This holiday season, give gifts that really make a difference

As the festive season approaches, Australians are increasingly choosing gifts that do good, transforming the holidays from a season of excess to one of generosity, sustainability and social change. From supporting First Nations businesses and ethical brands to giving directly through charity cards or attending community events, here are our suggestions for making every gift impactful.

One simple way to give with purpose is through International Justice Mission (IJM) Australia’s “Gifts of Freedom” range, supporting the organisation’s mission to end modern slavery and human trafficking. Their Christmas cards, handmade by children who have survived trafficking, contribute directly to IJM’s work rescuing victims and restoring survivors’ lives, a meaningful alternative to store-bought options.

For eco-conscious shoppers, Banish, a B Corp–certified online store, takes in difficult to recycle waste and turns it into a wide range of recycled Christmas decorations and gifts such as garden tools and salad servers. The Ethinvest team is a proud user of the Banish Recycling and Disposal Program (BRAD) that takes waste we can’t put in our curb-side recycling bin such as toothpaste tubes, make up containers, bread ties and medicine blister packs. Founder Lottie Dalziel and her team turn this into beautiful products to use and give. She says her goal is to help Australians “reduce waste without compromising on the joy of giving,” proving that festive decorations and giving don’t have to mean more landfill.

Supporting First Nations businesses is another powerful way to give and give back. Brands such as Kakadu Plum Co, Mabu Mabu, and Indigiearth offer beautifully curated food, wellness and lifestyle products rooted in Indigenous ingredients, art and storytelling. Kakadu Plum Co’s native bushfoods gift sets, Mabu Mabu’s pantry staples and cookbooks and Indigiearth’s eco-luxe home and spa ranges showcase the depth and creativity of Indigenous enterprise while supporting economic self-determination.

How about beautiful jewellery made from recycled cluster bomb fragments from Laos, a country still suffering the impacts of the Vietnam War? Check out the striking LOVEbomb collection of silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings made by Sacred by Design. The company is part of the growing social enterprise movement and donates a percentage of annual sales to the local Laotian community they source from, for improved education and sanitation.

And don’t forget Tearfund’s Really Useful Gift Cards supporting everything from keeping a girl learning and providing toilets in developing countries to training teachers and providing farmer starter kits. For as little as $5, Tearfund can make a real difference to communities in need.

Those seeking to connect with the community spirit of Christmas can also donate by attending holiday charity events. Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne — their largest annual fundraiser for vision-impaired children — and The Salvation Army Carols in the Domain in Sydney — raising money for the homeless and youth support — are two of the biggest Australian charity events of the year. Organisations around the country also offer ways Australians can donate food, toys or funds to support those in need during the holidays. Here’s where to find a giving program near you this Christmas.

Whether it’s a handcrafted First Nations gift, a recycled plastic tree decoration or a donation that changes a life, Australians have more options than ever to give generously — and consciously — this holiday season. As IJM’s team tells supporters, “The best gifts don’t just bring joy to those who receive them, they bring freedom, hope and renewal to those who need it most.”