Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide
The season of giving is upon us, and although that might look different this year with gatherings, we wanted to provide a sustainable holiday gift guide to help reduce waste this holiday season!
Did you know that in 2019, it was predicted that the USA spent around $15.2 billion on unwanted presents (Source: Finder). 31% of people keep unwanted presents, which goes unused while 4% throw them away, both of which are unsustainable (Source: Finder). That’s why we’ve created this holiday guide to help inspire some ideas to reduce waste and unwanted gifts this season!
Tip #1: Buy what you know someone wants or needs
The best way to know what someone wants for this holiday season is to ask them for a list of items that they need or want. By asking for a short list, there is still a surprise for the recipient in receiving the gift, but you know you’re giving something that will be loved and used, which is the most sustainable thing!
Tip #2: For the Sustainable Restaurant Lover
For your friends and family who try to live a sustainable or low waste life, there are some great options for sustainable gifts out there! A great sustainable gift bundle for the restaurant lover could include a stainless-steel straw, reusable cutlery, stainless-steel containers to hold leftovers in, and reusable napkins. That way, they have their own zero-waste kit that they can bring to restaurants or even use during a picnic!
Tip #3: Grocery Shopping
If you know that your friend or a family member currently doesn’t have reusable produce bags, grocery bags, or a reusable water bottle, these are great items that can be gifted for a sustainable grocery shopping experience. Reusable bags and water bottles come in all different patterns, prints, and sizes, making it a great gift option for so many folks! If someone loves the bulk section, mason jars are also a great gift idea, oftentimes these can even be thrifted!
Tip #4: Consumables
Baked Goods
Consumable gifts are a great sustainable option, because it won’t add clutter and it doesn’t produce unnecessary waste once the recipient stops using the gift. If you love to bake, one great option is to fill a stainless steel or glass re-usable container with some yummy holiday treats. It’s a great two-in-one gift idea!
Self-care Package
Consumable items are a great gift idea, since these are usually useful products that the recipients typically need. Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, homemade boutique soap bars, and bath bombs are all useful gifts that allow the receipt to use over and over again! Boutique soap bars are a great gift for so many people, since there are so many scents and colors, that there is typically a great option available for lots of people on your list. Combining a few of these gifts would make a great self-care package!
Zero Waste Tooth Care Kit
Another great consumable option for gift-giving is a low waste tooth care set, since everyone brushes their teeth! Bamboo toothbrushes, silk floss that comes in a glass container, and zero waste, no packaging toothpaste are great stocking stuffers. Gifting all three would also make a great bundled gift as well. It’s low/zero waste, and since everyone brushes their teeth, these are products that are sure to be used!
Tip #5: Restaurant Gift Cards
Restaurant gift cards are such a great holiday gift, especially for the person on your list that might be harder to shop for. It’s likely that you know a few of your receipt’s favorite restaurants already, which ensures that the gift card will be used and enjoyed. This is also a great way to support small business and local restaurants as well!
Some ideas for gift cards can be to a favorite eatery, an ice cream shop, a brewery, a local coffee shop, and much more! Check out the PlasticScore App to find low waste restaurants near you! Bonus points for getting an electronic gift card since there’s no waste!
Tip #6: Gift Cards to Refilleries
So many cities are starting to have a zero-waste refillery, where you can purchase everything from shampoo, to lotion, and household cleaning products in bulk! Purchasing a gift card to a local refillery allows you to support a small business and allows the recipient to pick the items that they know they will use and love – win, win!
Tip #7: Thrift Shops
Shopping second hand doesn’t mean second best. There are some amazing, unique finds that can be found at your local thrift shop ranging from art, décor, clothing, household items, and much more! If you and a friend are both thrift shop lovers, consider swapping presents that are second hand. This brings new life to useful products and also reduces the number of new materials needed to produce new items.
Tip #8: Secondhand Stores
Other than thrift shops, there are also so many secondhand ways to purchase gifts for those on your list. For the adventurer, REI has a used gear section on their website at reduced prices, helping you save money and reduce waste! If you’re looking to gift secondhand clothing, Patagonia Worn Wear or Thread Up are great options!
Tip #9: Experiences
One of the best gifts that is low waste, memorable, and thoughtful are gifting experiences rather than physical objects. Experiences that you can share with the recipient can help build memories that can last for years to come! Some ideas for the adventurer could include zip lining, rafting, day passes to go skiing, going on a hike together and much more! For the creative folks in your life, visiting a museum or going to paint pottery might be a fun idea! Movie tickets, tickets to a concert or play, tickets to an aquarium or arboretum, or to a favorite sporting event are all great options as well!
What are some of your favorite sustainability gift giving ideas? Let us know in the comments below!