Gifts
It is unrealistic to never buy a present again, but we can make low impact choices.
Membership
This can give a lot of pleasure over an entire year or longer – depending how generous you are! Local memberships are available for Newby Hall www.newbyhall.co.uk and www.harewood.org.uk. Or becoming a member of the National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk gives you access to over 300 historic homes and gardens in the UK – two of my favourite sites near Harrogate are Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.
Complimentary / Beauty therapies
Give a pedicure, a massage or even a back wax(!) as a present. Or perhaps buy a gift token for a session at Harrogate’s wonderful Turkish Baths which also offers a range of reasonably priced beauty treatments www.harrogate.gov.uk/turkishbaths
Experience presents
And for the more adventurous paragliding www.activeedge.co.uk, climbing lessons www.theleedswall.co.uk or even fly in a jet fighter simulator www.realsimulation.co.uk. Any one you know need cooking lessons?! www.bettyscookeryschool.co.uk
Good Gifts
Other ideas are giving people a gift that will be hugely beneficial to the people receiving it…mosquito nets, children’s books for school, water carriers. www.goodgifts.org
Local Gifts
Consider giving products which have been manufactured in Yorkshire, there is a whole range of food products but also many crafts.
Wild-life presents
To encourage wildlife you can buy presents such as bird feeders and wild flowers. We like www.wigglywigglers.co.uk but local garden centres have a selection of bird feeders.
Living presents
You might want to send a tree as a present. This is a particularly good gift for a landmark event such as a christening, birthday or anniversary—see www.tree2mydoor.com. At www.yorkshireorchards.co.uk you can buy the right to receive the apples from a rare apple tree for around £50 a year