Playtimes HK Magazine Winter Issue 2020 | Page 71

T

he holiday season is full of festive inspiration . We decorate our homes , share in the spirit of the season with food , and give gifts . It ’ s the most wonderful time of the year , but along with the festivities often comes a whole lot of waste and overconsumption . Make this Christmas season gorgeously ‘ green ’— from ecofriendly gift-wrapping , to entertainment and more , we ’ ve got you covered .
Shopping local , making your own gifts , upcycling , and generally reducing waste gives the Christmas season not only more sustainability but also saves money and can have a positive impact on the environment and everyone involved .
Decorating Rather than buy a real tree or a plastic tree for that matter , why not consider creating a tree on your wall . Check out our guide for fashioning some magical looks that can be used year after year and take up very little space , a real bonus for Hong Kong living .
Another idea is to decorate a potted plant that you already have in your home . Using pinecones and tea lights in glass jars or a glass container with branches and berries to add to the ambience and give a lovely rustic look .
For Christmas lights , go for LED . These lights use an average of 75 per cent less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional lights . You ' ll save energy and money .
If you use ornaments on your tree , seek durable materials like wood , metal and cloth as they will last longer and can be used for years to come .
Shopping Look for local products , anything that creates less waste and doesn ’ t require shipping . Hong Kong has so many wonderful local businesses stocking amazing gifts . Don ’ t forget to check out the Christmas Markets * for unique and handmade gifts too . In light of the current situation , you will want to check dates and locations as these may change . * At the time of printing
Christmas Markets
Stanley Plaza Christmas Market : More than 50 booths and merchants selling Christmas gifts , plus food , drink , and entertainment . Early December .
Discovery Bay Sunday Markets
Discovery Bay Sunday Markets : A craft market showcasing local , independent vendors selling handmade or self-designed wares . Featuring items such as handmade bags , jewellery , home accessories , fine art , stationery , paper craft and children ’ s accessories . Sunday 26 Nov and 6 Dec , 11am-6pm .
Find Local Gifts
• The Lion Rock Press specialises in Hong Kong-themed gifts and stationery . Visit : www . thelionrockpress . com and enjoy 10 per cent off your first order .
• Little Bean ' s Toy Chest HK makes fabric storybooks with super cute themes and designs , and all books can be personalised with a name on the cover .
• Rosey Cloud offers a wide range of handmade soaps and skincare and a Christmas gift set . www . facebook . com / byroseycloud / posts / 199645074882439
• G . O . D . is always a favourite for uniquely Hong Kong gifts . https :// god . com . hk /
• Vegan Hamper has a great selection of vegan gourmet foods and more . www . veghamper . com
• Little Tots Corner is a place where you can get ethically sourced toys that will help grow your child ’ s imagination . www . littletotscorner . com
• Freedom2Sparkle creates unique jewellery and can repurpose jewellery you already own . www . freedom2sparkle . com
• The Hong Kong Arts Collective works to promote and exhibit local artists . They are currently selling square prints with 20 per cent going to support ImpactHK . www . hongkongartscollective . com / square-prints
• Smallprint HK creates genuine silver fingerprint and personalised jewellery .
• Tisarom locally makes herbal tea from French organic herbal plants , flowers and dried fruits from the south of France . They use biodegradable tea bags . www . tisarom . com
• The Tree Stationery & Co . is a small stationery and gift shop in Causeway Bay . Over 90 per cent of their products are by award-winning local designers and local artisans . www . thetreestationery . com

Little Days Shop lifestyle

• Little Days Shop carries personalised Christmas ornaments . They ’ re offering 15 per cent off using discount code XMAS15 www . littledaysshop . com / collections / holiday-decor
Top Tips : Take your own reusable shopping bags to ensure you don ’ t come home with a handful of singleuse plastic bags . Pack a water bottle ( or your travel coffee mug ) and a snack so you don ’ t end up with something unhealthy in single-use plastic .
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