Maggie Zhou’s Guide to a More Conscious Christmas Season 2025

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s an occasion solely reserved for cosy movie rewatches, long tables full of food and family, and pulling out the ol’ Wham! playlist. There’s something comforting about the holiday’s familiarity; I already know that I’ll be reaching for my favourite red and green garments, and that the fridge will be bulging at the seams for some days.

But it’s also a time of waste. Bins are left bursting after the rush of opening presents, bonbon wrappers pile up, and each year, Australians spend $1 billion on gifts that will never be used. Chances are, your favourite Christmas memories focus on moments of connection with loved ones, not on what plastic knick-knacks were scattered around as decorations.

Fun, sustainability and style can coexist. Here’s how you can make your festive period a little greener this year.

Rethink wrapping

My hot take is that, in 2025, we don’t need to buy wrapping paper. Buying rolls of pretty paper that will most likely end up in the bin feels unnecessary. I’ve got a good stash of alternatives I keep in a drawer: wrapping from gifts I’ve received, old newspapers, flower bouquet packaging, Who Gives a Crap wrapping, supermarket paper bags, the list goes on. For something a bit more special, consider furoshiki, Japanese wrapping cloths. Gifts are carefully wrapped in fabric that can be reused again and again – literally a gift that keeps on giving.

Choose sustainable and stylish gifts

I don’t know if it’s the stage of life I’m entering, but I froth at a practical gift. I love an item that’s got purpose and function while still being an aesthetically pleasing accompaniment to my life. I’m talking about the small but thoughtful upgrades that make daily life feel elevated like refillable soap dispensers, patterned chopping boards or chic candlewick trimmers. And in that spirit, KeepCup’s Helix Cold Cup nails both form and function, with its sleek design, double-wall insulation and car-friendly slim base. I’ll also be reaching for the Melbourne brand’s Cold Cup Cork for my summer iced lattes and bubble teas. The tempered glass isn’t just of the moment, it’s built to last.

Skip the throwaways

I get it, there’s a lot of fun to be had with things that give us short-lived joy. But the five seconds of delight you get when you win the tug of a Christmas cracker isn’t worth the decades it takes for the plastic bits and bobs to start breaking down (because newsflash: they will never fully decompose). Throwaway culture has deeply embedded itself into Christmas. Annual festive themes and the constant refreshing of decorations keep us in this cycle. New matching PJ sets and pet costumes? New Christmas ribbons and gift tags? Before you hit the checkout, try to reuse what you already have in the attic or cupboard. Your bank account will thank you too.

Local makers to love

Consider these local makers bringing a creative, handcrafted touch to the holidays. Take a look at Melbourne’s The Beautiful Bunch for flower subscriptions, The Social Studio for ethically made threads, and Streat for pantry goods. In Sydney, visit Studio A for artwork and The Social Outfit for womenswear. Elsewhere in Australia, take a gander at fashion label House of Darwin, community-focused Green Thumb Farm, tea brand The Good Good and food producer Kimchi Club. You can also shop with them online.

Handmake with meaning

Get a little bit crafty and try to make your own bonbons, buntings or tree ornaments this year. In this internet age, there are innumerable DIY tutorial videos out there catering for various skill levels. Or start simple and reconnect with your inner child through handmade cards. No matter how they turn out, remember that it’s the thought that counts.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with KeepCup. Find out more about the KeepCup Gift Guides here.