Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are upon us and with that comes the rush of endless advertisements for holiday purchases for gifts for family, friends, people at your job, school, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the holiday season and the joy and cheer they bring to the winter season whether Hannakah, Christmas, Solstice, or other celebrations. However, I am not a fan of how much capitalism has profited on comodifing this season so I wanted to share some tips to make your holiday gifts more sustainable.

1.Homemade gifts! Honestly one of the best options to make sure you have a really personalized gift your friend will love. For the painters out there, homemade prints, cards, etc are sure to be a winner. Potters try your hand at making a personalized mug, bowls, vase, whatever you want! Jewelers grab your tools to make necklaces, rings, ankelts, etc. Crafty home goods like soaps, knitted items like hats, crocheted wash clothes, embroidered jeans, sewed items, the possibilities are endless! C’mon bakers the holiday options are endless! (Do be mindful about allergies and dietary restrictions please). Musicians make your friend a personalized playlist! Writers maybe try your hand at a short story or a cute note for your pals? Kits and DIY sets are fun to give to crafty people like a candle or soap making set, a cookie or pancake mix in a jar plus a cute cookie cutter or pancake form, and even science or lego kits are really fin!

2.Thrift!! Check out your local thrift store, online stores like ThredUP or Depop for clothes, and so on to buy gently used items for your friends to help the planet and your wallet!

3. Regift! Whether an unwanted birthday present, an unused gift from last year, or a free item from work; if you don’t want it theres a very good chance someone else does. Remember the saying one persons trash another persons treasure? Just three rules to go by: A) Don’t regift an item to the person that gave it to you B) please don’t actually give someone trash—the item should be in good condition C) make sure the item is something your friend actually wants…if not there are other options for gifting.

4. Buy from sustainable brands, small businesses, fair trade, b-corp certified, BIPOC owned brands, etc. If you’re going to spend money on new items, spend it where it counts! Check out brands like TenTree, Jangi, and these 15 others which help donate proceeds to help the planet! Check out esty and the wide range of options on the internet or go into town and support your local small businesses!

5. Experience gifts are some of my favorite things. Spending time with others at the movies, going on a trip somewhere, a hike (or ski) and picnic date, gift cards to restaurants, taking an art or fitness class, concert tickets, etc….so many options! Experience gifts are prefect for the minimalists and travelers in your life as they make lasting memories and take up space in the heart not the home.

6. For physical gifts, consider getting consumable items like food, wine, baked goods, or other things you know the recipient will use and not waste. Look for items that can be used long term like outdoor gear items, music, books, cooking ware, etc. Consider getting a subscription service as a gift whether an online newspaper, journal, streaming service, and so on.

7. Packaging and gift wrapping is also important! Use items as wrapping that can be used on their own like scarves, tote bags, bandanas, etc. Check out recyclable or compostable items such as newspapers, biodegradable materials, cloth, or boxes.

7.5 As a bonus option which is especially great for students or those on a budget, consider holiding a Secret Santa gift exchange to cut down on the number of gifts (and costs) of the holiday season. You can have these with as many friends as you want and can use online randomiziation tools like Elfster to draw names for the Secret Santa using email addresses. You can also add rules like less that $20 budget, homemade or found gifts, and so on.

I hope these ideas are helpful and happy holidays to everyone!