I’ve been thinking of what to give my niece and nephews (all under 10) for the holidays. The holiday would be Christmas in their household, but the question applies to all holidays and gift-giving celebrations.
Well I’ve got my own little agenda with this one. They live in a household where they don’t go outside often and they watch a lot of TV. I, of course, want to turn them into environmentalist outdoor lovers and future backpacking, biking, climbing and paddling partners. Plus, I want to lead by example and try to move toward a zero-waste holiday event. Tall order, huh? Here are my best ideas:
1. Vintage outdoor gear. Think about it: what would be more meaningful to you, a new Swiss army knife or the knife your great grandfather used while in the Swiss army? A no brainer. My version is this: I am going to take a retired climbing rope and cut it into jump rope-sized sections. They can jump rope with their sections, but I will also use the ropes as a chance to teach them some basic knots. It’s something for us to do together and it will be a skill they can employ when we are outdoors together later on. Another variation on this theme: what kid wouldn’t love a slack line made from retired rope or webbing? The other present I will give them each is a (used) compass. Again, this is fun, it builds skills and allows us to spend time together. In the past I’ve given them magnifying glasses and binoculars with a basic birding guide.
2. Consumables. I like to give high quality wine, beer and chocolates to other adults for gifts. This year, I’m going to give endangered species brand chocolate bars to my niece and nephews and explain that when you consume, sometimes you can help at the same time. Kids love animals so this is a good choice. It’s also fun to buy local when you can and make that a teachable moment.
3. Donations. I don’t think most kids would go solely for something donated in their name, but I do think it’s a good additional gift. Going on the theme that kids love animals, Heifer International allows you to purchase live breeding animals that will provide a long-term source of food for people – including kids – in the developing world.
4. Packaging. Again, I plan to lead by example with this one. Going with the outdoors theme, I keep old maps so I can use them later for wrapping paper – looks cool and kids love it. Plus this year I’ll make it topo maps so they can get out their compasses right away. I just saw this idea recently and plan to steal it: instead of a bow, top the package with a pine cone.
Whatever you celebrate, enjoy.
Well I’ve got my own little agenda with this one. They live in a household where they don’t go outside often and they watch a lot of TV. I, of course, want to turn them into environmentalist outdoor lovers and future backpacking, biking, climbing and paddling partners. Plus, I want to lead by example and try to move toward a zero-waste holiday event. Tall order, huh? Here are my best ideas:
1. Vintage outdoor gear. Think about it: what would be more meaningful to you, a new Swiss army knife or the knife your great grandfather used while in the Swiss army? A no brainer. My version is this: I am going to take a retired climbing rope and cut it into jump rope-sized sections. They can jump rope with their sections, but I will also use the ropes as a chance to teach them some basic knots. It’s something for us to do together and it will be a skill they can employ when we are outdoors together later on. Another variation on this theme: what kid wouldn’t love a slack line made from retired rope or webbing? The other present I will give them each is a (used) compass. Again, this is fun, it builds skills and allows us to spend time together. In the past I’ve given them magnifying glasses and binoculars with a basic birding guide.
2. Consumables. I like to give high quality wine, beer and chocolates to other adults for gifts. This year, I’m going to give endangered species brand chocolate bars to my niece and nephews and explain that when you consume, sometimes you can help at the same time. Kids love animals so this is a good choice. It’s also fun to buy local when you can and make that a teachable moment.
3. Donations. I don’t think most kids would go solely for something donated in their name, but I do think it’s a good additional gift. Going on the theme that kids love animals, Heifer International allows you to purchase live breeding animals that will provide a long-term source of food for people – including kids – in the developing world.
4. Packaging. Again, I plan to lead by example with this one. Going with the outdoors theme, I keep old maps so I can use them later for wrapping paper – looks cool and kids love it. Plus this year I’ll make it topo maps so they can get out their compasses right away. I just saw this idea recently and plan to steal it: instead of a bow, top the package with a pine cone.
Whatever you celebrate, enjoy.
Comments