The Holiday’s are here and that means it’s time for many of us to start our holiday shopping! Whether you’re wondering what to get for an upcoming holiday party or thinking about how to send a zero-waste thank you card, we hope that you will find a gift idea that works for you and your budget this holiday season.
Eco-friendly gifts don’t need to be given to just the fellow environmentalists in your life, there a many benefits to giving reusable or low-waste gifts (for example: they can save the recipient money on disposable alternatives). There are many ways to lower your environmental-footprint and enjoy the holidays this season!
Below we have a few ideas for zero-waste gift giving:
DIY Gifts
Get creative and make your own gifts! Handmade items not only have a personal touch but also reduce the demand for new products. Whether it's a knitted scarf, a homemade candle, or a piece of artwork, DIY gifts are a thoughtful and sustainable option. This works as a great option for holiday cards and thank you cards as well! Many people appreciate handmade gifts that are made with care and love over store-bought items.
- As the resident creative in my family, my relatives always love it when I take the time to knit them a pair of socks or a beanie. I’m able to personalize it to them and they now own something that acts as a physical reminder of how much I appreciate them (it can take a long time to knit a pair of socks).
Consumable Gifts
Consider giving gifts that can be consumed, such as gourmet food items, organic skincare products, or specialty teas. These gifts provide a delightful experience without adding clutter to the recipient's life. Plus, they can be enjoyed and then recycled or composted, minimizing waste.
- Is there someone you know who loves coffee? Try giving them a collection of coffee blends from cities/regions that are special to them, or try giving them a set of our REfilters to replace paper coffee filters. It’s a great way to show you put some thought into their gift and pay attention to what they love!
Experience Gifts
Instead of physical items, give the gift of experiences. This could be tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a spa day, or a weekend getaway. Experiences create lasting memories and have a lower environmental impact compared to material gifts.
- This is great for the person who has everything. It can be as simple as taking them out to dinner, going to a paint-your-own-pottery class, or trying out a new hobby together (i.e. a cooking class, going for a hike, a painting class). Remember that it’s important to have communication with the gift recipient about “experience” gifts so that you can make sure there aren’t any scheduling conflicts if your experience requires that.
Second-hand gifts
Embrace the concept of "one person's trash is another person's treasure" by giving pre-owned gifts. Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces for unique and gently used items. Not only are you diverting items from the landfill, but you may also find one-of-a-kind gifts that can't be found in regular stores! There are a multitude of apps and website that make it easier than ever to find the specific gift you’re looking for from a second-hand source.
- If you are considering getting clothing this can be a fantastic way to get someone a few pieces for their wardrobe without adding to the demand for fast-fashion! My personal example is this: my grandma had a set of four mugs that belonged to my late-grandpa, one of which had been lost over the years. They are very distinct, with a brown rim and the same type of glaze used with a floral design on the front of the mug. One day, I was at my local thrift store and noticed at the very back of the shelf that distinctive brown rim and glaze. Sure enough, it was a matching mug to the set that my grandpa used to use. I didn’t know it at the time, but my grandma ended up telling me that it was very lucky of me to find this mug since it was handmade from a woman who used to live in their neighborhood and that’s why she hadn’t been able to find anymore. Long-story short, you never know what treasures you may find at a thrift store!
Re-usable Gifts
Sometimes the best gift is the gift that keeps on giving! Our shop offers an abundance of products that can be re-used over and over again. Our REtowels are great for replacing paper towels and come in a variety of patterns and designs befitting any season! REfilters (as previously mentioned) are great for replacing paper coffee filters. We have a plethora of home and personal care products that are made to last, so make sure to check out our shop to see our wide range of zero-waste products that would make for great re-usable gifts this season.
By choosing zero-waste gifts, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Let's prioritize thoughtful and eco-friendly options during the holiday season!
Let us know in the comments below what tips you have for eco-friendly gift ideas, we'd love to hear from you!