Sussex Green Living: Gift giving with a difference — without the price tag

Think green living means compromise? Charity-shopping isn’t for you? Spending a fortune on eco-friendly things is out of your budget? Maybe think again.

Sussex Green Living (SGL) is inviting local residents to discover a smarter and surprisingly affordable way to approach gift giving. Whether you're environmentally committed, watching every penny or simply looking for something different, come and see what Sussex Green Hub in Horsham has to offer on Saturday 31 October.

Our team of fantastic volunteers will be showcasing and selling a collection of beautifully hand-made items created by local Sussex residents using reclaimed, repaired and repurposed materials. Think gorgeous festive wreaths, cleverly rescued Christmas crackers, stylish bird feeders and characterful bat boxes made from discarded wood. These are not just things saved from the scrap heap; they are imaginative creations that prove a little ingenuity can produce something genuinely special.

Let’s be honest, shopping for presents can be an expensive business. We are bombarded with advertising telling us what we should buy, what is fashionable and how much we should spend to show someone we care. The result - credit-card bills, unwanted presents and cupboards full of things we may not need.

At SGL, we believe there is a different way. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to come with a designer price tag. A beautifully crafted, one-off item can be far more interesting than another mass-produced present. Buying locally also gives you the chance to meet the people behind the products and support the creativity and skills of your own community.

For those who remain unconvinced by the green-living message, here's the beauty of it - you don't have to change your entire lifestyle, embrace a particular philosophy or spend more money. Simply make a few clever choices.

1. Regift with confidence. If you've received something lovely but unsuitable, pass it on to someone who will appreciate it.

2. Shop preloved. West Sussex charity shops are treasure troves of unusual finds, quality goods and sometimes brand-new items still in their packaging. Forget the stigma; finding something fabulous for a fraction of its original price is surely something to boast about.

3. Make it personal. A handmade decoration, or memory bunting created from cherished fabric can mean far more than an expensive, impersonal gift. Don’t worry if crafting isn't your talent, maybe the experts at the Hub can help.

SGL is proud to work alongside Men’s Shed Association UK, a national movement offering men welcoming spaces to share skills, make things and build friendships. The UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023 say that 88% of regular attendees feel connected with the wider community — a reminder that making things together can be good for people as well as the planet. As Christmas approaches, loneliness can affect anyone, whatever their age or circumstances. By supporting local makers and community projects is one small way to help people feel connected and valued.

Please come to the Sussex Green Hub in Horsham on Saturday 31 October or Saturday 28 November. Find a gift with personality, save some money and discover that buying differently can be a pleasure, not a sacrifice.