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.
Consilium Joins FirstCape: What It Means for Lifetime Clients
You may have read recently that FirstCape, a major player in the New Zealand financial services sector, has agreed to acquire Consilium, the independent advisory services and platform provider that Lifetime partners with to manage client portfolios.
While headlines may signal a big change, for you as a Lifetime client, it’s important to know that when it comes to your investment portfolio, it’s business as usual.
Market & Portfolio Update - April 2025
Global markets began April with some volatility as investors digested “Liberation Day” tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In particular, investors feared a tariff war would lead to higher inflation, lower global growth, and the potential erosion of the historic ‘safe haven’ status enjoyed by the US dollar. However, the markets recovered a significant portion of these losses following the announcement that all reciprocal tariffs except China’s would be delayed for 90 days. Due to the volatility, global markets were down -3.8% for the month.