#BlackFriday is the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

Here's a counteroffer...
13 GIFT IDEAS that do not involve buying *more stuff*.

If you're scared about climate change, turn that fear into something positive and consider different kinds of presents.

*There are not all perfectly eco-friendly, but they're alternatives to amassing more stuff.

*These are not one-size-fits-all kinda presents. Ask your loved ones what they'd like. Sure, you lose the surprise element, but you gain giving a gift they truly want/need.

1) MEMBERSHIPS — Indie movie theatres / ROM / AGO / Netflix / Crave / Spotify / Audible / digital subscription to a newspaper or magazine. Last year, I upgraded my Apple Music to a family account and gifted away the other spots.

2) TICKETS — Theatre / concerts / sports / comedy / dance / movies / festivals like HotDocs or JFL, the list goes on forever. Even better: buy two tickets and go together.

3) CLASSES — http://Masterclass.com  / cooking, music, or dance lessons / a paint night / exercise / personal training. Ask the person if there's an app they want. There are a lot of health / wellness / work-out apps but they have monthly fees a lot of people can't afford.

4) BODY / SOUL — Gift cards for haircuts / spa services / mani pedi / massage / Float / BodyBlitz / yoga / meditation / a voucher for a house cleaner.

5) GIFT CARDS FOR BASICS — Especially for a young person or an artist, a gift card for groceries or a fully-loaded transit pass is something they'll use immediately. You're decreasing their financial stress and hopefully it'll free up some $$ so they can treat themselves.

6) RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS — Extra points if the restaurant uses local ingredients and has vegetarian options. Indie coffee shops (Starbucks doesn't need your money). Wine, beer, and cider tastings!

7) CSA BASKET — I know meal kit subscriptions are popular, but there’s a lot of packaging and waste. CSA baskets may not fit everyone's lifestyle, but it's an awesome gift that supports local farmers.

8) TRAVEL & CARBON OFF-SET —  Gift cards for planes, trains, and AirBnB — or buy them some carbon offset. If they’re a young parent, a night’s stay at a hotel with an offer to babysit.

9) RANDOM FUN THINGS — When's the last time you went bowling? Strawberry or apple picking? Played pool? Indoor rock climbing? Paint-your-own pottery? Escape room? Give gift cards so they can do fun stuff.

10) BUY THEM BEES — My friend works for this company and they're incredible (and Canadian). They install a beehive, help you care for it, and process your honey. It's not cheap, but very cool.  https://www.alveole.buzz/en/ 

11) CUSTOM PLAYLIST — The modern mixed tape and it'll cost you nothing. Have fun and be specific re: the playlist's theme: "I made you this playlist for when you're running... entertaining guests over the holidays... smashing the patriarchy" etc.

12) YOUR ENERGY — What are your skills? Offer your time to help someone you love back up a computer, download books for free from the library, fix something around the house, garden, cook, paint a room, make jam, WHATEVER. Your mom probably doesn't need another sweater.

13) CASH — You can always say "this is money to spend on _____". If the person uses it to pay off their phone bill. So be it. If you're buying for a kid: a savings bond. My grandparents did this for me and I received them all when I left for university. I was shocked.

Please add more ideas! xo