Make your Christmas shopping meaningful by supporting small businesses, cutting down on waste and giving people presents that they will actually use…
There is no doubt that 2020 has been a rough year, whoever and wherever you are in the world. In the grand scheme of things, Christmas might not seem at all important, but may be a wonderful opportunity to make some positive memories as we leave 2020 behind us.
We’ve put together some ideas to brighten up your festive period. From sustainable wrapping solutions, to gifts that don’t break the bank, or our planet…all to help you show the woodwind or brass musician in your life how much you care for them.
WRAPPING PAPER
As beautiful as it looks, the majority of wrapping paper is not recyclable, especially the rolls that are covered in glitter and lined in plastic. Whether it’s recyclable or not, most wrapping paper ends up in landfill at the end of its life. Furthermore, it’s thin and often full of ink, making it tricky to extract fibres from during recycling.
The good news is that you can still give beautifully wrapped gifts, without having to go out and buy wrapping paper. Think about using the following:
- Old sheet music
- Saved wrapping paper from gifts you’ve received
- Newspapers and magazines
- Brown paper from packages you’ve received
- A tea towel or scarf
Another swap we’d recommend is using washi tape, rather than transparent tape, as this is made from natural fibres that can be recycled!
CHRISTMAS CARDS
The eco-friendliest way to deliver festive cheer is to hand-deliver your festive greetings, or send an e-card. Having said that, there is nothing quite like getting a hand-written message from someone, particularly this year.
Here are a few tips to make your festive messages more sustainable:
- Opt for Christmas cards from sustainably sourced or recycled paper, and steer well clear of the glittery ones
- Consider making your own cards which will not only cut down on packaging, but also give you something to do if you’re stuck in Tier 2 or 3
- In a year where Charities have really struggled, consider buying cards which give back. We particularly like these ones from Help Musicians UK
- One of our colleagues, Hannah, cuts the front off Christmas cards she’s received, and uses them as postcards the following year!
FREE GIFTS
When writing this year’s gift guide, we wanted to be mindful of the challenges people have faced this year, including financially. We firmly believe that you can show someone that you’re thinking of them without spending any money at all.
Here are a few ideas we’ve come up with, which show you care more than any purchased gift ever will:
If you’re reading this blog, it’s highly likely that you possess some pretty impressive musical talents. Why not surprise your family, housemates, or neighbours with an impromptu Christmas concert?! Just hang some fairy lights up, stick on a santa hat, and whip out that Christmas tune book that’s been lurking at the back of your cupboard all year! You could even have an online stream to family and friends who won’t be able to with you in person this year…
Seeing as 2020 has been THE year of multi-track videos, why not create one to send out to your friends, families and colleagues? With plenty of guides out there for putting your video together, or aps that do the hard work for you…all you need is your instruments and a festive tune you enjoy playing!
If you haven’t got time to put something together, why not share some of the wonderful videos that have already been created by your favourite musicians?
Here are a few of our favourites for inspiration!
GIFTS FROM SMALL BUSINESSES
With lockdowns happening all across the world in the run up to Christmas, small businesses need support now more than ever. If you are in a position, and would like to, we would implore you to spend your money locally. Particularly to support your local music stores!
Here are a few of our favourite picks for this year…
Our wonderful friends at Beaumont Music have recently launched their new range – UpStitched. This project brings together ideas from around the world; rescuing quality materials, collaborating with artisan designers and utilising a shipping model to minimize carbon footprints. They currently have flute satchels and backpacks made from upcycled inner tubes and jackets. The PERFECT gifts for the eco-conscious flautist in your life!
Musicians and bands have had a particularly tough time this year. Buying their music or merchandise as gifts is a great way to support them. When you buy something on Bandcamp, 80-85% of your money goes to the artist. Whether it’s downloads, CD’s records, t-shirts or some slightly more obscure items – you’re sure to find something awesome to gift!
Now, we couldn’t end this blog without quickly mentioning that we think some of our products would make quite nice Christmas gifts.
- Designed and packaged in the UK
- Free from toxins, synthetics and petroleum’s
- Packaged in compostable, biodegradable and recyclable packaging
Most products also come with twine, so look pretty cute hung on our office Christmas tree…if we may say so ourselves!
Be sure to check for your nearest dealer here. If you don’t have one nearby, you can always order on our site…or we suppose you can check Amazon if you’re comfortable with that, no judgement here 😉
Do you have any other ideas? We’d love to hear them!
Let us know over on Instagram and Facebook, or send an email to edgware@bbico.com!
