Guide to a Sustainable and Free Christmas

Christmas, gifts, and the online world form a triangle usually associated with reckless spending, overflowing shopping carts, and logistical stress. But what if this year you could change the system?

In Spain, we generate 30% more waste during the holidays and the average spend is around 580 euros per person. It's time to change the narrative.

The Christmas dilemma: consumption vs. conscience

The pressure to find the perfect gift often clashes with two realities: our budget and our environmental conscience. However, a new trend is emerging: the circular gift economy. It's not about buying cheap — it's about not buying at all. It's about extending the lifespan of objects that still have plenty of love to give.

Your circular gift strategy step by step

1. Take inventory

Before asking, offer. Look in your wardrobes. Do you have toys in good condition? Books you've read? Party clothes you won't wear again?

• Take clear photos with good lighting
• Upload them to Waki with a good description
• Describe the object's story (this increases the emotional value of the gift)

2. Search for local treasures

Use Waki's search to find items near you:

• For children: Look for toys, puzzles, or bicycles. It's surprising how many nearly new children's items families donate when their kids outgrow them.
• For the home: Tableware for Christmas Eve dinner or festive decorations.
• Fashion: Vintage coats or accessories that are truly unique.

3. Connect with your community

The magic happens in the meeting. When you arrange an exchange or donation, you're reducing the carbon footprint of last-mile deliveries that overwhelm cities in December. Meet at a halfway point and wish happy holidays to the person receiving your item.

Benefits of a collaborative Christmas

Swapping "buying" for "reusing" has tangible impacts:

• Total savings: Literally 0 euros spent on the gifts you find
• Real sustainability: You avoid the production of new plastics and international shipping
• Community: You meet your neighbours and break the coldness of anonymous online shopping
• Values education: You teach that a gift's value isn't in its price, but in its intention and usefulness

The combination of Christmas and gifts doesn't have to mean excessive consumerism. This year, we invite you to make at least one of your gifts come from the circular economy.