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Home » Blog » Gardening

Green Gift Giving

Published: Nov 13, 2013 Modified: Nov 16, 2014 by Everblossom Team This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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The holidays are coming up and one thing on a lot of our minds already is giving. I know we still have a few weeks but I wanted to talk about this now before the shopping frenzy begins.

We’ve all received gifts that have made us wonder, “What on earth am I going to do with this?” Let’s face it – we’ve probably all given them, too. Unfortunately, many unwanted items end up in landfills. In fact, about 55% of the trash we generate ultimately winds up sitting in a landfill. Thankfully, there are a few ways to give greener gifts that your recipient – and the planet – will appreciate.

Skip Products Altogether – Gift an Experience

Why not skip a material gift for an activity or experience someone will enjoy? Many fun activities can be gifted in the form of a reservation, gift card or membership. For example, your friend the fitness buff might enjoy some gifted time on their gym membership. Know someone who loves the outdoors? Buy them a season camping pass for their favorite state park. There are ideas for all types of personalities:

  • Gift card to a favorite restaurant or bar. 
  • Concert tickets. 
  • Amusement park passes. 
  • Camp or retreat enrollment. 
  • Golf passes. 
  • Lessons or classes. 

A lot of people are unlikely to buy these sorts of things for themselves, so the gift is sure to be appreciated.

Green Consumable Gifts

Consumable gifts are another green gift option. Choose yummy indulgences – they are especially well received.

  • Fair trade chocolate 
  • Soy aromatherapy candles 
  • Eco-friendly bath products 
  • Fair trade coffee 
  • Organic fruit 

Handmade Gifts 

Learn to make your own gifts – certain items are really simple, and chances are you’ll be able to come up with your “signature” gift that your whole family will come to anticipate and look forward to from you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Salsa 
  • Bath salts 
  • Cookies and baked goods 
  • Body oil 
  • Infused cooking oils 
  • Infused vinegar 
  • Herbal tea blends 
  • Spice blends 
  • Dry soup mixes 
  • Homemade hot cocoa 
I'm going to be sharing tutorials and recipes for many of these gifts over the coming weeks!

E-Gifts

Digital gifts are another green option. They are easy to deliver and there is something for everyone:

  • Music downloads 
  • E-books 
  • Upgraded memberships to favorite websites 
  • Netflix subscription 
  • Podcast downloads 

Green Gift Wrapping

Greening your gift giving doesn’t stop with the gift itself – be sure to present your gift with eco-friendly gift wrapping as well. Try to use recycled materials, or better yet, recycle your own:

  • Decorated shipping boxes
  • Old newspapers
  • Shredded magazines (as filling)
  • Reused gift bags
  • Brown packing paper tied with string
  • Recycled paper scraps as gift tags
  • Reusable cloth totes as gift bags
Green gift giving doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, the opposite is true. Aiming to give eco-friendly and sustainable gifts can actually help you ensure that you never give a “What the…?” gift again.
Are you greening your giving this year? What's the strangest gift you've ever received?

More Gardening

  • 10 Dark Plants to Include in a Goth Garden
  • 7 Hanging Plants that Thrive in a Bathroom + How to Hang Them
  • How To Bring A Dying Plant Back To Life
  • How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden
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  1. Brittney Minor

    October 26, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Awesome advice! My goal is to make a lot of gifts this Christmas or buy handmade!

    Reply
  2. Sarah @ made in usa challenge

    October 27, 2012 at 12:08 am

    In addition to my Made in America Holiday challenge, I am always looking for ways to enjoy the celebrations while making them more simple. Love these ideas!

    Reply
  3. beth anne

    October 27, 2012 at 1:53 am

    This is a really great post!
    My father in law always wraps his gifts to "the kids" in the funnies from sunday 🙂 I love it!

    Reply
    • Kylie Worthington

      October 27, 2012 at 11:37 am

      My dad does too. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook

    October 31, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Great advice! Here are some more tips for green gift wrapping.

    Possibly the strangest gift I've received was a used lipstick in a putrid shade of orange, from a neighbor, when I was 12. I guess it was earth-friendly of her to regift it, but ewww!

    Reply

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