to Give or What to Give

since the spring I have been doing the layout for Sevananda Coop’s monthly newspaper/newsletter. Of course I have always had much I’d like to SAY in such a publication but this is my first article and I’m fairly proud of it (: please note: contributions also from editor MM and copyeditor Rex

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By Emily Taff, Sevananda Working Member

Last year, my mom suggested my three siblings and I have a gift-free Christmas. We were all grieving the loss of family members who recently had died, and I know she was dreading the melee of holiday shopping. But the four of us successfully protested; by taking away the chance for us to give to each other, we would’ve been denied the opportunity to consider each loved one that was still with us. I enjoy thinking about friends and family members on my list and considering what they would like. It’s exciting to find a present I know will thrill those I love, whether it’s a pair of socks, a book, or a piece of art. The process requires me to consider not my needs and values, but theirs. Gift giving, at its best, is a selfless activity that forces us to think outside our own narrow desires and concerns and should be an important part of our lives whether we celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, or any other celebration during the year.

By giving gifts, we partake in a ritual that demonstrates we care. This expression makes us, the giver, feel useful, loving and just downright good. Gift giving is an important part of human interaction and defines relationships and strengthens our connections to those we love . Frequently, it is the giver who reaps the biggest benefits. This is why, while it seems reasonable to cut back on spending and our consumerism during the heavily marketed holidays, banning gift exchange completely may not be the best solution.

While some promoters of gift-gifting during the holidays promulgate an insidious consumerism that creates stress and is detrimental to the environment, there are plenty of opportunities for gifts that are meaningful for the receiver and take our impact on the earth into consideration. Gifts do not have to be grabbed from the crazy throngs of holiday peddlers, nor does giving necessitate our participation in the ever-expanding consumption of goods. We can buy conscientiously. We can make and bake our gifts. And we can make ourselves and those around us feel good! Here are some thoughts on how to do that:

Buy Conscientiously
Choose gifts that illustrate your commitment to sustainable living by reducing your impact on the planet and supporting causes that are meaningful to you.
• Organic herbal teas and fair-trade coffees are perfect gifts for most people. They don’t clutter homes because the recipient consumes them. In addition, you and your loved one can enjoy these goods knowing that your dollars support sustainable businesses.
• Support disadvantaged artisans in developing countries by purchasing gifts such as jewelry, stationery, musical instruments, and household goods from companies and stores that provide a market for their wares such as Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com).
• Give gifts made of reused and recycled materials. Stores such as the Re-Inspiration store on Atlanta’s Westside (www.reinspirationstore.com), offer art and products made primarily by local designers with found materials.
• Local handmade products are also available directly from the artisans at markets across the city and permanent marketplaces such as the beehive boutique in the Edgewood shopping center (www.thebeehiveatl.com).
• If the support of artists and craftsmen closer to home interests you, shop on www.etsy.com, where goods are created from scratch or repaired and decorated for great recycled gifts.

Make or Bake Your Gifts
Of course, there are still many ways to give without buying a darned thing (except maybe ingredients from your favorite co-op!). Check out these ideas and look for others at www.buynothingchristmas.org.
• Get into the kitchen! Create delicious homemade treats like fudge, cheese straws, breads, preserves, or even premix the dry ingredients for breads and other baked goods.
• Make your own gifts out of reused materials such as hand-stitched books and journals http://www.homemadegiftguru.com/homemade-journal.html.
• Create cards and enclose a poem for someone.

Gifts of Your Labor
• How about providing a friend with a voucher for your labor. For example, you may provide babysitting services, house cleaning, or help turning the soil in your recipient’s garden. My nerdy brother once gave everyone a ticket for a “free computer check up!” or “hard drive backup!”

Gift Certificates
• How about a meal at an organic good restaurant or a health spa?
• Museum or other arts organizations offer memberships that will allow your friends and family to take advantage or free events over the course of an entire year.

Re-gift
• Pass along a gift to you to someone who might appreciate it more. While a faux pas to some, what’s wrong with re-gifting items if they will delight the recipient?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, make sure your recipient knows the thought and the values that went into their gift. Giving is an opportunity to share your ideals with others, and to identify and promote common goals and ideas. Here, without preaching, you are able to pass on the ethics that matter to you, doing your part to make this world a healthier place. Doesn’t THAT make you feel good?!

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