Once Thanksgiving is over, it seems like there’s a nonstop run until the Christmas holiday. And while there’s a lot of fun to be had enjoying the company of friends and family, going to parties, baking treats, and cooking holiday feasts, it also means you may be on the look out for good Christmas gifts. Depending on how many people you plan on getting gifts for this year, Christmas gift giving can get expensive very quickly, and turns what should be a joyful occasion into a stressful one.
If you want to tone down the demand from vendors and merchants that we keep buying and keep consuming, then consider getting more sustainable Christmas gifts this year! If you don’t know what to give or even if this idea will go over well, you’ve come to the right place, because today we have:
No matter how many folks are on your Christmas list this year, there’s one way to ensure you’re doing your part to avoid overconsumption and adding more items to landfills. Choosing to go sustainable for your gifts this year is a great idea for a few reasons:
Wrapping gifts in wrapping paper can also be incredibly wasteful, as most of it isn’t recyclable. In addition to going sustainable this year, you can also make better wrapping choices by using newspaper, cloth, or other material.
Sustainable businesses support fair labor practices and work to offset their carbon footprint. They also use better materials that can be sustainably maintained.
People expect to buy Christmas gifts for friends, family, and children each year, and if you’re new to the sustainable world, you may want to have a conversation with those you’re getting gifts for this year. Let them know you’re not interested in them purchasing something for you just for the sake of purchasing it. Instead you can point them in other directions, or to businesses that practice sustainably. You could also see if everyone wants to try and get each other sustainable Christmas gifts this year, so you’re all in agreement.
We recommend being open about discussing more sustainable options, as it’s probably something a lot of people just haven’t considered before. You may be pleasantly surprised that loved ones are on board with sustainable gifts, so it’s a tradition that you can continue in the future!
If you’ve decided to make the switch to more sustainable Christmas gifts, you’re not alone. A lot of folks are jumping on this eco-friendly bandwagon, and are finding out that it’s never been easier to find gifts and brands that align with their values. Here are some great ideas to make your Christmas holiday more sustainable and just as festive!
One of the best gifts to give are that of experiences. Instead of adding more stuff to someone’s house, why not consider getting them an experience this year? We suggest first sitting down and making a list of people you’re getting gifts for and writing down some of their interests or hobbies. This makes it easier to narrow down events that they would appreciate even more. The gift of an experience creates memories that will last a lifetime, and might even help them pick up a new skill! Some experience gift ideas include:
Another great way to create a fun experience is to go in for a spa or special treatment day. You can accompany your friend or family member and pay for their services. Not only does this give both of you time to relax, but you also get to bond over your shared experience.
Although thrifting is all the rage now, shopping second hand has always been a good, eco-conscious decision. Not only do you get to give clothes and other items a new life, but you save them from being wasted in a landfill. There are so many ways to find cool, vintage second hand items, whether it’s at your local thrift store, or online platforms like ThredUP. You can find some amazing options in second hand stores like clothing, accessories, shoes, books, or items for the home.
If you want to get them something they can open up, it can’t hurt to find an item from a sustainable brand. It’s important to do your research to not only find brands that do have sustainable practices, but is something that you can afford. This is why second hand thrift shopping can be so rewarding—you get to give an item a new home and it’s sustainable! But not to worry, we have some options from sustainable brands that you can pick up for the guys, girls, and kids on your list this year.
If there’s a guy on your list that you want to get a great, sustainably made shirt that's perfect for the holidays and beyond, you can’t go wrong with this merino wool long sleeve polo from Neem. It comes in 9 colors and is available in four sizes, and we like it because it’s made from fully traceable, ethical wool, is biodegradable, and can be returned for recycling when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Every woman needs a white dress shirt in her wardrobe, so why not get her one that’s sustainable like this lovely option from Neu Nomads? Made with 100% linen, this shirt is sourced from renewable natural resources, non-toxic, and manufactured in family run factories that pay living wages.
If you want to include kids in the sustainable fun, you can’t go wrong with this adorable panda sweater. Made with organic yarn, this sweater is designed to last, and to be warm and cozy for any kid lucky enough to get it. This cute sweater is created in a family-owned factory that meets the highest standards of sustainability and production.
If you need a sustainable Christmas gift at the last minute, or you just can’t decide on an item, you can always send a friend or loved one a gift card to a sustainable brand! That way they can choose exactly what they want for themselves. Some of the highest ranked sustainable brands include:
The choice to go sustainable for Christmas gifts this year is a great idea, and one that your loved ones will definitely be on board for. Which option will you choose for those on your list this year? Let us know in the comments!
