Humming and Ha-ing this holiday season?

Fellow mompreneur, Karen Randall from New & Green Baby cloth diapering asked me to write some content for her recent newsletter about gift giving considerations this holiday season and I thought I would share it with our blog readers as well.

Humming and Ha-ing this holiday season?  Here’s some tips we hope help you:

The main questions I ask when considering a purchase is “who makes it”, “where is it made” and “what is it made from”.  I have to feel good about the answers to each of these questions before I will proceed with my purchase.

I definitely look for items made in Canada or the US but will consider products that are ethically made or have been made with consideration to the environment as well as Fair Trade products from around the world.

Packaging is another huge consideration with a “less is more” preference.  I avoid plastic and twist ties like the plague and opt for no packaging or eco-friendly packaging and make sure all of the packaging is recyclable.  I also look at creative ways to wrap presents by re-using wrap from years gone by or getting creative with using gifts as packaging.  For example, wrapping another present in a backpack, or giving a piece of jewelry in a lunchbot or goodbyn container and the like.

Having seen lots of products since the birth of my eldest 4.5 years ago, I really look to buy less “things” and opt for higher quality (ie. usually a bit more expensive) items whether it be clothes, feeding products and toys because the old adage “you get what you pay for” still rings true and these items tend to last longer, wear better and can be passed down to future generations.  This cannot be said of all products on the market so definitely keep an eye out for good quality as it is worth it in the short and long run.

Another great way to reduce waste or unwanted gifts is to create and share a wishlist.  Make sure to include items in a variety of price ranges but this helps to channel those that mean well and want to get something for you or your children but at least this way, they are buying something you need or want.  Electronic gift cards are a really good option as well and are especially good for those that leave their shopping to the last minute!

It’s December 1st tomorrow.  If you haven’t started thinking about Christmas, my last tip would be start earlier rather than later.  We have already seen some very popular toys sell out for the year!

Have a fresh, healthy & fun day,
Sue

Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Become a fan:  http://www.facebook.com/RaspberryKids
More details:  http://www.raspberrykids.tel