The giving of gifts has its origin long before the concept of ‘shopping’ as a leisure activity became popular. It is a relic of a pagan custom, known as the winter solstice, which in the Northern Hemisphere happens in December. The Romans adopted it when they celebrated the Saturnalia holiday, which occurs in December and involves public feasting and private present-giving. As Christianity became more widespread, the custom of giving gifts became associated with 25 December and the story of Jesus’s birth.

Now, of course, it is inseparable from our concept of Christmas and can create a dilemma for the sustainable shopper. The good news is that you might find your answer in nature. There are all sorts of special gifts which also provide a boost for wildlife. Some of them can be found on Avon Wildlife Trust’s website, Here you’ll find five designs of Christmas cards, representing the best of this season’s wildlife, as well as calendars. They’re made out of recycled materials too, so you can put your mind at rest.

How about adopting an species for a child in your life? You can choose from a badger or a bumble bee, and it could be a welcome departure from the piles of plastic children are so often faced with. Even if only their long-suffering parents appreciate it!

The T shirt range is another popular option, with designs for all ages ranging from foxes to otters to beavers. In short, the Trust’s Winter Giving offering could solve a lot of your shopping dilemmas this year – while also helping to support nature’s recovery in Avon.

Of course, there are plenty of other routes to a sustainable Christmas shopping experience.  Farm shops often sell meat, vegetables and even gifts – and you will be supporting a local business by visiting them. Charity shops provide an abundant choice of wonderful gifts – a surprising number of which have never been used. In any case, there’s joy to be found in buying something that’s been pre-loved, and in knowing it won’t be going to landfill after all.

Another good source of wildlife-friendly Christmas presents is the garden – and Avon Wildlife Trust’s urban wildlife site, Grow Wilder, can help you there. The onsite nursery is open every day, or you can shop online. You’ll find wildflowers that anyone can plant, even if you only have a small space in which to grow things.

Perhaps someone you know might love a bird table, so they can feed their feathered visitors over the winter months. Or maybe they’re just getting into gardening – in which case a few simple garden tools could be a real treat, setting them up for a year of growing.

Buying experiences is another great way of giving someone a fabulous present that you know won’t cost the earth. Why not get a loved one a lunch out, or purchase a child a year-round ticket for a local museum? Of course, you could gift someone a membership for Avon Wildlife Trust – that way you know your money is making a real difference to local wildlife. Whatever you choose, giving someone memories rather than objects can often be the most sustainable of gifts.

Most importantly, take time for yourself to enjoy nature this festive season. Step outside, smell the fresh air, and wonder at the beauty of the nature on our doorsteps. It’s free, and it could be there forever – if only we protect it. Let’s make that the festive resolution we can all get behind this Christmas.