6 Christmas Gift ideas that give back to nature

Christmas shopping shouldn't mean buying more ‘stuff’ that ends forgotten, unwanted and in landfill. This year choose gifts that feel good and do good - presents that celebrate nature and help protect our local wetlands habitat and wildlife for future generations.

Whether you’re shopping for a gardener, creative friend or a junior nature lover, here are six affordable Christmas gift ideas that are good for our planet - all available right here at our Hunter Wetlands Centre Gift Shop.

And every purchase you make supports our conservation, education and community programs.

A Wetlands Calendar - the gift that gives back all year

If there’s one gift that suits absolutely everyone it’s a beautiful calendar.

Our 2026 Calendar features photographs of the Hunter Wetlands Centre and its wildlife captured by our talented members and visitors. Every month reveals a new moment from the wetlands from the tiny jumping spider by Linda Davis (voted Peoples Favourite) to a ‘family portrait’ of our graceful swans nestled on Gilligan’s Island.

It’s the kind of gift that brings a little calm and connection into the home or office. But best of all money raised through the sale of our fundraising Calendar goes straight back into the Hunter Wetlands Centre, helping protect the habitat and species that appear in those very photos.

It’s a simple, meaningful gift with real impact.

Locally made art inspired by nature.

Looking for something unique, handcrafted and made by locals? Our Gift Shop and Artspace is stocked with beautiful wetlands inspired creations by artists from the Hunter region.

You’ll find original artworks and prints by Deb Spence in our December exhibition “Expressions of Colour”; handcrafted glass art by Maureen Piper, decorated pots by Blair Olsen and. notebooks featuring our local fauna by Tallulah Cunningham.

When you buy art from our Gift Shop you’re not only choosing a gift that celebrates the beauty of our region’s wetlands, you’re also supporting our local artists, creators and small makers.

Gift them the Wetlands with a Family Pass or Membership

For the person who ‘doesn’t want anything’ consider gifting an experience instead.

A wetlands Family Pass, Canoe Hire or annual Membership is the perfect present for for families, retirees or anyone who loves exploring new places at their own pace. With kilometres of walking trails, birdwatching hotspots, creeks to canoe, playgrounds, picnic spots and a relaxing cafe overlooking the pond, they will love discovering the beauty of the wetlands.

With a Hunter Wetlands Centre Membership they can visit as often as they like. The pass comes with a year of free entry as well other benefits including member-only discounts and experiences. Membership is a great way to support the ongoing conservation, education, administration and maintenance work that happens on site everyday.

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers : recycled or reusable gifts

Eco friendly gifts are becoming more popular each year - and with good reason. Choosing items made from recycled or re-usable materials is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and support a sustainable environment.

One of our favourite pressies this year, and a great gift for kids, are the Wild Republic plush toys.  You’ll find many of our favourite Aussie fauna represented including Kookaburras,  Emus, Frogs and Fairy Wrens.  Look out for the ones made of recycled plastic bottles - they are so unbelievably soft you’d never guess they started as containers!

Give a Gift that Grows: Native Plants

Native plants are a living gift that keeps giving long after Christmas is over.

Plants are an ideal present not only for your friend or family member, but also for the planet. Native plants help support our local ecosystems by replenishing dwindling species and providing shelter and food for local wildlife. They also enhance our home environment, providing benefits ranging from cleaner air to improved mood.

Whether your giving to a person who has a balcony, backyard or bush block, our Nursery has a native plant that will suit their space. We have grasses for small spots, flowering and fruiting shrubs for gardens and larger species for shade and habitat.

This year we’re selling Casuarina Christmas Trees. The casuarina tree is often considered Australia’s version of a pine tree, making it the perfect native alternative for a tree and a wonderful addition to traditional decor in your home, or outside.

The Wetlands Centre - a story 40 years in the making

For history buffs, nature lovers or anyone who enjoys a meaningful read, our anniversary book Hunter Wetlands Centre 40 Years of Restoration & Conservation is the perfect Christmas present.

This beautifully complied book celebrates 40 years of our Centre’s history, from its degraded state as playing fields and dumping site in the early 1980s through its transformation into the thriving Ramsar-listed wetlands we see today. It tells the story of the community members, environmentalists, volunteers and every day heroes who helped rehabilitate the land and create a haven for people and wildlife.

This inspiring story is an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates community spirit and environmental restoration.

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The Hunter Wetlands Centre’s Gift Shop is located in the Visitors Centre near the Cafe. You do not need to pay entry to visit our Gift Shop, Cafe or Artspace.

We are open Daily 9am-4pm until 21 December 2025, reopening on 3 January 2026.

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