LOOK FOR SUSTAINABLY MADE GIFTS

A quick scroll on Pinterest will show you that there are some clever folks out there making awesome things from materials that would otherwise have been biffed. Old sheets, timber offcuts, vintage suitcases, floorboards from broken-down baches… Where we may have seen trash, they see treasure. Seek out pressies made in a sustainable manner and feel good about doing your bit for the environment.

+ Saucy Box If someone you love likes a good condiment with their barbecue, this is a sure-fire way to brighten up their Christmas morning. A Saucy Box includes a bottle opener, utensil strap, toothpick compartment and, of course, all the sauces, oils and seasonings you need. Best of all, these handy boxes are made from recycled timber or timber offcuts and the leather straps are offcuts from old handbags. Get one for $189.90 from saucybox.co.nz.

+ No Brand New. Scan this directory of Kiwi businesses that provide products or services that are recycled, upcycled, restored or reinvented. We love the mosaic skulls made from vintage crockery by Flock Loves Art and the Mushama & Me raincoats made using old fabrics including sheets. nobrandnew.com

+ Sew Love. Search Etsy for this clever Raglanite who makes fanny packs (yep, they’re back), hooded poncho towels and surfboard covers using recycled fabrics.

But wait, there’s more: she sews them using solar power in Cecil, the solar-powered caravan! Sew cool. etsy.com/shop/SarahSewLove

+ Te Huia cushions. These gorgeous hand-stitched cushions are made from recycled fabric by members of local iwi in the Taumarunui area to help fundraise for youth to take part in the Inzone Educational project, which gives Maori and Pasifika young people the opportunity to live ‘in zone’ for high-performing schools in Auckland. The cushions are $64.50 from texanartschools.co.nz.