PLASTIC-FREE(ISH) STOCKING FILLERS
As a kid I LOVED getting a stocking. My mum would go a bit bonkers and it was huge, and full of some things that really should have been 'proper presents' and not simply part of the stocking. She even continued to do stockings for my brother and I until well into our 30's...
And I think all kids love a stocking don't they? They're like the Christmas Day equivalent of the excitement of a magazine with all the tat on the front. And in the same way, the things we put in them do have a tendency to be 'landfill in transit' -cheap, plastic tat that gives a few moments of excitement and joy, but that will almost undoubtedly be in the bin come Boxing Day.
Sooooo... if we still want the magic and excitement of a stocking waiting at the end of the bed, or by the fireplace come Christmas morning, how do we do it plastic-free? Or at least plastic-free(ish)?!
SECONDHAND FINDS
Keep your eyes peeled in your local charity shops for anything that might be suitable. Just bear in mind though, that plastic tat is still plastic tat, regardless of whether you've bought it new or secondhand (I made this mistake during our year buying nothing new and stocked up on all kinds of rubbish in the charity shops, and then still had to deal with it all come New Year...!)
- Colouring books (flick through and make sure none have been done
- Colouring pens/pencils (pencils have the edge on the eco front)
- Sticker books (again, flick through first to check that you're not going to have to try and explain why Santa and the elves seem to have helped themselves to some of the stickers..)
- Cuddly toys/dolls
- Reading books
- Toy cars
- Top Trumps
- Christmas jumpers
- Hats and gloves
- Jigsaws
As well as charity shops, keep an eye out in your local Freegle group, or in Facebook buy/sell/swap groups.
NEW BITS
Trying to ensure that stockings aren't rammed with plastic tat might mean that they're slightly lighter in the 'fun' stakes than in previous years, and might need a little conversation about how Santa is really upping his eco game, but hopefully there's still plenty to choose from!
- Books - Wild Tribe Heroes are a great series for any budding eco warriors
- Reusable water bottle
- Bamboo toothbrush or one with a replaceable head
- Ethical socks
- Pants - Ali at Tutti Frutti Clothing does THE comfiest pants all in organic gorgeous prints
- PJs
- Eco glitter
- Seedbombs
- Twig pencils - I LOVE these!
- Their favourite magazine
- Recycled notebooks
EDIBLES
- Chocolate coins
- Foil covered chocolate Santas (Lidl do fairtrade ones)
- Cardboard tubes of sweets
- The obligatory satsuma
- Play in choc - I found these a few weeks ago and have stocked up! They're like an ethical version of kinder eggs: organic chocolate in compostable packaging, with a fact card about an animal, and a 3D puzzle.
'OFF THE SHELF'
If the thought of scouring the charity shops, or visiting umpteen different sites is all too much to contemplate as we hurtle towards Christmas, here are some suggestions for online shops that specialise in plastic free party bag and stocking fillers:
Do you do stockings?
What do you put in?
And what have I missed out?
Let me know in the comments!
INTRODUCING THE CRAP-FREE CHRISTMAS COURSE!
Join me and a merry band of similarly challenged Crap-free Christmas wannabees as we dive into into the nitty gritty, the practicalities and the emotional minefields of a festive season with less crap and more joy!
