8 Non-Typical Christmas Gift Ideas

I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need……. 

 

Yes, it’s that time of the year again!  2021 has been yet another unpredictable year, but nothing can stop us from celebrating this season of giving with our loved ones and friends. 

 

 

In conjunction with this season of giving, here are some non-typical Christmas gift ideas to brighten someone else’s day! 

 

 

For Animal Lovers

1. Make them an animal parent through the Zoo Negara Adoption Package

The adoption package begins from an amount of RM25 and the monetary contribution will be used to maintain the adopted animal’s veterinary care, annual food, and enrichment. What you need to do is just fill in the name of the intended recipient and once the adoption payment is confirmed, you will then receive an adoption e-certificate.

 

 

If you want to add another surprise gift for them, you can opt for a higher amount of donation and the e-certificate will come with Zoo Negara vouchers.

 

Tip: Find out about their favourite animals beforehand.

You can find out more about this package here.

 

 

2. Let them be a part of an eco-friendly animal shelter with Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) 

PAWS is currently raising funds to build Malaysia’s first multi-storey eco-friendly animal shelter in Ara Damansara. Though any amount of donation is welcomed, a minimum donation of RM100 comes with a land sponsorship certificate that includes GPS coordinates unique to the donor and you can then “visit” your land via Google Earth. 

 

 

Do remember to screenshot your payment proof and make sure you specify the name of your loved one’s as the owner of the certificate when you email PAWS at pawshelter@gmail.com

Reminder: This is solely a fun fund-raising activity. No real land transactions are involved. 

You may refer to this link to get more information. 

 

 

For Those Who Are Into Planting and Nature Conservation

3. Plant A Tree on their behalf with Ape Malaysia 

Under the ROAR initiative, it takes only RM20 to plant a tree at the reforestation sites of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, assigned by the Sabah Wildlife Department. For every tree purchased, you will receive an e-certificate, photograph and real GPS coordinates of the planted tree plot as well as one year of maintenance of your planted tree.

 

 

When the payment is confirmed, you will receive an email asking you to fill in the recipient’s name for the certificate.

 

Tip: You can even customize the certificate with different designs available.

Check out APE Malaysia’s official website here. 

 

 

4. Grant them a Lordship/Ladyship title by becoming a landowner with Established Titles

Do you know that landowners are referred to as Lords and Ladies according to historic Scottish custom? If you know someone who fancies a fancy title and loves the forest, this is the perfect gift for them!

 

All you need is to buy 1 square foot of dedicated land at a private estate in Ardallie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Depending on the package you choose (Lordship Pack, Ladyship Pack, and Couple Title Pack), you can then gift the digital and printable title certificate to your friend once the order is finalized. 

 

In collaboration with the UK Woodland Trust, One Tree Planted and Trees for the Future, a tree is planted with every order for the preservation and protection of woodland areas in Scotland.

 

Tip: You can visit the land in Scotland as it is opened to the public for recreational enjoyment.

Visit the Established Titles website for more information. 

 

 

Get them a hearty Box of Joy from Bake x Dignity

5. For Friends and Family Who Love Supporting A Good Entrepreneurship Charity Cause

 

Bake x Dignity is a transformational enterprise under Dignity for Children. To add to your Christmas cheer this year, they are launching a cookie set ranging from: 

• • Chocolate Almond Bites

• • Classic Shortbread

• • Matcha with White Chocolate 

• • Cranberry Butter Cookies  

Source: Bake x Dignity

 

You can choose from a set of 2 to 4 cookies for the box. The order fulfillment starts from the 26th of November onwards. Don’t worry about delivery as it is available nationwide via local courier. For every box purchased, RM5 will be channelled towards Dignity for Children to support a child’s education! 

 

Head to the Bake x Dignity’s Instagram page to pre-order these amazing cookies!

 

 

6. Get Them A Caring For Sight Kit from L’Occitane En Provence

This is a gift that allows you to be beautiful inside and out. By purchasing this kit, you will receive a complete beauty kit for your hand, body, and face with a limited edition Caring For Sight pouch. 

 

The set consists of: 

• • Aqua Gel Cleanser 40ml 
  • Almond Shower Oil 35ml
  • Shea Hand Cream 10ml 
  • L’Occitane 2021 Caring For Sight pouch

 

What’s amazing is that 100% of the profits from this purchase will go to local eye care projects in collaboration with Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Have a look at the kit here.

 

 

For The Lovely Bookworms

7. Give them a book gift certificate at Better World Books

As a book lover myself, I am very hesitant when it comes to gifting books to others. What if he or she does not like my pick? I have since switched the responsibility of choosing the right books for them with the help of gift certificates.

 

Why Better World Books? It has more than 20 million book titles which comprise used books (environmentally friendly), textbooks, and new books. A book is donated to someone in need with every book purchase at BetterWorldBooks.com.

 

 

You can print out the gift certificate and hand it over physically to your friend or email the digital gift certificate to him or her.

 

Bonus: There are no extra fees and expiration dates for the gift certificate.

Head to the Better World Books website here.

 

8. Tag them along to join the Share A Gift program with MPH

This could be a great bonding program with your friends to be Secret Santas for a good cause. All you need to do is visit any MPH Bookstores and participate in this meaningful activity to support children in underprivileged homes.

 

 

After picking a child’s name from the Christmas trees, you can then proceed to buy a book or stationery item according to their wish list. Next, apart from that, you can also pen a heartfelt letter to them. Then, your gifts and letters are wrapped and delivered to the chosen child for Christmas!

 

For more information on this, you can email MPH at customerservice@mph.my 

 

 

There you have it! 8 gift ideas that are slightly different from what you’ll normally get during this festive season.  But what’s for sure, when you give, it is bound to be the greatest gift! 

 

If you’re interested in learning how to budget to buy gifts for your friends and family this Christmas, check out this article on How to Keep to Your Budget During the Christmas Season.