Our Favourite Sustainable Gifts - Hong Kong Edition

As Christmas is fast approaching, we have done a quick roundup of our favourite sustainable gifts. Suitable for all the family these ideas are not only more eco-friendly but can provide a much more thoughtful and personalised gift to the ones you love. Many are great last-minute options as well if you are running out of time to finish your Christmas shopping!

1. Ocean Park Annual Pass - Gifting experiences are the best way to reduce your gift’s environmental footprint and what better way than an annual pass at Ocean Park. There is a never-ending list of attractions to visit, and it is a great way to get the family outside and closer to nature. For those with a more adventurous side an annual pass will provide access to all the rides as well as some behind the scenes animal tours. Find out more here.
   
   
   
   
2. Children cooking classes with @cooking_with_alix - Retykle Ambassador, Alix Delahaye, offers private kids cooking classes starting from two years old. Your children are never too young to start learning how to play with and then cook their food. Understanding where your food comes from is also a great way to install a more eco-conscious mindset in young children. Alix will come to you or any preferred location and is happy to teach 1:1 or in a group setting. Simply message her on IG for more details.  
   
   
   
3. Crochet Gifts from @cuddle_me_this_cuddle_me_that - Eileen Ho uses donated yarn and upcycled materials to create fun and cuddly accessories. We love her crochet soft toys that are beautiful to look at as well as fun to play with. All the proceeds of Eileen’s sales go to Impact HK, a charity that helps the homeless so any purchases will not only help to minimise waste but also do good for your local community.
   
   
4. Gift homemade treats - if you love baking sweet treats then this is definitely one for you! Purchase secondhand jars at any thrift store/charity shop and fill them with homemade goodies. Not only will it allow you to put your creative juices into action in the kitchen, but you will also score extra bonus points for creating such a delicious gift yourself. 
   
   
   
   
5. Hong Kong Wildlife Bingo - We love this family Hong Kong Wildlife Bingo game by the Lion Rock Press. Carefully curated and beautifully hand-illustrated, the game celebrates the incredible breadth of species we have here in Hong Kong. Players will end up learning the names and behaviours of some of the most fascinating wildlife in the territory. The game is completely plastic free and fully recyclable as well, earning top marks in sustainability credentials. Find out more here.
   
   
   
   
6. Staycation at Gold Coast Hotel - Treat the whole family to a staycation at the Gold Coast Hotel. With different kid-themed rooms to choose from this really will be a staycation to remember. Kids can go “glamping under the stars” in the Glamping Starry suite or be taken on an adventure to outer space. Alternatively, option for the Green Upcycled room and be impressed with how creative and beautiful upcycling can be. Book here.
   
   
7. Gift an experience package - for more experience gift ideas check out this site here. This one stop shop will help you organise art and craft classes, ukulele lessons, motocross for beginners or simple cooking classes. Other great ideas could include skateboarding lessons or rock climbing. The options are endless once you consider the hobbies your children are most interested in. 
   
   
   
   
8. New, past season fashion from retykle.com - keep past season items in circulation and out of landfill by purchasing “New with Tag” items from Retykle. At up to 60% off original retail price, you can find your favourite brands at considerable discounts. By finding a new home for these items, you are not only making a more eco-friendly choice but also easing the impact on your wallet! Can’t decide what clothes to gift? Then opt for a Retykle Gift Card instead and let the recipient choose their favourite pieces! Shop our new with tags collection here.
   
   
9. Back to nature - any gifts that will encourage greater time outdoors is always a great way to help kids connect with nature and become more sustainably minded. Perhaps some binoculars, a headlamp or binoculars will give your mini-explorer the incentive they need for greater adventures outdoors. Alternatively bring nature closer to you by purchasing a bird feeder that you can install in a suitable area close to your home. Your tykes will be amazed at what birds come by for a bite to eat. You can even turn it into a game by creating a list of birds your child needs to spot before ticking it off.
   
   
   
10. Books on sustainability/nature - there is nothing more powerful than bringing an issue to life through storytelling. Help raise our future eco-warriors by gifting them books about nature and sustainability. For book recommendations check out our list here with the favourite stories our Ambassadors like to read to their children.