Go Back   Wildlife and Environment Forums > Environment Forums > Environment Forum

Reply

 

LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 09:50 AM
stripee's Avatar
Officer of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: west wales
Posts: 765
Christmas presents

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.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 12:40 PM
Active Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 29
Re: Christmas presents

It's amazing how quickly Christmas arrives, isn't it! But it IS wonderful when it comes!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 12:47 PM
stripee's Avatar
Officer of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: west wales
Posts: 765
Re: Christmas presents

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
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 04:11 PM
shirl's Avatar
Officer of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Cromford, Derbyshire Dales
Posts: 571
Re: Christmas presents

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.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 05:04 PM
hedgehog whisperer's Avatar
Member of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Posts: 249
Re: Christmas presents

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.
__________________
Check your bonfires before lighting them... hedgehogs are not to know it’s unsafe!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 06:00 PM
honeybee's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1,371
Re: Christmas presents

I think the goats thing turned out to be a bad idea..they eat everything.
__________________
"Paw print marks leave a tell tale sign, there's a furry friend loose and committing a crime." SFA
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 07:54 PM
Jez's Avatar
Jez Jez is offline
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bewdley
Posts: 3,404
Send a message via MSN to Jez
Re: Christmas presents

I did this for my mother about 10 years ago she adopted a baby Rhino called scud. She was frilled to bits
__________________
The best habitat for wildlife, could well be....... your back garden!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 07:58 PM
agrumpycow's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: My head's in a lush, isolated valley, but I can't seem to escape Reading!
Posts: 1,743
Send a message via MSN to agrumpycow
Re: Christmas presents

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.
__________________
Claire x
All I can do is be me, whoever that is - Bob Dylan
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 08:19 PM
2dogs2000's Avatar
Member of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 296
Re: Christmas presents

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.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 08:05 AM
goosey's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ijmuiden, Holland
Posts: 2,004
Re: Christmas presents

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?
__________________
http:// www.mywildlifefriendlygarden.com
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 11:00 AM
stripee's Avatar
Officer of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: west wales
Posts: 765
Re: Christmas presents

Quote:
Originally Posted by goosey View Post
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!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 11:15 AM
agrumpycow's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: My head's in a lush, isolated valley, but I can't seem to escape Reading!
Posts: 1,743
Send a message via MSN to agrumpycow
Re: Christmas presents

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.
__________________
Claire x
All I can do is be me, whoever that is - Bob Dylan
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 11:26 AM
stripee's Avatar
Officer of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: west wales
Posts: 765
Re: Christmas presents

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
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 11:40 AM
Jez's Avatar
Jez Jez is offline
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bewdley
Posts: 3,404
Send a message via MSN to Jez
Re: Christmas presents

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
__________________
The best habitat for wildlife, could well be....... your back garden!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 11:47 AM
agrumpycow's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: My head's in a lush, isolated valley, but I can't seem to escape Reading!
Posts: 1,743
Send a message via MSN to agrumpycow
Re: Christmas presents

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jez View Post
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?
__________________
Claire x
All I can do is be me, whoever that is - Bob Dylan
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 12:31 PM
goosey's Avatar
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ijmuiden, Holland
Posts: 2,004
Re: Christmas presents

Quote:
Originally Posted by stripee View Post
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.

Quote:
Originally Posted by agrumpycow View Post
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!
__________________
http:// www.mywildlifefriendlygarden.com

Last edited by goosey; 12-11-2007 at 12:41 PM. Reason: Spelling
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 02:43 PM
Jez's Avatar
Jez Jez is offline
Commander of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bewdley
Posts: 3,404
Send a message via MSN to Jez
Re: Christmas presents

Quote:
Originally Posted by agrumpycow View Post
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.
__________________
The best habitat for wildlife, could well be....... your back garden!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 07:20 PM
New Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Rural Leicestershire
Posts: 11
Re: Christmas presents

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.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #19 (permalink)  
Old 12-11-2007, 07:29 PM
hedgehog whisperer's Avatar
Member of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Posts: 249
Re: Christmas presents

Welcome to the site Countrymum and thanks for this it looks very interesting.
__________________
Check your bonfires before lighting them... hedgehogs are not to know it’s unsafe!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #20 (permalink)  
Old 13-11-2007, 06:30 PM
New Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Rural Leicestershire
Posts: 11
Re: Christmas presents

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.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #21 (permalink)  
Old 13-11-2007, 07:52 PM
hedgehog whisperer's Avatar
Member of the Wild Empire
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Posts: 249
Re: Christmas presents

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.
__________________
Check your bonfires before lighting them... hedgehogs are not to know it’s unsafe!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply  

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

» Online Users: 178

8 members and 170 guests
>>> Click Here to become a member...it's completely free!
cherrybee, dan-fisher, Dutchess, outdoorguy, Snakeystew, Stewy, tufftie, volence
Most users ever online was 3,128, 24-07-2008 at 08:12 PM.

» WAB Development Posts

No Threads to Display.

» New Wildlife Posts

Go to first new post Red Moon
Last post by Dutchess
Today 12:29 AM
17 Replies, 275 Views
Go to first new post Can You Be POISONED by...
Last post by Dutchess
Today 12:05 AM
49 Replies, 850 Views
Go to first new post My babies!
Last post by Stewy
Yesterday 11:54 PM
1 Replies, 9 Views
Go to first new post Identification Needed
Last post by Stewy
Yesterday 11:49 PM
1 Replies, 10 Views
Go to first new post Garden moths 2008
Last post by Dan Salter
Yesterday 11:41 PM
315 Replies, 5,305 Views
Go to first new post false black widow?
Last post by Dutchess
Yesterday 11:36 PM
7 Replies, 44 Views
Go to first new post <