Experience Presents: 8 Christmas Gift Ideas That Aren’t Things


4 Mins Read

Hong Kong is suffering from a consumption problem, and we have the power to affect change with our individual daily actions. Just to put into perspective, Hong Kong sends 370 tonnes of textiles to our landfills every single day. While the Christmas season is all about giving, it doesn’t mean that it has to be unsustainable. To avoid contributing to creating more waste in our already overflowing landfills, here are 8 non-stuff gift ideas to have yourself a clutter-free Christmas! 

1. Choose Tickets To A Play, Movie, Concert

Source: Getty Images

Has your friend been raving about a movie release? Or perhaps your sister’s been searching for someone to accompany her to a play. Grab two tickets – even if you have to sit through 2 hours of absolute boredom, the time spent and thought behind this gift will surely be appreciated. 

2. Make A Donation To A Meaningful Cause

Source: Shoppers Weekly

Do something good with your buck. If you know a cause that your special someone cares a lot about, make a donation on their behalf! The impact you’ll create with it will be a lot more positive than the footprint left behind by a material purchase. 

3. Invest In A Chooose.today Subscription

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Help your frequent flier friend or family member offset their carbon footprint! If they won’t cut down on their consumption, you can help mitigate some of theirs by purchasing a monthly subscription plan from climate action streaming service Chooose.today. The service will fund reliable, UN-approved climate offsetting projects, so you can trust that your dollars will go to a good cause. 

4. Volunteer Your Time & Talent

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Sometimes, just spending your time to put your skills to good use is the best gift you can give. Volunteer at a local food bank like Feeding Hong Kong, or help walk dogs at a rescue centre. Not a charity person? You can also simply offer to babysit for your mum friend who hasn’t gone on a date night in months! 

5. Book A Wellness Experience 

Source: Unsplash

For someone super stressed out in your life, a wellness experience is just the perfect gift. Instead of gifting someone something they’ll just leave in their drawer for months untouched, arrange to go on a relaxing date at one of Hong Kong’s wellness spas, or maybe book an eco-friendly travel adventure abroad. 

6. Arrange A Group Class Or Activity 

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Gift your entire friend group a trip to a fun activity or class together. From mindful yoga workshops to cooking classes, boating tours, and fitness activities, the possibilities are endless!

7. Arrange A Plant-Based Feast

Source: Dragon-i

Treat your loved one to a delicious and elaborate plant-based meal. There are so many to choose from in this city. Think all-you-can-eat vegan dim sum, fine vegan tasting menus, or a fun Sunday brunch date.

8. Gift Kindness

Source: Cleartrip

Not everything has to be bought. Giving kindness to someone, whether it is your neighbour, friend or family member, is one of the most powerful things you can do. 


Lead image courtesy of Fotolia.

Author

  • Sally Ho

    Sally Ho is Green Queen's former resident writer and lead reporter. Passionate about the environment, social issues and health, she is always looking into the latest climate stories in Hong Kong and beyond. A long-time vegan, she also hopes to promote healthy and plant-based lifestyle choices in Asia. Sally has a background in Politics and International Relations from her studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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