Most of us head to the nearest shopping mall when buying gifts, but what if there was another solution? How many times do you feel you’ve really nailed the perfect gift? Take a moment to think about the next gift you buy. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, wedding or a present for another special occasion, there are many alternatives to mainstream New Zealand gifts. Here are our top ten ideas to bring some imagination to your gift-buying:
1. Give a donation
Sometimes all you really want for Christmas is ‘peace and goodwill for the world.’ Really. If this sounds like someone you know, try giving the gift of a donation to a worthwhile charity. The SPCA is a great idea for a lover of animals; Oxfam or Save the Children for someone who cares about humanitarian issues; or Greenpeace for a real greenie. Give a personal card letting your recipient know what their gift is – this isn’t for everyone, but is a top New Zealand gift idea for anyone who cares about the world.
2. Give a native tree
For personal and corporate gifts, a great alternative is the gifting of a New Zealand native tree. Not only ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or wedding gifts, a tree is also a meaningful gift after the arrival of a baby or for any other special life event. Kowhai, Pohutukawa and Totara all make good presents and offer your recipient a gift that may last a century or more! Those with an affinity for nature will love this growing gift. There are a number of New Zealand gift sites specialised in giving this green gift.
3. Give a real gift
Real gifts are all the rage with those who want to stop the march of consumerism and make a difference. A number of high profile charities offer these gifts. Like donations, they allow your gift dollars to go towards those in need. Real gifts, though, specify where your money has gone. You could give anything from a mango plantation to a vegetable garden, a goat or a pig, fishing equipment, a safe water supply, a vaccination or a year’s education for a child. How much you give is limited only by your budget, and shopping is easily done online with a minimum of hassle. Give a New Zealand gift that will have a real impact on the world.
4. Give a star
For a truly unique gift, why not gift a piece of the night sky? Through the Australasian branch of the International Star Registry, you can give the gift of a star to your loved one (although no one can ever really own a star). Now you really can pluck a star from the sky for the special person in your life, making the ultimate romantic gesture. Gifting a star is the perfect idea for space buffs and true romantics. To prove it, they’ll even send you a framed certificate of registration, showing the star name and co-ordinates where your loved one’s star twinkles.
5. Give a wildlife encounter
An ideal gift for the do-er in your life – you know, the one who loves to get out there amongst it all. There are numerous wildlife tours and activities on offer, from horse treks at Hanmer Springs to swimming with the dolphins, whale watching at Kaikoura or kayaking on Lake Okarito. Take your pick of New Zealand wildlife tours for a gift with a thrill.
6. Give fair trade chocolate
Vote with your wallet and make your dollars count by buying fair trade chocolate for your loved ones. In the season of over-indulgence and gastronomic feast, spare a thought for those less fortunate. Fair trade is a means when commodities are traded, the payoffs will be just for all concerned. It aims to be sustainable and treat all producers fairly. For this yummy (non-exploitative) treat and other fair trade gifts, visit Trade Aid – their selection of fair trade chocolate is made in Belgium using only ethically-sourced cocoa and sugar.
7. Give a poem
Yes, this requires some skill, but for those with wordy wisdom, writing a poem for your loved one can be a touching gift. Write it out with care and include a handmade card for bonus points. Alternatively, place a copy of your poem inside an anthology of poems – it will be a lovely surprise with a personal touch! A must for all romantics and perfect for that added extra on Valentines Day. Get some ideas from New Zealand poets.
8. Cook up a gift
For the foodies out there (well, most of us really), a special meal is always a winner. It isn’t just the food itself, it’s the preparation of a meal just for you. Include the usual touches – flowers, candles, mood lighting – but for an added extra, take your special someone to a place that has meaning for you. Where did you meet? Where was your favourite holiday spent? A great idea for an anniversary or birthday gift with a difference.
9. Give a personalised voucher
We often forget that time itself can be a gift – vouchers offering your time can be an ideal gift that keeps on giving! Match your voucher with your recipient’s needs or likes. You could offer babysitting on a monthly basis; a weekly outing; massages every week for a year; a romantic weekend away; or breakfast in bed every Sunday. This is sure to be a gift to remember!
10. Adopt an animal
For those with a love of animals, why not give a real one? An ‘adopt an animal’ scheme, like the ones on offer at Wellington Zoo, Auckland Zoo or Christchurch’s Orana Park, could be the perfect present for someone on your gift list. Your financial donation will help keep endangered species breeding programmes running and contribute to maintenance of the animal’s surroundings. Take your pick from a lion, kiwi, cheetah, panda, zebra or monkey! Find your local New Zealand wildlife park and check out their adoption or donation programmes.
Looking for more information? Find comprehensive information on New Zealand gifts in the NZS.com directory.
This article was kindly supplied by NZS, New Zealand Search. To learn more, click here.