from not-for-profit streetwear label, Homie, is perfect for that one friend or family member you have no idea what to get. For $150, this feel-good bundle comes with a signature T-shirt, a cap, socks and a tote bag, all in unisex styles that would look good in anyone’s wardrobe. Plus, 100 per cent of Homie’s profits go towards supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship. Say less.
Get it here.
Wellness Gift Box from Mettle
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A Wellness Gift Box from Mettle would make a meaningful gift for a loved one who could use some self-care. For $100, each gift box includes sweet-smelling goodies such as a neroli and lavender bath soak, a Gracious Minds body lotion, hemp and sandalwood oil, incense and more.
Every item is handmade by the women in Mettle’s paid employment and training program, supporting people experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence. 100 per cent of profits from these gift boxes contribute to their wages, study scholarships, crisis funds, childcare funds and support programs.
Get it here.
A poster from Food For Everyone
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Gift this to the person in your life who’s a devoted foodie. Every Food For Everyone poster is inspired by recipes from renowned chefs or cooks, making it a perfect addition to the kitchen wall – there’s even an option to add framing. Purchasing one poster (prices range from $75 to $100) donates ten meals to battle food insecurity in Australia. How sweet is that!
Get it here.
Girls from Gaza Floral Subscription from The Beautiful Bunch
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Name a better gift than flowers that make you feel good twice. Not only will you be treating your loved ones to a beautiful box of flowers weekly or fortnightly, you’ll also be supporting the Girls from Gaza initiative, which provides newly arrived women from Gaza with meaningful employment and a sense of community. All proceeds from this $50 per week subscription directly goes towards its employment and training program that supports women from refugee backgrounds. The Beautiful Bunch offers delivery across Melbourne.
Get it here.
Zoos Victoria Annual Membership
Gifting someone a yearly membership for Zoos Victoria supports the incredible work Australian zoos do to conserve wildlife and fight extinction. The $159 pass gives your giftee unlimited entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park every day of the year. Don’t worry, if you’re outside of Victoria you don’t miss out. The membership includes free entry to Taronga Zoo, Western Plains Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Zoo and Perth Zoo. If you’re in Victoria, you can also add a tote bag to the membership gift for $10 with all profits going towards protecting a different local threatened species each year. This year, it’s the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon.
Get it here.
Donate a toy to lost dogs and cats
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If you love animals, why not pick up a toy for your pet and add an extra one to donate to a lost or abandoned dog or cat spending Christmas at a rescue shelter this year. If you’re unsure what to get, The Lost Dogs’ Home provides a list of gifts you can donate on their website, ranging from clean blankets and dry and wet food, to tennis balls and plush toys. Donations can be dropped off at the North Melbourne and Cranbourne shelters during opening hours.
To find out how to donate, head here.
A life-changing Kenshi Candle
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It wouldn’t be a gift guide without scented candles. Kenshi is a Melbourne-based social enterprise funding food for people in need, donating 50 per cent of profits to fund pasta and rice for people in Australia and Myanmar. This year Kenshi released its first Christmas candle, a cedarwood and pine scent, handmade in Melbourne by refugees from Myanmar. Also, the packaging is crafted from 100 per cent recycled materials, which we love to hear.
Get it here.
Gift voucher for a Free to Feed cooking class
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This is a great gift for someone who loves cooking and wants to meet new people. Your giftee will join a group of fellow curious cooks in a class taught in Northcote. You can purchase a gift voucher for one ($165) or two ($330), and support Free to Feed, a social enterprise helping people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds overcome barriers to social and economic inclusion in Australia through training, employment and psycho-social support. Plus, no cooking skills are required, just curiosity and an appetite.
Get it here.
For more gift ideas that give back, try this.
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