10 Sustainable Gift Ideas
For many, Christmas creates pressure to bow to consumeristic, materialistic expectations. This can hurt both our pockets and the environment. We've curated a handy list of 10 sustainable gift ideas, some that are low-to-no cost, with a focus on financial and environmental sustainability. And remember, the best present you can give is to be present.
10 Sustainable Gift Ideas
1. Homemade Jam / Fruit Preserve
Got a decent fruit tree in your yard? Get picking and make a sweet treat to be enjoyed.
2. Knitted Water Balloons
Simply dunk these little cuties in water and make a splash! No mess, no fuss, all the fun.
3. Cotton Shopping Bag
We all need a good range of shopping bags these days, why not make a statement with a funky design.
4. Electronics-Free Picnic
Ditch the phone and grab a blanket, give the gift of your true presence, interruption free.
5. Metal/Silicone Straws
Cold drinks taste even better through a metal straw, and kids will love the bendy, colourful silicone options.
5. Insulated Water Bottle
We all probably need to hydrate a little more. An insulated metal water bottle is great to keep that water fresh and cold all day long.
6. Coffee Keep Cup
We all know a coffee lover, and many cafes give a discount if you bring your own cup.
7. Top Up Their KiwiSaver
A great idea for the grandparents out there, small contributions add up and grow in time.
8. Tickets To A Local Show
Take someone to an art exhibition, festival, theatre show or even the movies.
9. Beeswax Wraps
There’s always left overs after Christmas lunch and dinner, keep it fresh with nifty reusable beeswax wraps.
10. Money Tree
Sure it’s not quite a managed fund, but it’ll grow like one and is sure to look great in your home or office.
Don’t forget to think about the wrapping and card, get creative and reuse / recycle.
Home Loan Rates Are Dropping – But Look Who Quietly Beat ANZ to the Punch
There’s no denying it: after the Reserve Bank’s OCR cut last week, interest rates are finally starting to fall – and fast.
ANZ made headlines with a sharp round of fixed rate drops this week, bringing its 18-month special down to 4.89% and its one-year fixed rate to 4.95%. That’s the lowest ANZ’s fixed rates have been in over three years, and a welcome reprieve for buyers and refixers alike.
Making Sense of Budget 2025: What It Means for Your Money
Budget 2025 has landed, and with it, a sharp focus on doing more with less. Branded as a back-to-basics budget, this year’s announcement signals a disciplined approach to spending, with targeted support in areas that matter most: healthcare, education and the economy.
Whether you’re planning your next career move, growing a business or making sure your retirement savings are working hard, the Budget can have a flow-on effect. Let’s unpack what’s changed, what it means for you, and how to stay financially confident in the year ahead.