Each year, millions of dollars worth of Christmas gifts end up in landfills: This is what you can do to help

Christmas time is drawing closer, and while it's supposedly the happiest time of year, it also turns out to be one of the most wasteful.

Each year, Aussies spend big on presents, whether they're heading to the shopping centre or getting them delivered to the front door.

But the Australia Institute reports that approximately $1 billion worth of Christmas gifts are never used, with a large percentage eventually ending up in landfill.

So, this year, rather than wasting your time walking around the shopping centre in search of a gift that your friend or family may or may not throw in the bin, why not give something that gives back?

Gift a good deed

Thanks to World Vision, $60 can make for a meaningful gift.

By purchasing the gift of clean drinking water through World Vision, you and your recipient can wake up on Christmas morning with the knowledge that you've contributed 10,000 litres of clean water each day.

Along with providing clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes, you'll also be contributing to children's education.

When clean drinking water is provided, they can attend school instead of fetching water.

You can also choose how to gift, with the option to have no card and simply inform your recipient, or you can choose from a print-at-home, emailed or delivered card.

Help save the planet

Why not pick up some gorgeous jewellery and help save the planet while you're at it?

Bands of Courage has a range of jewellery inspired by the world's endangered animals, with each band planting 10 mangrove trees and recycling three tonnes of CO2.

Along with the jewellery, you'll be able to gift an endangered animal gift card, telling your recipient all about the chosen animal, with space to write a short note.

You'll also get a 10-tree planting certificate with information on where they're planted and how much CO2 you've recycled.

You can even add your recipient's name to the certificate, dedicating the trees as part of your gift!

Invest in eco-friendly cosmetics

If you're shopping for someone who not only cares about the cosmetics they put on their body but also the impact those cosmetics have on the environment, then eco-friendly cosmetics might make the perfect gift.

Popular brands such as Aesop are globally recognised for their top-quality products and sustainability efforts, including a glass bottle refill trial!

Look for organic vegan ingredients in products that are not tested on animals, with packaging made from recycled plastics.

Shop sustainably

Not only will avoiding fast fashion mean that the clothing you purchase will likely be higher quality, but you can also sleep a little easier knowing you're doing your part for the environment.

If you have a fashionista friend or family member, some high-quality, sustainable fashion could be the way to go!

Brands such as Assembly Label, Bassike and With Jéan are all great options, with efforts including ensuring fair wages and working conditions, partnering with artisan sewers and creators from small family-run businesses, using certified organic cottons and linens, and making efforts to reduce carbon emissions across retail stores, global freight and print and packaging.

Support a small business

If you're shopping for someone who is a little picky, the best way to go is to get them something personalised or unique.

If you take a look at online marketplaces such as Etsy or head to your local community markets, you're bound to find a beautiful handmade gift that your loved one is sure to cherish!

Invest in education

If you're shopping for little ones, try to avoid the toy of the moment that will be forgotten about in six months.

Instead, invest in a fun and educational toy that will last a little longer and help make the world a little better for future generations.

Think something that sparks curiosity, like a pocket microscope to investigate insects, an experimental weather science kit to learn about climate change, or maybe even some Lego animal sets to learn about endangered species!

Produced in partnership with World Vision.