Ethical gifting: 5 unique Australian gift ideas for any occasion
If you’re looking for unique Australian gift ideas that consider people and the planet, this guide has you covered.
Being conscious of the gifts we give doesn't mean sacrificing thoughtfulness and sentimentality.
Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or a special occasion, sending unique gifts is a cherished tradition. However, with the increasing awareness of our environmental impact, it's essential to rethink our gifting practices to ensure they align with a sustainable future.
In this article, we'll explore unique gift ideas with an Aussie twist, ensuring that we celebrate with care for both our loved ones and our beautiful country.
1. Support local Australian artisans
Buying gifts from local artisans can be an excellent way to support the local economy and preserve traditional crafts. Seek out ethical gifts that support local communities for a truly considered approach.
Take a look at the beautiful handmade products by Tasmanian small business, Molly's Cottage. Awarded an Australia Post Local Business Hero in 2022, owners Molly and Tom started the business during the pandemic to keep busy—quickly turning their passion for handmade wares into a thriving online store. Choose from a consciously curated gift hamper, including a variety of locally sourced treats. Or eco-friendly gifts like soy candles, bath and body products or delicious condiments.
Searching for more unique gift ideas for men and women? Take a look at this ethical and eco-friendly gift guide compiled by our sustainability partner, WWF-Australia.
2. Choose sustainable materials
When selecting a unique Australian gift, look for items crafted from organic, recycled or upcycled materials. These choices contribute to reducing the demand for new resources and minimise waste in the long run, helping to preserve our unspoiled Aussie landscape.
For a cute and uniquely Australian gift that can be posted easily, our Pip the Koala plush is a great option. Made from recycled materials, Pip is our official Australia Post mascot and for each plush sold, $2 will be donated by Australia Post to WWW-Australia to support essential koala conservation work. It’s a win-win.
3. Adopt an Aussie icon
Looking for a unique Australian gift that is sure to warm someone’s heart? Grant your animal-lover friend a wish come true by adopting them a cuddly koala.
Sadly, koalas are officially listed as endangered on the east coast of Australia, with the iconic species under threat due to habitat loss. Through the WWF-Australia Adopt a Koala program, your loved one will receive a special adoption pack, including a cuddly koala plush toy, fact book, adoption certificate, Living Planet magazine and WWF sticker.
4. Support a worthy Australian cause
Another way to give a unique gift with meaning is to buy a product that gives back to a worthy Australian cause.
For a gift that keeps on giving, why not pick up one of these reusable tote bags from your local Post Office? Designed in collaboration with our community partners, Australian Red Cross, The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Beyond Blue, these stylish cotton bags are both practical and eco-friendly.
Plus, for every tote bag sold, we will donate $1 to the respective organisations to help support disaster relief and recovery, First Nations children’s literacy, and the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
During the festive season, we also support our community partners at WWF-Australia, Australian Red Cross, The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Beyond Blue through our exclusive range of festive decorations.
Featuring the designs of local Australian artists, each decoration is a work of art and guaranteed to spread a little joy at Christmas. At only $10 each, the decorations make for an affordable, heartfelt and unique Christmas gift for loved ones, plus Australia Post will donate $2 towards the respective community partner for each sale.
Remember, if you’re sending gifts in the post this festive season, check out our recommended Christmas sending dates to ensure your parcel arrives in time for the big day.
5. Send a postcard from Australia to the world
Life can get busy, so taking the time to send a personalised card or gift is not always an easy option. That’s why we’ve teamed up with MyPostcard to help you design and send unique greeting cards and postcards straight from your device.
Just download the free MyPostcard app or visit the website, add your photo or choose a design, write a heartfelt message and together with MyPostcard, we’ll print and ship your postcard or greeting card anywhere in the world (worldwide postage included!).
Plus, MyPostcard prioritises environmentally friendly business practices, including the use of FSC certified products, 100% green electricity, recyclable papers and inks, and CO2-neutral printing presses.
Being conscious of how we send our gifts overseas or within Australia doesn't mean sacrificing thoughtfulness and sentimentality. By making conscious choices and adopting eco-friendly practices, we can ensure that our unique gifts spread joy to our loved ones while also demonstrating our commitment to a better planet.
Together with WWF-Australia, we’re helping to protect and restore the homes of Australia’s most loved species, the koala. It’s another way we’re delivering the goods for a sustainable future.
