Ask recipients what they’d like

Rather than presuming, ask what people would like

Save waste by not surprising people with stuff they don’t really want. If you are looking for novelties and gifts to wrap, try pre-loved from Barnoldswick’s charity, vintage, book, plant and flower shops. For gifts that definitely won’t end up in landfill, you could give time and experiences – like meals out and vouchers/surprise bookings for local services – where the gift is time rather than stuff. How about gifting a taster session for someone to learn a new skill – like dancing, craft, cooking or art – all with local family businesses that struggled through covid and need our help.