What does your gift mean this Christmas?

We round up some of the best ways to make your gift count

There’s no question that 2020 threw some serious curve balls at us all, and with the festive season just around the corner, it’s a great time to show our loved ones how great they are with a gift. 

But instead of buying something that might end up at the back of the cupboard for years to come, thinking about the impact your gift has on the planet and the rest of the community will make your pressie mean a whole lot more. 

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to make a difference with your present this year, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the best ways for you to do this.  

Buy from a social enterprise

The social enterprise scene in Australia is going from strength to strength, but like with a lot of small businesses, 2020 has been a particularly tough time to be running a for-purpose enterprise. 

That’s why this year, choosing to buy from one of them is a great gift giving option.  

From cosmetics and clothing to sweet little gift packs and homewares, there’s a social enterprise out there ready to not only supply you with a unique, high quality present for your loved one, but to help you give back to a great cause. 

Head to Social Change Central for some of the best places to shop from, or read some of Pro Bono News’ monthly Spotlight features to get the low-down on some of the hottest enterprises out there right now. 

You can also choose to spread some festive cheer via one of Australia’s growing B Corp community (of which Pro Bono Australia is a proud member). 

Support an Indigenous business

One of the important conversations and learnings sparked by the global Black Lives Matter movement in the past year is the importance and power in First Nations run and owned businesses. 

These businesses are not only creating economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians, but are putting money back into their communities, and using language and sometimes art to educate the broader public and celebrate their culture.    

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to not only share a one of a kind gift, but also celebrate and learn about First Nations identity and culture. 

Check out fashion brand and social enterprise Clothing the Gap, jewelry brand Haus of Dizzy, tea company Gulbarn, or art-based social enterprise The Torch to get you started, or head to Menang Gnudju Noongar artist Kiya Watt’s website for her top 50 recommended Blak businesses to buy from this Christmas.  

Support a charity 

We all know someone that’s impossible to buy for. Instead of panic buying a pack of over-priced hankies, think about funnelling that money into a charity instead. 

The back-to-back bushfire and coronavirus disasters have meant that many charities have struggled under the weight of increased demand and reduced resources, so if there was ever a time to support a charity (and make a donation in your loved ones name), this is it.

And if you’re overwhelmed with choice, check out Pro Bono Australia’s Guide to Giving for some inspiration.   

And for something a little different, charities such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre have released a range of gifting items including shirts, mugs, hoodies and tote bags – with 100 per cent of proceeds from each sale helping to fund the organisations work supporting and empowering people seeking asylum. 

Get creative and reduce your footprint 

An eco-friendly alternative to buying a gift is to whip out the glue gun (or another DIY tool of choice) and get creative. Putting your time and effort into a gift, rather than dollars, is a great way to show how much you really care, and you’ll reduce your impact on the planet. 

You can also check out handy online hubs such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree for second hand gifts that would otherwise end up in landfill. 

And if you’re still intent on purchasing a pressie, organisations such as Farmwall sell a range of at home gardening kits to help even the most novice urban farmer start their sustainable food growing journey.