Circular Giving: The New Spirit of Christmas

The Rise of the Circular Gift Economy This Christmas

This festive season, a shift is taking hold, a move from the transactional tradition of buying and selling, to one of giving, reusing, and sharing known as the circular gift economy. Unlike a market economy where goods are exchanged for monetary value, the circular gift economy revolves around gifts that extend their life as they flow through families, friends, and communities. This philosophy cherishes the act of giving without expectation, encourages passing gifts forward, and celebrates the gratitude and connection that come with meaningful exchanges.

What Does Circular Gift Economy Mean?

At its core, the circular gift economy reimagines how we value resources. Gifts, whether books, art, toys, candles, or handmade treasures, are shared, swapped, reused, or repurposed rather than discarded after a single use. Community gifting networks, “buy nothing” groups, and social enterprise initiatives are prime examples, helping Australians divert items from landfills and strengthen local ties. Every candle passed from one home to another, every Christmas decoration crafted from recycled materials, and every upcycled present wrapped for a friend, embodies this circularity.

Why It Matters This Christmas

• Embracing circular gifting reduces holiday waste and consumption, increasing environmental stewardship and social connection.

• The tradition of “paying it forward” grows, with gifts gaining new stories and sentimental value with each recipient.

• Charitable giving and social enterprise gifting, like CandleXchange’s return and swap candles or Banish’s recycled bottle top decorations, drive impact beyond the immediate exchange, spreading joy across communities.

Australian Examples of Circular Gifting

Local “Street Libraries” invite neighbours to swap books with no strings attached; “Gift Circles” encourage exchanging surplus goods; and “share sheds” offer tools and equipment in the true spirit of abundance and reciprocity.

CandleXchange candles return for refills and are enjoyed by new owners each year, echoing the spirit of a circular holiday celebration.

How to Join the Circular Gift Movement

• Re-gift or swap items with friends.

• Buy from sustainable social enterprises like CandleXchange and Banish.

• Participate in online “Buy Nothing” and local gifting communities.

• Choose gifts with reusable, refillable, or upcycled materials.

• Share experiences and skills, consider giving experiences, home-baked treats, or lessons as gifts.

This Christmas, let’s celebrate with purpose and gratitude, joining a gift economy that extends kindness and sustainability far beyond the festive season.