Giving presents to people I care about causes me severe anxiety. I've gotten to the point where I really dislike Christmas and other events where presents are expected. Not because of the cost, but because I have had gifts I carefully considered and carefully purchased for friends end up in the garbage. After seeing my kindness thrown in the garbage, I started giving gift cards instead. They're less of a hassle and don't feel as unique, but the recipient still gets the item(s) they desire. We have all decided to only give 'useful' presents like food, cash, and spa packages to each other and our families in the future.

This book, DONUM: Creating a Sustainable Gifting Experience, by Tracey Lynch, has been a long time coming. I am happy that Tracey discusses how to educate our children a new method of gift giving, in addition to the statistics that is a true eye opener on materialism and the catastrophic impact our festivities have on the earth. The writer's team is working on a stress-relieving software for everyone. Using a Gifting Profile worksheet, you may eliminate the stress of surprise a loved one with a thoughtful present by learning more about what they enjoy and don't like in advance. Each chapter ends with some "Points to Ponder" that help tie everything together. The world and our sanity both benefit from considerate and astute gift giving. Everyone benefits from this arrangement.

This book couldn't have come into my life at a better time. As the holidays approach, I'm always eager to spread joy and blessings to my loved ones. However, this year, I've been inspired to take a new approach, thanks to this gem of a book.

"Connect with Your Tribe" (Chapter 5) struck a chord with me. Instead of relying on guesswork, I'm reaching out to my nearest and dearest to find out exactly what they want and need. It's a game-changer!

The book's opening research is mind-boggling, but it's a wake-up call we can't ignore. Small changes like consolidating shipments can make a big difference. I'm also loving the idea of themed shopping, like eco-friendly gifts or practical cards. They might not be flashy, but they're incredibly thoughtful.

Don't hesitate to pick up this book. Let's transform our holiday gifting and make a positive impact this season!

This book definitely came out at the right time--right when we're all starting to get ready to gift give. It gave me a lot of food for thought, while also echoing other thoughts I've had just in terms of how much waste is created by all these THINGS. Overall, a really good book about simply being more thoughtful, not just about who your giving the gift to, but your own impact on the world. I liked the section on sustainable ways to gift give and yeah, we all need to read this book so we can all think about it. I honestly want to give it to other people who I'd rather just give me nothing then all the nick nacks they give me currently but it might be a bit too on the nose... xp

I am a terrible gift giver, it makes me want to skip holidays and events completely. One of the standout features of this book is its ability to provide budget-friendly alternatives without compromising the thoughtfulness of the gifts. By sharing these approaches, the book ensures that the act of giving doesn't have to be a financial burden but rather a joyful and meaningful experience. It also details the idea of sustainable gift-giving, which is a newer topic not talked about enough in my social circle. I would highly recommend it!

What are the consequences of your gifting? Where will the gift end up? Will it be in the landfill that would fill 23 million refrigerators annually? Creating a Sustainable Gifting Experience by Tracey Lynch teaches not only thoughtful gift giving and but also refraining from misgifting (poor, uninformed gift giving). Author Lynch walks the reader through the 7 steps of sustainable gifting. The Points to Ponder at the end of the chapters were helpful. Also, I plan on giving the Donum gift-giving app and the Gift Profile Worksheet each a try.

I was in touch with our environmental crisis, but DONUM takes that crisis to an expanded level. This book is our wake-up call for getting in touch with the who, what, and why behind our purchases and showing us how our unconsciousness further promotes the Earth's destruction. It's not only what we buy but, more importantly, what we return -- and the landfills that become filled with our returns. The simplicity and clarity woven through the data presents a 3-D effect of what we are doing unconsciously. DONUM challenges us to look at our motivation and be empowered to look at everything we do through the eyes of the sustainability of our planet. The wisdom tips from Santa provide outstanding practical examples for us to follow. Read this book and learn how to be generous, helpful, and responsible. Our house is on fire -- we need to assist Earth now. DONUM is about waking up.

I read this book at the perfect time. With the holidays approaching, I love to think ahead about how I can bless the people around me. This year, however, I am inspired to do it differently. I always try to be thoughtful, but this year, this book has inspired me to go one step further. I am going to communicate with my tribe to see what they actually want and need, in case my guesswork is off! (Chapter 5.) The research at the beginning of this book is enough to make your head spin—but we cannot turn a blind eye. Every little change helps, I discovered, even making sure the items you order come in one complete shipment instead of many small ones! I also loved the idea of shopping with a theme: green gifts, or something like grocery cards or gas cards. They may not look “pretty,” but who wouldn’t be grateful for such a useful gift? Don’t wait to buy this book. Let’s make a difference this holiday season with our gift giving!

The statistics and information in this book are staggering and shocking. I've always tried to be intentional about my gift giving. But this takes it to a whole new level and with very specific goals! Absolutely valuable! I will be encouraging others to check this out and get the app. Thoughtful gift idea!!

There are some interesting content and facts that I enjoyed reading. The cost of gift returns, the wastage as a result, and the 5 billion tons of returns ending up in landfills annually are avoidable, if people put more effort into looking for the gifts that others would love, use and keep, rather than end up returning. Some practices mentioned in the book shocked me, such as people ordering multiple sizes and colors of a product just so that they can choose one and return the rest. No wonder climate change is approaching faster than anticipated. While the book has been an enjoyable read, there is a huge part of it referencing an application called "Donum" which I could not find in the app store, or any reviews on it online. If the author is serious about using the app to save Mother Earth, at least let us know where the app is and how it is in actuality!

I get what the author is saying, that instead of giving a crappy gift that has a chance of being regifted or ending up in a landfill - think twice and put some effort into giving gifts. Clearly the author has had some personal experience with the pitfalls of giving or receiving poorly chosen gifts, and I can appreciate the need to try to create sustainable gift giving thought process. It was an interesting read.

I always hated people that wait until the 24th and then panic buy, or just get gift cards. In some instances I can get behind a gift card, but I choose to shop through the year for people close to me. I listen and observe and usually I get it right. This book gives good advice to those who don't have a clue.

This book is great at reminding us how our buying affects the planet. I was hoping for more gifting ideas but this is written as more of an education on how to think more about the consequences of our gifting habits rather than good gift ideas. Good overall book. Just not what I was expecting.