Gifts (etc.) to Buy

1. Items that people need anyway – If a plain pair of socks seems boring, give a “special” pair of socks. Giving items that the recipient needs anyway lightens the impact on the environment. You can make an item extra-special by purchasing a luxurious version or by making it yourself.

2. Local craft fairs – Shopping at local craft shows help local artists and can reduce the environmental costs of long-distance transportation. Buying functional pieces means that the gift plays both artistic and functional roles.

Here are some that we know about in the Calgary area:

The Arusha Centre is holding a Calgary Dollars Holiday Market on Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 pm at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association, 1320 - 5 Ave. N.W. (just down the street from the church). For more information, here is the poster:

http://arusha.org/event/8878

The Ploughshares Peace Fair is on November 17, 2007 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at St. David’s United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill Cres. NW. For more information please visit http://www.ploughsharescalgary.ca/. Crafts & fair trade articles will be available.

Looking for a unique and affordable gift for a loved one this Christmas? Come to L’Arche Calgary’s Annual Christmas Sale on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm. Sale items include paintings, aprons, Christmas cards, and various arts and crafts made in the Day Program. [Note: l'Arche was formed by Jean Vanier, who was mentioned in John's sermon on Nov. 4].

3. Fair-trade and organic products – The “fair trade” label on products suggests that producers (primarily from less wealthy countries) have been paid a fair price for their product. In Canada many of us love to indulge in chocolate and coffee – buying free-trade organic options makes these pleasures a little less “guilty” because it guarantees that producers are fairly paid, allowing them to re-invest in their land . These products can be purchased at many places, including

Ten Thousand Villages (220 Crowchild Trail NW)

also, check for where various items are available at:
members.shaw.ca/calgarynosweat/fairtrade_nosweat_list.htm

The Centre for Public Interest Accounting at the Haskayne School of Business (U of C) is putting on Fair Trade Week 2007 with major events from Nov. 20 to Nov. 24.

Check out their fairly traded market day - support fair trade vendors as they expose diverse and rich products coming from all over the world.

Sat, Nov. 24, 2007
10am to 4pm
Westgate Community Hall
4943 - 8th Ave. S.W.

Here's the page for their whole list of Fair Trade Week activities:
www.ucalgary.ca/cpia/web/future_events.html

And speaking of Fair Trade and Organic products, we can't forget the United Church's own WonderCafe Fair Trade Organic Coffee; it's really a promotion for the Wondercafe website, along with mugs, t-shirts, disposable cups and sleeves, but for the right person, it could be just the thing: www.emergingspirit.ca/~emerging/wondercafe_products

4. You can reduce waste from wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tape by opting for gift bags, tea towels or nice boxes, which are eco-friendly. Wrap gifts in newspaper, maps, scarves or interesting clothing.

5. Older folks - Don't sweat the presents for them. In my experience, they really want to spend time with you more than anything. Pictures with them and the kids sent later seem to be big hits as well as their favorite foods. It's good for the kids to be along on these visits, ultimately everyone gets something out of it; the kids get a sense of Christmas being more than "more stuff" and the older folks get - just what they wished for, your presence. (This suggestion is doubled up in the "Gifts to Make" section, too.)

6. Wider giving in someone's name/honour - see the "Wider Giving" section for a list of donations that can be made in various ways; some of these are very concrete, such as buying goats, mosquito nets, etc. and allow you to give friend/relative a card which announces the item you have bought on their behalf.