5 Ideas for Sustainable Gift-Giving
The season of giving has arrived, but that doesn’t mean you need to go out and purchase all-new gifts and wrapping supplies. By taking a more eco-friendly approach to gift-giving, you can reduce your environmental impact, give more meaningful gifts, and save yourself time, money, and stress in the process.
Here are 5 simple ideas to give more sustainably this holiday season.
1. Make your own gifts
Making your own gifts is a beautiful way to show someone you care. If you enjoy baking or cooking, you could bring over cake, pie, or a plate of your favourite cookies. Jars of homemade jams or pickles also make perfect gifts for friends, neighbours, and teachers. Other handmade gifts might include small crafts like artwork, ceramics, knitted items, or bubble bath mix.
2. Shop ethically
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays more sustainably is to shop with ethical brands or small local businesses when buying gifts. You’ll end up giving more meaningful gifts while giving back to your community and the planet.
3. Gift experiences
If you’re looking to consume less ‘stuff’ and have a lighter footprint this year, why not give experiences instead of things? One year, I gave my husband a gift of 10 surfing passes, which he could use any time he wanted – no questions asked. It was fun to give, and it was more about the gesture than the money. For your loved ones, you might consider gift certificates for a museum, favourite restaurant, cooking class, local spa or salon…
4. Gift a plant
Plants, trees, seedlings, or even a bundle of seed packets make for thoughtful gifts that keep on giving. If you aren’t sure what to choose, give a gift certificate to a local garden centre or plant shop where the recipient can choose what works best for their space or garden. (Quick tip: If you choose to gift a plant to someone who has pets or young children, double-check that the plant species is non-toxic.)
5. Get creative with gift wrap
A fun way to give more sustainably is to get creative with your gift wrap. Skip the glitter and all plastic-wrapped printed gift wrap, especially if you don’t know what kind of inks have been used.
Instead, play with newspaper, kraft paper, old rolls of wallpaper, leftover fabric scraps, dust bags, tea towels, garment bags, glass jars, cookie tins, baskets, shoe boxes… even better if it’s something that can be reused!
For gift toppers, experiment with natural elements, such as dried orange slices, Christmas tree trimmings, pine cones, fallen leaves, or dried flowers. Secure these with fabric scraps, twine, or ribbons. (Tip: Use an iron to smooth out any bumps in cloth ribbons).
After the holidays, gather and store any gift wrap, tags, and other materials that can be enjoyed again next year.
BONUS: Gift your time
Perhaps your sibling needs extra hands for a day to tackle a garden project, or a friend has hinted at wanting help decluttering their closet. Offering loved ones your time and skills is a thoughtful way to serve others and create memories together.
If you’re ready to learn more ways to celebrate more sustainably, make sure to grab a copy of my FREE GUIDE to simplifying the holiday season:
WHAT’S INSIDE
Strategies for prioritising what’s most important to you
5 practical ways to simplify and let go of stress
25 ideas for more sustainable celebrating