SUSTAINABLE STOCKING STUFFERS

From NEWS CANADA

Racking your brain to come up with gift ideas for loved ones during the holidays can be tricky at the best of times. It becomes harder still with lingering fears around socializing and people nervous about entering busy malls to source gifts.

Why not give back to the earth and introduce family members and friends to more sustainable practices? This is especially important during a time of over-consumption.

Here are ways to make stockings a little greener this season:

For the lover of goodies. Try stainless steel straws, organic cotton produce bags and clothing, a new coffee mug or water bottle. Consider making a green theme, adding a variety of sustainable options for someone to use every day.

For the cook. Give them the tools they need to really shine in the kitchen. Support a local farmer in your area even in the winter by purchasing organic honey, which is full of phytochemicals that can protect from free-radical damage.

Beeswax products, such as candles, cosmetics and reusable food wraps, are unique gifts that have no harsh plastics or additives.

Take it up a notch and inspire them to use less dairy-rich ingredients by adding in a shelf-stable alternative such as coconut oil to use while whipping up favourite recipes.

For the adventurer. Eliminate gift-giving and plan an activity that will bring you closer, leaving the gift wrap and bags at the door. 

Head to a local Canadian Health Food Association retailer to find a wide selection of natural and sustainable gift items to introduce to family and friends that are safe and chemical-free.

Give the gift of local. Spread joy with all the good things grown and made in Ontario. This can simplify your preparations and support local businesses and farmers across the province.

Ontario MPP Ernie Hardeman is encouraging everyone to choose local Ontario foods, beverages and products as a part of their festivities.

“When you celebrate this holiday season, I encourage you to support hardworking Ontario farmers by choosing Ontario grown and made food for your family, friends and all your loved ones,” said Hardeman. “Giving the gift of local this holiday supports our farmers, our producers and our economy.”

It’s easy to infuse your holiday plans with locally grown and made food and beverages. A few fun ideas include:

Shopping for local turkey, prime rib and vegetables at a farmers’ market, on-farm markets, butcher shops and grocery stores.

Decorating your home with fresh, seasonal greenery and flowers.

Picking up delicious treats like Ontario maple syrup and honey for easy hosting gifts.

Meeting with friends at restaurants dedicated to local fare.

Indulging with locally made delectable treats like Ferrero Rocher or local baked goods.

Ontario-grown Christmas trees are another way you can buy local this season. Visit a Christmas Tree Farm and choose a spruce, pine or fir to bring home this holiday season.

And plan ahead so your holiday spending doesn’t spiral out of control

This is always an exciting time of year, but that excitement can be dampened by worry if you’re facing a financial shortfall.

Here are ways you can prepare for the holidays without breaking the bank. 

Party planning. Instead of meeting friends at a restaurant or bar, consider hosting a low-key potluck at home. You could even set up a rotation schedule for hosting key holidays throughout the year. 

Gifts from the heart. Are you a painter, knitter, or have some other crafting hobby? If so, rather than buying presents for friends and family, make your own gifts. Wherever possible, put a personalized spin on things. And rather than having to buy gifts for all of your friends and family, encourage them to join in on Secret Santa exchanges. 

Charitable giving. There’s always a big push to make charitable donations over the holiday season. If you are able to donate to a registered charity, you’ll get a receipt that will earn you an income tax deduction in the spring. 

Set a budget. The only way you’ll know how much money you’re spending is to create a budget that tracks all of your expenses, big and small. Yet less than half of all Canadians have a budget.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Money Matters program can show you how to create one.

The program also offers other free money management resources, including workbooks, activities and workshops.

Foodland Ontario has the latest recipes and entertaining tips on to celebrate the holiday season.

Find your nearest location at chfa.ca.

Learn more about managing your budget at abcmoneymatters.ca.