Christmas presents

[stripee]

It's nearly that time of year again. For the last few years I have been giving "planting trees" or "polar bear blood tests" presents from charities for relatives that live far away. I was wondering what people feel about giving such gifts, how do you feel if you are a recipient? Does it feel like you haven't been given a proper present if you get a card with a message inside saying you have donated trees to Africa.....and what about those goats? I haven't given these as am not sure about whether they are a good idea at all.

[Squirrels]

It's amazing how quickly Christmas arrives, isn't it! But it IS wonderful when it comes!

[stripee]

This thread is probably a bit early...but I have to get mine sorted soon as I'm going away...yes, Christmas is a cheerful event in the midst of winter gloom

[shirl]

My mother in law always complains about presents, she has got everything she needs - twice over, so for Christmas she is adopting an owl from Wildlife-Aid Animal Adoptions. My friend is adopting a Hedgehog and another friend a garden bird. I reckon it's a brilliant present especially for those who have everything. My husband (although he doesn't know it yet) will be having an owl box, can't wait.

Shirl

PS I have just about finished my Christmas shopping, everything will be wrapped and ready by the end of Nov and then I can chill and enjoy.

[hedgehog whisperer]

I love the idea, to give or receive. I have asked for a duck and a Hedgehog from my favourite place tiggywinkles and my brother wanted a panda after a visit to china.

If people want gifts I try to buy from charity catalogue so, the money goes to a good cause.

I am nearly there for Christmas; I will only get to see my sisters and her family at the end of November so I like to be ready.

[honeybee]

I think the goats thing turned out to be a bad idea..they eat everything.

[Jez]

I did this for my mother about 10 years ago she adopted a baby Rhino called scud. She was frilled to bits

[agrumpycow]

Last year for Christmas we bought a 'dedicate a tree' present for our niece and nephews. You can choose the location where the tree will be planted, although, no plaque etc. will be done. The kids loved the idea and still visit the wood now.

[2dogs2000]

For our 25th wedding anniversary (a few years Ago) we recieved a card to say that a tree had been planted to celebrate the occasion. It was the first time we had received such a present and I was very pleased about it (don't know about hubby though). This present meant more to me than the customary silver tray with teapot, sugar bowl & milk jug, which we did receive and stayed in its box and was put in the loft.
We have since received similar gifts and I am very happy to get them.

[goosey]

I was just thinking about this subject the other day when I saw a Christmas gift book from a high street store. They were offering WWF adoption packs for a wild Orang-utan or Tiger at 20 pound a go. You get a fact book and a soft toy for that price - so what with the packaging how much will actually go to the charity?

[stripee]

Originally Posted by goosey

I was just thinking about this subject the other day when I saw a Christmas gift book from a high street store. They were offering WWF adoption packs for a wild Orang-utan or Tiger at 20 pound a go. You get a fact book and a soft toy for that price - so what with the packaging how much will actually go to the charity?

I have had a rhino adoption for years, and a tiger, when I got these you didn't get a free soft toy with them. After the initial payment which lasted a year, I paid for them by direct debit and get an update every so often which is very interesting about the work of WWF and the animals adopted printed on a small recycled paper format. Recently have added an Orang-utang as well. After the initial expense of the adoption pack, money goes directly to the projects, and can be increased if you wish.
Some good ideas coming up for presents...and am making a list!

[agrumpycow]

These kind of gifts are great but I'm always saddened by how many people don't by cards and gift wrap from recycled paper or from charities.
I buy all my cards from RSPB or similar charities and then recycle them at large shops to support the woodland trust or use some of them for the next year's gift tags.

[stripee]

The good thing about many of the above gifts is if they are a card then you don't need wrapping paper and they double up as a Christmas card. And the cards can be re-cycled by the recipient. I'm all for small size presents that don't need much wrapping paper and from charities, as you say, agrumpycow

[Jez]

I found an article on reusing wrapping paper. Don't use cellotape to wrap the presents but use string, wool or ribbon so the paper can be used on & on. Around 8000 tonnes of paper will be used at Christmas and don't forget to take trees to a recycling Scheme for mulching your gardens and parks come spring. I'm sure there are a lot more ways to make Christmas greener

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by Jez

I found an article on reusing wrapping paper. Don't use cellotape to wrap the presents but use string, wool or ribbon so the paper can be used on & on.

Well said. I've always wondered how 'recycleable' those cards and papers which have large amounts of foil are?

[goosey]

Originally Posted by stripee

I have had a rhino adoption for years, and a tiger, when I got these you didn't get a free soft toy with them. After the initial payment which lasted a year, I paid for them by direct debit and get an update every so often which is very interesting about the work of WWF and the animals adopted printed on a small recycled paper format. Recently have added an Orang-utang as well. After the initial expense of the adoption pack, money goes directly to the projects, and can be increased if you wish.
Some good ideas coming up for presents...and am making a list!

I think this is a great idea then. Perhaps the idea of these is, that the people buying or recieving the gifts have conservation in mind anyway and will top up the initial gift with donations.

Originally Posted by agrumpycow

These kind of gifts are great but I'm always saddened by how many people don't by cards and gift wrap from recycled paper or from charities.
I buy all my cards from RSPB or similar charities and then recycle them at large shops to support the woodland trust or use some of them for the next year's gift tags.

Dont forget you can send all your used stamps to the RSPB!

[Jez]

Originally Posted by agrumpycow

Well said. I've always wondered how 'recycleable' those cards and papers which have large amounts of foil are?

I'm not sure but they sound a right fiddle to recycle.

[Countrymum]

I run a site about tracking down great gifts, and definitely seeing a big move towards more and more people looking for, buying and receiving these kinds of gifts. I got an Oxfam Unwrapped goat from my husband last year, and actually, yes, it did feel like a real gift. Compared to some of his previous offerings like the glitter wig, then this was much better: no silly wig for me, something very useful for someone in need.

[hedgehog whisperer]

Welcome to the site Countrymum and thanks for this it looks very interesting.

[Countrymum]

Thanks. If there is a Hedgehog gifting alternative then I'll be sure to do something on that. My daughter is very keen on them, and very worried about their decline. We support the Woodland Trust who do some work on habitats, is there anyone doing anything specific? I'd buy her that for part of her Christmas present.

[hedgehog whisperer]

Try St tiggywinkles web site Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital you can adopt many animals and they send you a lovely photo and certificate.

I have adopted a Hedgehog and would like a duck for my birthday.