Rethink Holiday Giving
Abundance Swap Sunday at the Historic Ashland Armory offers a non-commercial alternative to traditional holiday shopping
ASHLAND, Ore. — Residents from Ashland and surrounding communities are invited to take part in the Abundance Swap, a community gathering designed to offer an alternative approach to holiday gift-giving by emphasizing reuse, sharing, and connection rather than new consumption.
The event will take place Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Historic Ashland Armory, with doors open at 1 p.m.
Organizers describe the Abundance Swap as a response to the heavy consumer spending and resource use that often follows Thanksgiving and extends through the holiday shopping season. Instead of purchasing new items, participants are encouraged to bring three quality items they already own — items that are functional, interesting, or well-made but no longer fully used or needed.
Participants are encouraged to stay, visit with others, and share the stories behind the items they bring. There is no pricing, trading, or bargaining involved. Attendees simply offer what they are ready to give and take items they feel would make meaningful gifts for others — or for themselves.
Organizers emphasize that “quality” does not mean expensive, but rather something likely to be valued and enjoyed by someone else. The event is intended to preserve the joy of gift-giving while reducing the demand for newly manufactured goods and the resources required to produce them.
In addition to the item exchange, organizers are also asking attendees to bring non-perishable food donations for the Ashland Community Food Bank, turning the gathering into a shared act of generosity for the wider community.
The Abundance Swap is open to the public and does not require registration or payment.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/867109005782738/
Event Details
What: Abundance Swap
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Ashland Armory
Cost: Free
What to Bring:
Three quality items you already own
One or more non-perishable food items for the Ashland Community Food Bank
Cover image: Stock photo, freepik
