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.
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
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
Brittney Minor
Awesome advice! My goal is to make a lot of gifts this Christmas or buy handmade!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
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!
beth anne
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!
Kylie Worthington
My dad does too. 🙂
Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook
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!