Waste to Wonder: Zero Waste Birthday Gifts for Kids
Before buying toys or games as a birthday gift this year, there is a zero-waste alternative which parents could consider when shopping for a birthday gift for a child – gifting experiences instead of toys.
Some toys break just after buying them and others are enjoyed for only a short time before being forgotten.
The statistics on toy waste are concerning. In Australia, it is estimated that more than 26 million toys go to landfill every year.
Reducing toy waste and making more sustainable decisions about toys can be really challenging for time-poor parents.
Choosing high quality and durable toys improves the likelihood that the toys will not fall apart and can be passed onto others.
There is also another way to be more sustainable (and have less cluttered homes) instead of just buying physical toys.
By gifting experiences, parents can reduce toy monsters in their homes as well as the waste from unwanted and broken toys.
It also means kids can have more focused play with a smaller number of toys rather than having an overwhelming number of them.
According to recent research by Monash University, gifting experiences at Christmas is growing, with 15 per cent of Australian shoppers planning to buy event and experience tickets this Christmas compared to 12 per cent last year.
Experiences can bring happiness to children by giving them time with a loved one and creating lasting memories (long after their toys are forgotten).
Finding the right experience is made easier with SPARK POP, Australia’s only experience marketplace for kids and families.
This online platform showcases more than 300 experiences for kids aged 3-16 years across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
SPARK POP founder Melissa Soutar started the business with the aim to reduce the amount of plastic toys purchased and to prevent toys entering landfill and oceans.
“I just thought to myself, there’s got to be a better way for our future, for our kids and for our planet,” Ms Soutar said. “This is more than just a business, it’s part of the movement to change how we consume for a truly sustainable future for generations to come.”
To ensure people get exactly what they want, SPARK POP also sells gift cards to let the recipient choose their own adventure.
With SPARK POP, there is no need to wait for a special shopping weekend to get a discount because all first orders have 10% off in exchange for signing up to their free newsletter.
Gifting an experience this birthday party season is a sustainable choice which not only supports local businesses but supports a clutter free home.
April is Earth Month with Earth Day celebrated on April 22 to protect the planet from its various threats such as pollution, deforestation and plastic waste.
