Even though we try really hard, sometimes, Christmas gifting can drift into dust-collecting territory. But it doesn’t have to. No matter who you’re shopping for, here’s something better: meaningful, ethical, feel-good Christmas gift ideas that won’t end up at the back of the cupboard.
And before we get into the list… Meet Oxfam Unwrapped, the punniest charity gift cards on the planet — and the easiest way to give something real.
Each card supports Oxfam’s work tackling the inequality that fuels poverty and helps communities build stronger futures. Clean water, climate action, women’s leadership. And yes, even a goat.
Ready to find something thoughtful, practical and a little unexpected? Let’s unwrap some ideas.
Experience gifts (for the “I don’t need anything” people)
Unique Christmas gifts for adults don’t need to be things. Experiences are special and they fit pretty much everyone (even your minimalist cousin).
1. A cooking class with local produce
A hands-on cooking workshop that uses local, seasonal ingredients. Let them make new recipes instead of space on the shelf. Even better if you get to taste test.
2. A pottery, painting or craft workshop
Creative experiences are trending, and for good reason: adults rarely get structured time to play. Choose a local maker or a small studio that runs online classes.
3. A guided hike or outdoor micro-adventure
Gift a voucher for a local nature experience (think: bushwalking tour, birdwatching, astronomy). Climate-kind, grounding, and screen-free: tick.
4. A massage or wellness treatment
Find local practitioners, ethically run clinics, or at-home vouchers. Now that we’re all grown-ups, a quiet hour can be the greatest luxury.
5. A tickets-to-anything moment
Comedy, theatre, a gallery opening, a gig, or a local festival. Experiences support local creatives and take up no cupboard space.
Ethical and meaningful gifts (high-impact + low clutter)
These Christmas gift ideas are for the socially conscious in your circle, or just the person who doesn’t want another multi-tool (they're probably still figuring out the last one).
6. An Oxfam Unwrapped card
A punny, purpose-packed gift that funds long-term community-led work. Choose from clean water, climate action, food security, women’s leadership and more — all wrapped in a brilliantly cheeky card. A guaranteed quack up.
Image suggestion: Christmas duck
7. A climate-conscious donation in their name
Pick an organisation you know they care about and donate on their behalf. Pair it with a small handmade card so there’s something to open (if you have kids, this is a rare moment where you can ethically put them to work).
8. A “giving table” moment
Set up a simple table at your family Christmas lunch with different donation cards or envelopes. Each person chooses the cause they’d like their gift to support. Keep it light, meaningful — and remarkably tidy.
9. A trio of charity chickens (yes, really)
The Christmas Chickens card from Oxfam Unwrapped is a crowd favourite. It’s funny, useful and supports people to lift themselves out of poverty.
10. A community-supported agriculture subscription
Gift a weekly or fortnightly box from a local regenerative farm. Fresh, seasonal, delicious and (best of all) it contributes to food security in your very own backyard.
Personalised (and truly thoughtful) gifts
These next five Christmas present ideas punch above their weight — low cost, low waste, but the warm and fuzzies run deep.
11. A handwritten recipe book from friends or family
Collect favourite recipes from people your giftee loves and bind them simply. It’s meaningful and guaranteed to be enjoyed. Bonus points if you can share some of the eating all together.
12. A framed print of a place they care about
Think: local artist, recycled timber frame, minimal materials. Can you add a note about a shared memory of the place? Art meets heart.
13. A personalised playlist
Curate a playlist for a memory — a trip, a year, a relationship, a theme. Simple, nostalgic and absolutely free.
14. A custom video message from family or friends
Gather a few people and film short “here’s what we love about you” clips. Zero waste, maximum delight. This one is guaranteed to bring the feels.
15. A DIY voucher for help with something real
Dog-sitting, plant-watering, childcare, tech help, baking lessons, garden weeding. Adults love practical generosity.
Interest-based (and ethical) gifts
Here are some unique Christmas gift ideas based on things they love to do. Mass-produced gear is easy to get, but try to go for items that support learning, creativity or local makers.
16. A guided Aboriginal Cultural Walking Tour
For your nature-obsessed friend. Support local guides and learn about the world's oldest living culture — their history, traditions and lifestyle. and deepen connection to Country.
17. A puzzle or board game from a local creator
Avoid big-box brands and support small designers making clever, low-waste games.
18. Art supplies from ethical brands
Think watercolours, recycled sketchbooks, natural inks. Perfect for the quietly-creative grown-up.
19. A herb-growing kit (low waste only)
Choose one with compostable pots, local seeds, and no plastic extras. Nothing gimmicky — just real herbs. You could pair this one with the handmade recipe collection or the local agriculture subscription for a larger Christmas gift.
20. A local workshop: fermentation, woodworking, weaving
Do your friends or family love learning something new? Skill-based gifts are lots of fun. And they support local craftspeople.
Pampering & lifestyle gifts (cosy, thoughtful, not mass-produced)
Some of the best Christmas gift ideas simply encourage someone to slow down. But cosy doesn’t have to mean plastic-wrapped.
21. A handmade blanket or quilt
Support a local maker or choose second-hand. Warm, personal and designed to last.
22. A fairtrade hot chocolate set or coffee bundle with mug
Pair fairtrade hot choccie or coffee beans with a handmade mug and a copy of one of your favourite books (if you think they’ll enjoy it too). Ethical and delicious.
23. A natural spa-at-home kit
Think reusable jars, simple ingredients, local makers. Avoid animal-tested or over-packaged sets. You could even have a go at making your own coffee scrub.
24. A sustainable weekender bag
Choose recycled materials or ethically made options. Great for travellers, campers and spontaneous road-trippers.
25. A gourmet hamper (ethical edition)
Curate a box with things like local honey, fairtrade chocolate, and small-batch jams or chutneys. All of the foodie delights and none of the single-use plastics.
Practical Christmas gift ideas (the useful kind)
These next ideas are adulting-friendly and genuinely helpful.
26. A stylish, long-lasting laptop sleeve
Choose recycled felt, upcycled leather, or a small ethical maker.
27. A repair kit (bike, clothing, or tech)
For the fixer in your life. Keep items in use longer — it's planet-friendly and satisfying.
28. Reusable everything kit
A curated bundle of items they’ll use all year: produce bags, a thermos, beeswax wraps, all wrapped up in a sturdy tote.
29. A home energy audit voucher
A practical, climate-positive gift for people wanting to save power. Many councils and energy companies offer home energy assessments.
If you can find out who their energy retailer is, see if it's something you can purchase and gift like a voucher. Check their local council page, too.
If that's a bit tricky to book and pay for without them, try printing out the service offering and creating your own voucher (kids are great helpers here).
30. A local gym or yoga class pass
Healthier than a novelty jogger’s gadget and supports local fitness instructors.
Stocking stuffers (small, fun, ethical)
Tiny gifts that don’t become tomorrow’s clutter.
31. Fair-trade chocolate or coffee
Slip them a bag of fairtrade beans direct from ethical producers. Always appreciated. Always consumed.
32. A pocket-sized puzzle or mini game
Support small designers or choose second-hand.
33. A handmade ornament (recycled materials only)
Think fabric scraps, wood offcuts, or pressed flowers. If you can tie your choice of materials into a shared memory, it definitely brings the “Aw” factor.
34. A tiny plant
Local nursery. Easy to care for. Brings joy long after Christmas is over. Even better if you can pot up a cutting from your own garden.
35. An Oxfam Unwrapped card
A classic. Light-hearted, pun-filled and more interesting than novelty socks. What’s not to love about a Christmas goat?
Ready to wrap things up?
If you’re hoping to make Christmas feel a little lighter and a lot more meaningful, Oxfam Unwrapped is an easy place to start.
Each card supports Oxfam’s work fighting inequality, responding to humanitarian crises and helping communities build strong, lasting futures. Clean water, climate action, food security, women’s leadership. It’s all part of the work your gift supports.
Explore the full Christmas collection, read about how to ask for donations as Christmas gifts this year, or dive into our gift guide for someone who has everything or 7 fun and charitable gifts for even more gift inspiration.
Give what matters. Skip what doesn’t. And enjoy a reel-y punny Christmas that does a little more good.
And one last thing — once you’ve got your gifting sorted out, maybe you could try one of these Christmas gift exchange games.
