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We are currently in the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean that you need to buy new stuff for everyone you know. Here are some suggestions by Isabel and Minttu of the Green Office circularity committee for non-material gifts to give to your friends and family this festive season:

Idea 1: Try a class together

This is a fun idea for something you can do together with your friend. Cooking, art, pottery, yoga, dance – there are tons of options for classes you can try depending on what you and your friend like. Getting a new skill as a present is actually pretty cool when you think about it.

Idea 2: Go on a walking tour

A walking tour is a fun way to discover a new city, or maybe even rediscover your own! There are plenty of walking tours organized in different cities, including Utrecht. Even though they are often technically free, you should still leave a tip which you can pay on behalf of your friend as well. Alternatively, you can plan a themed tour of your own and take your friend out on an adventure.

Idea 3: Offer your time and expertise

Does your sibling have small kids and need some alone time? Watch the kids for an afternoon! Did your friend’s shelf just break and you have some knowledge in woodworking? Help them fix it! Is your friend stressed out and tense? Give them a massage! There are plenty of little things you can do to help out the people around you and put a smile on their face.

Idea 4: Event tickets

Tickets to concerts, movies and museums may be the first thing most of us think of when hearing the term 'non-material gift', and indeed they are a classic that can’t go wrong. Choose something that you know your friend will love, or find something interesting that neither of you have seen before so that you can have fun experiencing something completely new.

Idea 5: Subscription to a streaming service, or audiobooks

Most of us are subscribed to some sort of internet service these days, so you can help your friend’s budget by contributing to their favourite form of entertainment. If you want to go the extra mile, you can create a playlist or a list of recommended series/books to go with this gift to add a touch of personalization.

This news item is part of a wider calendar of Green Office holiday tips, written by Green Office volunteers and staff.

The Green Office is where fresh hearts and minds come together to support Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's sustainable development.