5 Christmas Gift Ideas With A Positive Community Impact
‘Tis the season of gift giving!
This time of year, everyone’s minds are on one thing: Christmas gifts. Whether you’ve got a long list of people still to buy for or you’re stumped for something unique to give that person who already seems to have it all, a gift that makes a positive community impact promises to be more memorable.
So what are the best Christmas gifts this year for those looking to make a difference? From contributing to community initiatives to shopping green and local, we’ve got some thoughtful gift ideas that make a positive community impact right here in the Darling Downs region, as well as further afield.
Let’s dive in and look at 5 Christmas gift ideas that bring joy to more than just the immediate recipient.
Community isn’t just the town you live in, and putting your dollar towards something rewarding can go beyond borders. The gift of investing in someone’s business dream is possible through sending micro loans for developing countries. Via a lending platform, you can discover plenty of opportunities to help a variety of different start-ups and entrepreneurs get off the ground.
You can send a loan in someone else’s name to someone with less access to more traditional or formal financial institutions, or who may find it more difficult to open up a bank account. Then, once they start making regular profit, the loan is returned back to the original gift recipient, to keep or to pass on in the form of another micro loan. Give the tangible gift of change this Christmas by helping small business start-ups in a wider community that stretches beyond your postcode.
Buy locally this Christmas to support the Toowoomba community and small business owners in your area. Whether it’s a luxury lifestyle item from Little Chiefs Boutique, or a new wardrobe staple from Ivy Designer Collections, supporting your high-street businesses means boosting the local economy. It’s also an ethical and eco-friendly choice, cutting down on shipping and importing which releases excess CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
There are many more examples of worthy local businesses, from non-profit organisations to co-ops to fresh produce market stalls, where you can pick up a gift for your loved one whilst also supporting the shop owner. Don’t forget to scope out the regional markets for something hand-made or one-off, that your friends and family will appreciate even more for its uniqueness.
Donations to an organisation or fundraiser are always a great gesture of community care and support. Supporting local charities and groups that work on youth engagement through education, health, or the arts is a special way to give back. Or, sponsor charities that care for the most vulnerable in our community – consider what causes are most important to your friend or relative to make this gift more personal to them.
Some other gift ideas for your special someone that focus on making a positive community impact include donating a seat to your local theatre, participating in a local giving tree to send gifts to less fortunate children, or donating funds to life-changing initiatives that provide development opportunities to disengaged youth. If you’re gifting someone who spends a lot of time helping the community, these donations honour their hard work every year, and open up further support opportunities for those they’re so passionate about helping.
Memberships have become the norm in our modern day, and gifting one is a reward that really returns, sometimes every month. Local environmental conservation groups, cultural organisations, and art collectives are just a few examples of memberships you can give this holiday season. Supporting collectives such as The Darling Downs Textile Art Group helps keep their doors open whilst your loved one gets to develop a new skill or hobby..
Or, consider buying an experience gift. Instead of looking at large corporations and generic gift vouchers, purchase experience vouchers from innovative local suppliers such as ‘Give Me A Break’ that offer unique and unforgettable gifts, in this case through mystery travel packages – perfect for the friend who’s always up for an adventure.
There are more ways to specifically engage in a present that’s beneficial to the planet, whether it’s helping the Darling Downs region stay looking its best, or protecting the biodiversity community across Australia. Supporting organisations focused on saving the planet is a gift that also gives to future generations.
Organising a clean-up event in someone’s honour is a great way to bring people in your community together in the name of beautifying your local area. If you want to give the gift of forest restoration, organisations such as Greenfleet focus on planting native trees, protecting the local biosphere and natural koala habitats. The Wilderness Society supports a range of different climate initiatives focusing on conservation and ending deforestation. A membership gives you access to news and updates about local conservation campaigns, access to local centres and discounted merchandise.
If the person you’re buying for is more of an animal-lover, there are many sponsorship programs run through the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that allow you to adopt an endangered animal. These programs support the rehabilitation of threatened species whilst providing exclusive updates on their animal as well as an information pack, certificate, and sometimes a plush replica, making it a great choice for a younger recipient.
We hope this list has gifted you some ideas for what to present to your loved ones this holiday season. From supporting Toowoomba’s array of boutique shops to helping out the animal community, we’ve provided some positive-impact gifts to give to others, or to add to your own wishlist.
Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration to make your gift go further whilst visiting or spending your Christmas in Darling Downs, leaving a lasting positive impact on the wider community and spreading joy this holiday season.