If you’ve ever heard me speak or read my book…. you know I have a passion for changing gifting in Australia and NZ forever. But why does this drive me? There are several reasons:

1. The gift that we give represents what we think of a person. It is an opportunity to make someone feel fantastic – special and loved. It is an opportunity to get the recipient talking about the gift – maybe even talk about what they did and who gave it to them. I think that if people feel great about themselves the world will be a happier place to live in.
2. You can never have ‘enough’ experiences. Experiences are what we love about life – sharing special moments with friends family and colleagues. Our photo albums our memories is what we treasure.
3. What are we doing to the planet! With self-storage one of the fastest growing industries in Australia – we just don’t need any more stuff….Ask yourself “Am I really going to take this stuff with me when I go?” – There is only so much that will fit in the box with you at the end. And needless thoughtless gifts only adds to the ‘too much stuff’ on the planet debate.

When Maria Sipka sent me this link to the Story of Stuff it really clarifies the situation in the USA – and Australia is probably not that different.

“Have you ever wondered what happens to all the stuff you and billions of other people around the world have collected over the years? From the time it’s made to the time you throw it out what actually happens before and after? Annie calls this the ‘material economy’ in a series of fast-paced, fact-filled story she exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.”

It is worth a look. Then let me know what you think.