Oxfam Ireland Homepage
  • 3 mins read time
  • Published: 30th November 2021
  • Blog by Ben Clancy

5 CHARITABLE GIFT IDEAS TO MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MORE SPECIAL

Here are a few ways you can sprinkle some magic throughout the festive season - with charitable gifts and fun DIY projects. And how Oxfam can help.

The past two years have drastically changed the way we live our lives. And the way we celebrate holidays.
But we have an opportunity to rethink traditions, create new ones, and put the meaning back into Christmas like never before. Here are 5 ideas to help...

1. FEEL CLOSER (EVEN WHEN YOU’RE APART)

If you're going to be away from loved ones at Christmas, thoughtful gestures can help you feel closer.

You’ll also find thousands of unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts in the Oxfam Online Christmas Shop. Like amazing books and rare vinyl boxsets.

Or choose a charity gift you know will strike a chord. Whether your dad’s into gardening or your gran loves goats, Oxfam Unwrapped has ideas for everyone. Each charity gift card makes a real difference by helping people living in poverty.

2. HELP CHRISTMAS MEAN (EVEN) MORE

If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the power of acting together. The festive season is a great time to do just that, uniting to help others – even if you can’t meet in person.

Not sure what you’d like for Christmas? Shopping with Oxfam is a great and easy way to make a difference. When you shop with us, all the items you buy will help families living in poverty. Adding a donation when you shop is a great way to give more this Christmas.

Our products are ethical and sustainable, with a vast range of options that includes gifts, preloved fashion, homeware, and more!


"I'd buy myself this top, it’s so sparkly and perfect to wear at Christmas.” - Raphael Wong, Oxfam shop volunteer.
 

3. GIVE TO THE PLANET

Coronavirus hasn’t been the only issue on people’s minds in 2021. The recent COP26 conference sharing shocking statistics on the state of the natural world have put the climate crisis front and centre. No surprise then, that many people are finding new ways to lessen their environmental impact.

Thousands of you took part in Second Hand September – thank you.

There are many ways you can shop second hand beyond the month of September. Gifting second hand is just one way to enjoy an eco-friendly Christmas.

There is something for everyone, from unique home accessories to vintage collectables for history lovers. Want to send out a Christmas card to your loved ones? Check out our card range. To avoid waste, you can also reuse your wrapping paper or turn it into festive decorations or envelopes.

4. CREATE A NEW TRADITION

Why not start something new and doable? You could buy a camera and create a Christmas movie with all your special moments together. Start annual Christmas games or make your own chocolate treats. Or club together with relatives to buy a life-changing gift for a family in need. You can wear fun Christmas jumpers, make your own handmade cards or buy some Christmas tree seeds and start growing your own Christmas tree for next year!

5. MAKE YOUR HOME MAGICAL

If you’re spending most of the festive period at home, it’s a good excuse to make your surroundings feel extra special. Plenty of decorations, sparkle and hygge will help. Or treat yourself to some ethical decorations, like this lovely Sourced By Oxfam Handmade Bicycle Gold Work Decoration. Stock up on comforting treats too. Like these delicious white chocolate polar bears. Or these amazing amazing Medjoul dates to add to your cakes. And to make gift-giving feel extra special, why not try fabric knot wrapping, using recycled sari fabric instead of paper.