As the festive season approaches, accountants looking to show appreciation to their staff or clients have a unique opportunity to give gifts that go beyond the ordinary. From inspiring books to eco-products, here are nine meaningful gift ideas that promote self-empowerment and environmental purpose.

1. Eat your greens 

Kollab is an Australian brand that creates stylish and affordable everyday essentials using recyclable and recycled materials. This compact, insulated lunch bag (from A$22.95) is the ideal accessory to keep food cool on hot workdays or take on picnics during the holidays. 

New Zealand’s EcoWarehouse sells sustainable, non-toxic and waste-reducing products including this twin-layer rectangular stainless steel lunchbox with snackbox (NZ$43). It’s reusable, recyclable and free from harmful chemicals like BPA, helping the lucky recipient reduce waste and protect the planet.

2. Light me up

A rechargeable torch is an inexpensive Secret Santa gift option for anyone planning a camping trip during the summer break, or as a handy illuminator to keep in your bag or car. Check out this rechargeable LED headlamp, available on both sides of the Tasman from Bunnings for about $14.

3. Leading from strong ground

In these troubled times the world needs solid, courageous leadership more than ever. Brené Brown, author of the bestselling Dare to Lead, has released a new book, Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit. In it, she delivers practical insights to help leaders of all kinds drive growth through connection, discipline and accountability. Find it at your local bookstore for about $35.

4. Beeswax food wraps

A natural and eco-friendly alternative to single-use traditional cling-wrap, beeswax food wraps are reusable, compostable and great for covering food at home or wrapping sandwiches for work. Check out New Zealand’s Kai Carrier products or Beeswax Wraps Australia. Available online or from gift stores for about $10 to $15.

5. The gift of wisdom

Looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift for a young or mid-career accountant? Written by Tony Frost CA, The Professional: A Playbook to Unleash Your Potential and Futureproof Your Success is an inspiring read packed with practical advice for career growth, confidence and long-term success. Order it from your local bookstore for about $35.

6. Movie tickets

Movie tickets will be a welcome treat for anyone wanting to escape the summer sun for a few hours. Some great new releases are due out in December and January, including Avatar: Fire and Ash and a fictional drama about Shakespeare, Hamnet. 

7. Gifting for good

Regardless of where you live in Australasia, there are always opportunities to support native wildlife. Aussie Ark, for example, is a not-for-profit in New South Wales that sells items such as these turtle socks (A$19.95) to support its conservation efforts. 

Tiritiri Matangi is a stunning bird sanctuary island in the Hauraki Gulf restoring endangered bird species through reforestation, predator control and public education. Check out this pohutakawa red ecofelt grow bag (NZ$20) made from recycled plastic bottles. 

8. Go wild 

A wildlife charity gift donation card is a thoughtful gesture and perfect for clients. It supports conservation and reflects your values, while celebrating the season. 

The Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) – an Australian not-for-profit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife – sells personalised e-cards, with each purchase helping to fund critical support services for animals.

Trees That Count is an environmental charity that supports native forest restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand. Businesses can support their great work of planting trees by buying a native tree gift e-card to send to your clients.

9. First Nations gifts

Want to source a unique gift from a First Nations business?

Maimoa Creative is a Māori and whānau-owned business based in Tauranga that is passionate about promoting the Māori language and culture. Wharewhare (NZ$45) is a bilingual bingo card game designed to help players recall spoken and written Māori words. It includes 48 calling cards, 200 counters and a cotton bag. 

Welcome to Country champions the success and economic self-sufficiency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Among its product offerings are handmade individual soaps (A$12) available in a range of scents.