Traditionally Christmas is the season to celebrate and rejoice but over the years this holiday has been commercialised to the point that it can lead to stress and financial anxiety for many. For others, the pressure on what to buy and from where can feel overwhelming.

Residing in Hong Kong with typically smaller living space can also mean that families are inundated with items they simply do not have the space for. So perhaps this year, more than any other, there is an opportunity to re-think how and what we gift. Fear not, I’m not going all bah humbug on you, I, like everyone else love to unwrap something special and take great pleasure in gifting to loved ones, seeing little faces light up and the smiles from friends when I’ve got it right is priceless. 

But as consumers we have more influence than we realise, by choosing how and where we spend our money, we really can make a difference.

2020 has been tough for us all in different ways but for many charities and small businesses it’s been a real struggle for survival, every dollar spent is a vote of confidence for a business so here are some recommendations on how you can really gift with impact this year. 

“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are”

Never has this Mason Cooly quote been so relevant.

English langue books can be expensive in Hong Kong so hurrah for Rebooked an online pre-loved platform for children’s books, all in excellent condition and costing as little as HK $10. This not for profit is founded and run by children for children, it’s an incredible example of what the younger generation are achieving. 

Climate change is something that is affecting us all and this book breaks down the complex subject for children, Sparky & Benny’s Big Home Mystery is a wonderful story about how climate change is impacting the two whales, it’s written by environmental scientist Janice Lao with her daughter and illustrated beautifully by Rhea Reburiano-Lajom. Available from Bookazine and Lion Rock Press.

Pekes, a preloved toy subscription box, is a perfect alternative to mountains of toys. Each month a collection of preloved and age appropriate toys, games, books, and puzzles will be delivered. As a huge fan of preloved everything, the zero toys to landfill initiative founded by an environmentalist and mother of two deeply resonated with me. 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a board game and this involuntary pairs game is a beautiful collaboration between Liina Klauss & Eco Marine and sold by Rilcreed the imagery highlights the severe problem we face with ocean plastic, all profits to environmental projects. 

Many in Hong Kong are raising their children as bilingual or multilingual like Hong Kong Mum Gaby Simmons who founded Tim Tom Tom a range of custom made, personalised, and bilingual books. You can choose your story and the hard back format make it a gift to treasure forever. 

If there something a little more expensive that your child really wants, why not ask friends and family to contribute towards it via the Two Presents initiative, which collects contributions from friends and family all over the world, you assign a percentage of the money gifted to charity, there are many to choose from the money is deposited into your account to buy the requested gift and they oversee the admin of your charity donation. It’s a great way for children to help others and receive that one big item they really want.  

If it is clothing you would love to gift then check out Hong Kong preloved success story, Retykle, a marketplace for designer children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories. With international brands a plenty and all in stunning condition any little one can be sustainably stylish this festive season.

If you prefer to shop in person their showroom in Wong Chuk Hang is a truly lovely retail experience, and while you are in the area you could pop along to Hula, a ladies wear version which is just stunning, being there is like I’d imagine being in the Vogue sample cupboard would be, a treasure trove of designer clothes in range of sizes and prices. Hula’s tag line is, From You. To us. To others with the name representing circularity and with a percentage of sales also going to charity, gifting from them really is making a sartorial impact.    

Listen to an interview with Hula founder Sarah Fung here.

2020 has been a hard year for everyone and for those who have not been able to see their families, the guilt of living overseas can be hard.

Many loved ones have missed out on time spent with children so why not gift a Cheeky Monkey Kids bespoke video, the idea is the brainchild of Hong Kong based film director, Joanna Bowers, (Writer, Director and Producer of The Helper) as a mother herself she realised how often we take phone videos of our family, capturing those special and perhaps more mundane moments throughout the year but then leave them in the abyss, rarely re watched. Cheeky Monkey Kids edit and add music, leaving you with a short video that encapsulates this unique year. There won’t be a dry eye opening this gift.   

Joanne Bowers featured on #impact Podcast here.

If you are a bit late on the Christmas card front then there is no shortage of options check out Love 21  a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of those with Down Syndrome, the cards have been hand drawn by their members. Or head to local family run independent, Lion rock Press’ website, (famous for original Hong Kong themed decorations and gifts ) who donate all profits from their seasonal cards and wrap to Mother’s Choice, a Hong Kong charity supporting children without families and pregnant teenagers, with a vision to see every child in Hong Kong with a loving forever family.  

Mother’s Choice CEO Alia Eyres featured in #impact’s latest story special here.

Given it is the season to be merry make your wine purchase count with a mixed case from Corney & Barrow who are donating 5% of your purchase using code to SoCO Hong Kong a charity working tirelessly for a fair and just social system here in Hong Kong. (Use code SOCO20)

And finally, how about gifting someone special a new skill, like Podcasting! The #impact Podcasting course is a fantastic gift for those who want to make their own impact and for each course sold they give one course and mentorship programme away for free. A recent recipient of this is Justice Centre Hong Kong, who are now working on an audio series amplifying the voices of refugees, asylum seekers and forced migrants in Hong Kong.

About the Author: Sheryl Bolden is an advocate for sustainable consumption, with an almost twenty year career in retail Buying and Sourcing she is passionate about sustainability, having worked for some of the biggest high street retailers. Sheryl is determined to become part of the solution and not the problem. She recently graduated from HKU after completing a Post Graduate certificate in Corporate and Social Responsibility. Sheryl is also a huge fan of Liverpool Football club, red wine and loves organising “Frock Swaps”, combining her love of pre-loved fashion and raising money for causes that matter in Hong Kong.